Cantril is a city in Van Buren County, Iowa, United States. The population was 224 at the 2020 census. Cantril was laid out in 1871. According t…Cantril is a city in Van Buren County, Iowa, United States. The population was 224 at the 2020 census. Cantril was laid out in 1871. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.51 square miles, all land.