List of Counties in Iowa
Iowa has 99 counties. The most populous counties are Polk County (Des Moines), Linn County (Cedar Rapids), Scott County (Davenport), Black Hawk County (Waterloo), Johnson County (Iowa City), Woodbury County (Sioux City), Dubuque County, Pottawattamie County, Story County, and Dallas County. Polk County, home to the state capital Des Moines, is the largest by population and serves as the state’s economic and political center. Other large counties include those with significant urban areas such as Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, which are important for industry, education, and healthcare.
List of All Counties in Iowa
- Adair County, Iowa
- Adams County, Iowa
- Allamakee County, Iowa
- Appanoose County, Iowa
- Audubon County, Iowa
- Benton County, Iowa
- Black Hawk County, Iowa
- Boone County, Iowa
- Bremer County, Iowa
- Buchanan County, Iowa
- Buena Vista County, Iowa
- Butler County, Iowa
- Calhoun County, Iowa
- Carroll County, Iowa
- Cass County, Iowa
- Cedar County, Iowa
- Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
- Cherokee County, Iowa
- Chickasaw County, Iowa
- Clarke County, Iowa
- Clay County, Iowa
- Clayton County, Iowa
- Clinton County, Iowa
- Crawford County, Iowa
- Dallas County, Iowa
- Davis County, Iowa
- Decatur County, Iowa
- Delaware County, Iowa
- Des Moines County, Iowa
- Dickinson County, Iowa
- Dubuque County, Iowa
- Emmet County, Iowa
- Fayette County, Iowa
- Floyd County, Iowa
- Franklin County, Iowa
- Fremont County, Iowa
- Greene County, Iowa
- Grundy County, Iowa
- Guthrie County, Iowa
- Hamilton County, Iowa
- Hancock County, Iowa
- Hardin County, Iowa
- Harrison County, Iowa
- Henry County, Iowa
- Howard County, Iowa
- Humboldt County, Iowa
- Ida County, Iowa
- Iowa County, Iowa
- Jackson County, Iowa
- Jasper County, Iowa
- Jefferson County, Iowa
- Johnson County, Iowa
- Jones County, Iowa
- Keokuk County, Iowa
- Kossuth County, Iowa
- Lee County, Iowa
- Linn County, Iowa
- Louisa County, Iowa
- Lucas County, Iowa
- Lyon County, Iowa
- Madison County, Iowa
- Mahaska County, Iowa
- Marion County, Iowa
- Marshall County, Iowa
- Mills County, Iowa
- Mitchell County, Iowa
- Monona County, Iowa
- Monroe County, Iowa
- Montgomery County, Iowa
- Muscatine County, Iowa
- O’Brien County, Iowa
- Osceola County, Iowa
- Page County, Iowa
- Palo Alto County, Iowa
- Plymouth County, Iowa
- Pocahontas County, Iowa
- Polk County, Iowa
- Pottawattamie County, Iowa
- Poweshiek County, Iowa
- Ringgold County, Iowa
- Sac County, Iowa
- Scott County, Iowa
- Shelby County, Iowa
- Sioux County, Iowa
- Story County, Iowa
- Tama County, Iowa
- Taylor County, Iowa
- Union County, Iowa
- Van Buren County, Iowa
- Wapello County, Iowa
- Warren County, Iowa
- Washington County, Iowa
- Wayne County, Iowa
- Webster County, Iowa
- Winnebago County, Iowa
- Winneshiek County, Iowa
- Woodbury County, Iowa
- Worth County, Iowa
- Wright County, Iowa
1. Kossuth County
Overview
Kossuth County is the largest county in Iowa by land area, located in the north-central part of the state, along the Minnesota border. It is bordered by Humboldt County to the south and Palo Alto County to the west. The county seat is Algona, a historic town that plays a central role in the local agricultural economy. Kossuth County is primarily rural and is known for its fertile farmland, with corn and soybeans being the main crops. Established in 1851, the county was named after Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian revolutionary, reflecting Iowa’s European immigrant roots. Over the years, Kossuth County has maintained its agricultural heritage while adapting to modern farming practices.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 14,500 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Algona
- Major Airports: Algona Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-18, US-169
2. Pottawattamie County
Overview
Pottawattamie County is located in southwestern Iowa, bordered by the Missouri River and Nebraska to the west and Mills County to the south. The county seat is Council Bluffs, a city that serves as a major economic and transportation hub in the Omaha metropolitan area. Pottawattamie County’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics playing important roles. The county is also known for its historic ties to the transcontinental railroad and as a gateway for westward expansion in the 19th century. Established in 1848, the county was named after the Potawatomi Native American tribe, and it has a rich cultural history tied to the early development of the Midwest.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 95,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Council Bluffs
- Major Airports: Council Bluffs Municipal Airport, Eppley Airfield (nearby in Omaha)
- Major Highways: I-80, I-29, US-6, US-275
3. Dallas County
Overview
Dallas County is located in central Iowa, just west of the state capital, Des Moines. It is bordered by Polk County to the east and Guthrie County to the west. The county seat is Adel, a small town with a rich history, while the city of Waukee, a rapidly growing suburb of Des Moines, is becoming a major residential and economic center. Dallas County has seen significant population growth in recent years due to its proximity to Des Moines, with many new housing developments, schools, and businesses. The economy is diverse, with a mix of agriculture, retail, and professional services. Established in 1846, Dallas County was named after George M. Dallas, Vice President of the United States under James K. Polk.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 110,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Adel
- Major Airports: Des Moines International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-80, US-6, US-169, IA-44
4. Clayton County
Overview
