Iowa is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the west. With a population of over three million people, Iowa is known for its agricultural industry and its small towns and cities. The state is divided into 99 counties, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. The Iowa county map is a useful tool for navigating and exploring the state’s various regions and destinations. In this essay, we will provide detailed information about the top 20 counties in Iowa based on population size.
- Polk County
Polk County is the most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 490,000 people. It is home to the state capital, Des Moines, and is the center of commerce and government in Iowa. Polk County is also home to several attractions, including the Iowa State Fair, the Science Center of Iowa, and the Blank Park Zoo.
- Linn County
Linn County is the second most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 227,000 people. It is home to the city of Cedar Rapids, which is known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor recreation opportunities. Linn County is also home to several parks, including the Palisades-Kepler State Park and the Cedar River Trail.
- Scott County
Scott County is the third most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 173,000 people. It is located in eastern Iowa and is home to the city of Davenport, which is known for its historic architecture and riverfront attractions. Scott County is also home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Nahant Marsh Education Center and the Scott County Park.
- Johnson County
Johnson County is the fourth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 150,000 people. It is home to the city of Iowa City, which is known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic landmarks. Johnson County is also home to the University of Iowa, which is one of the largest employers in the state.
- Black Hawk County
Black Hawk County is the fifth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 131,000 people. It is located in northeastern Iowa and is home to the city of Waterloo, which is known for its historic downtown district and outdoor recreation opportunities. Black Hawk County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and the Hartman Reserve Nature Center.
- Woodbury County
Woodbury County is the sixth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 103,000 people. It is located in northwestern Iowa and is home to the city of Sioux City, which is known for its historic landmarks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Woodbury County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and the Stone State Park.
- Pottawattamie County
Pottawattamie County is the seventh most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 93,000 people. It is located in southwestern Iowa and is home to the city of Council Bluffs, which is known for its historic landmarks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Pottawattamie County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Hitchcock Nature Center and the Lake Manawa State Park.
- Dubuque County
Dubuque County is the eighth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 97,000 people. It is located in northeastern Iowa and is home to the city of Dubuque, which is known for its historic architecture and cultural attractions. Dubuque County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Mines of Spain Recreation Area and the Eagle Point Park.
- Story County
Story County is the ninth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 97,000 people. It is located in central Iowa and is home to the city of Ames, which is known for its vibrant arts scene and recreational opportunities. Story County is also home to the Iowa State University, which is one of the largest employers in the state.
- Sioux County
Sioux County is the tenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 35,000 people. It is located in northwestern Iowa and is known for its agricultural industry and rural landscape. Sioux County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Sandy Hollow Recreation Area and the Big Sioux State Park.
- Dallas County
Dallas County is the eleventh most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 90,000 people. It is located in central Iowa and is known for its thriving economy and growing population. Dallas County is also home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the Ledges State Park.
- Muscatine County
Muscatine County is the twelfth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 42,000 people. It is located in eastern Iowa and is known for its rich history and scenic beauty. Muscatine County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Wildcat Den State Park and the Muscatine Arboretum.
- Marshall County
Marshall County is the thirteenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 40,000 people. It is located in central Iowa and is known for its vibrant communities and recreational opportunities. Marshall County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Grimes Farm and Conservation Center and the Green Castle Recreation Area.
- Clinton County
Clinton County is the fourteenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 46,000 people. It is located in eastern Iowa and is known for its rich history and cultural attractions. Clinton County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Maquoketa Caves State Park and the Rock Creek Marina and Campground.
- Dickinson County
Dickinson County is the fifteenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 18,000 people. It is located in northwestern Iowa and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Dickinson County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Gull Point State Park and the Dickinson County Nature Center.
- Cerro Gordo County
Cerro Gordo County is the sixteenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 42,000 people. It is located in north-central Iowa and is known for its thriving business community and historic landmarks. Cerro Gordo County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Lime Creek Nature Center and the Clear Lake State Park.
- Jasper County
Jasper County is the seventeenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 37,000 people. It is located in central Iowa and is known for its rich history and agricultural industry. Jasper County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Rock Creek State Park and the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.
- Wapello County
Wapello County is the eighteenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 35,000 people. It is located in southeastern Iowa and is known for its historic landmarks and cultural attractions. Wapello County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area and the Ottumwa Park.
- Warren County
Warren County is the nineteenth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 48,000 people. It is located in south-central Iowa and is known for its growing communities and recreational opportunities. Warren County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Summerset Trail and the Lake Ahquabi State Park.
- Clinton County
Clinton County is the twentieth most populous county in Iowa, with a population of over 46,000 people. It is located in eastern Iowa and is known for its rich history and cultural attractions. Clinton County is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Maquoketa Caves State Park and the Rock Creek Marina and Campground.
Iowa is a state with a diverse geography, rich history, and a strong sense of community. The counties listed above represent some of the most populous and vibrant areas of the state, each with its unique attractions and recreational opportunities.
The Iowa County Map serves as a valuable resource for understanding the layout and distribution of these counties, as well as for planning trips and exploring the state’s many offerings. Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Iowa County Map and the detailed information provided above can help you get the most out of your time in this beautiful and welcoming state.
