Iowa Counties

Polk County is Iowa’s most populous county and home to Des Moines, the state capital. The State Capitol building overlooks downtown.

Pottawattamie County stretches along Iowa’s western border. Council Bluffs sits right across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska.

Poweshiek County lies in east-central Iowa, named after a Mesquakie chief. Montezuma is the county seat, located in the south of the county.

Ringgold County hunkers down in Iowa’s far southern tier, bordered by Missouri. It’s one of the least populous counties in Iowa.

Sac County is in northwest Iowa, named after the Sac Native American tribe. Sac City is the county seat with the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball.

Scott County hugs the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, anchored by the Quad Cities. Davenport, the county seat, is Iowa’s third-largest city.

Shelby County nestles in southwest Iowa, named after Kentucky’s first governor, Isaac Shelby. Harlan is the county seat, located in the center.

Sioux County occupies Iowa’s northwest corner, named after the Sioux Native American tribe. Orange City, the county seat, has a Tulip Festival.

Story County lies in central Iowa, home to Iowa State University in Ames. Reiman Gardens is a beautiful spot to visit, with themed gardens.

Tama County sprawls across east-central Iowa, named after Taimah, a Meskwaki chief. Toledo is the county seat, off Highway 63.

Taylor County nestles in southwest Iowa, brushing up against Missouri. Bedford is the county seat and hosts the Taylor County Iowa Fair.

Union County sits in southern Iowa, south of Des Moines. Creston, the county seat, is known for its restored BN railroad depot, now a museum.

Van Buren County hugs Iowa’s southeast border with Missouri. Keosauqua is the county seat and it sits on the bend of the Des Moines River.

Wapello County is in southeastern Iowa. It’s anchored by the city of Ottumwa. The Des Moines River runs through it from southeast to northwest.

Warren County sits just south of Des Moines. Indianola is the county seat, which is famous for the National Balloon Classic.