Clayton County is located in northeastern Iowa, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and Allamakee County to the north. The county seat is Elkader, a town known for its historical landmarks and scenic beauty along the Turkey River. Clayton County is part of the Driftless Area, a region that was not affected by glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in rugged terrain, bluffs, and valleys. The county’s economy is largely based on agriculture, but tourism is also a significant industry, with visitors attracted to the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities along the Mississippi River. Established in 1837, Clayton County was named after John M. Clayton, a U.S. senator from Delaware.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 17,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Elkader
- Major Airports: Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport (nearby in Wisconsin)
- Major Highways: US-18, US-52, IA-13
5. Story County
Overview
Story County is located in central Iowa, bordered by Boone County to the west and Polk County to the south. The county seat is Nevada, but the largest city is Ames, home to Iowa State University. Story County’s economy is heavily influenced by education and research, with Iowa State being a major driver of economic activity and innovation in the region. In addition to education, agriculture remains a vital part of the local economy. Story County was established in 1846 and was named after Joseph Story, a U.S. Supreme Court justice. The county’s blend of rural charm and academic prestige makes it a unique part of Iowa’s landscape.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 100,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Nevada
- Major Airports: Ames Municipal Airport, Des Moines International Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-35, US-30, US-69
6. Sioux County
Overview
Sioux County is located in northwestern Iowa, bordered by South Dakota to the west and Lyon County to the north. The county seat is Orange City, a town with a rich Dutch heritage that is celebrated annually during the Tulip Festival. Sioux County is one of the top agricultural producers in Iowa, with its economy centered around farming, livestock, and dairy production. In addition to agriculture, the county has a growing manufacturing sector. Established in 1851, Sioux County was named after the Sioux Native American tribe, and it has a long history of European settlement, particularly by Dutch immigrants. Today, the county remains a stronghold of agriculture and community-focused living.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 35,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Orange City
- Major Airports: Sioux Gateway Airport (nearby in Sioux City)
- Major Highways: US-18, US-75, IA-10
7. Linn County
Overview
Linn County is located in eastern Iowa, bordered by Johnson County to the south and Benton County to the west. The county seat is Cedar Rapids, the second-largest city in Iowa and a major economic center for the region. Linn County’s economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and finance. The county is also home to several large companies, including Collins Aerospace and Quaker Oats. Cedar Rapids has a rich history of industrial growth, particularly in grain processing and food production. Established in 1839, Linn County was named after Senator Lewis F. Linn of Missouri, and it has grown into one of Iowa’s most dynamic counties.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 235,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Cedar Rapids
- Major Airports: The Eastern Iowa Airport
- Major Highways: I-380, US-30, US-151, IA-13
8. Woodbury County
Overview
Woodbury County is located in western Iowa, along the Missouri River and bordering Nebraska and South Dakota. The county seat is Sioux City, a major industrial and transportation hub for the region. Woodbury County’s economy is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Sioux City has a long history tied to the meatpacking industry and river trade, and today it continues to be a key center for logistics and commerce in the region. Established in 1851, Woodbury County was originally named Wahkaw County but was renamed in honor of Levi Woodbury, a U.S. Supreme Court justice, in 1853.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 105,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Sioux City
- Major Airports: Sioux Gateway Airport
- Major Highways: I-29, US-20, US-75
9. Johnson County
Overview
Johnson County is located in southeastern Iowa, bordered by Linn County to the north and Washington County to the south. The county seat is Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa, one of the state’s leading educational institutions. Johnson County’s economy is driven by education, healthcare, and research, with the university being the largest employer. The county is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, particularly in Iowa City, which is a UNESCO City of Literature. Established in 1837, Johnson County was named after Vice President Richard M. Johnson, and it has developed into a key academic and cultural hub in Iowa.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 160,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Iowa City
- Major Airports: Iowa City Municipal Airport, The Eastern Iowa Airport (nearby in Cedar Rapids)
- Major Highways: I-80, US-6, US-218, IA-1
10. Polk County
Overview
Polk County is located in central Iowa and is home to the state capital, Des Moines, which also serves as the county seat. Polk County is the most populous county in Iowa and is the economic and political center of the state. The county’s economy is diverse, with major industries including finance, insurance, healthcare, and government services. Des Moines is known as one of the top insurance hubs in the United States and is home to several Fortune 500 companies. Established in 1846, Polk County was named after President James K. Polk and has grown into a thriving metropolitan area with a strong economy and vibrant cultural scene.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 500,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Des Moines
- Major Airports: Des Moines International Airport
- Major Highways: I-35, I-80, I-235, US-69, US-6