Yutan began as a railroad townsite called Clear Creek, platted in 1876 when the Omaha and Republican Valley Railroad reached the area, and was renamed in 1884 to honor Ietan, an Otoe Indian chief. It is nicknamed the “Home of the Chieftains.”

A small town of 1,347 residents (2020 Census), Yutan is served by Yutan Public Schools and covers just over half a square mile.