Polk County Map, Iowa
Polk County Map Collection
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Polk County, Iowa
Polk County is Iowa’s most populous county and home to Des Moines, the state capital. Named after President James K. Polk, it’s the beating heart of Iowa.
The gold-domed State Capitol building overlooks downtown Des Moines. Adventureland, Iowa’s largest theme park, thrills visitors in nearby Altoona.
With over 500,000 residents, Polk County is a far cry from rural Iowa. It’s where city life and small-town vibes somehow manage to get along just fine. Despite all the urban amenities, you can still find cornfields within the county limits.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Polk County |
| County Seat | Des Moines |
| Population | 500,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Altoona, Clive, Urbandale, Johnston, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 35, Interstate 80, Interstate 235, U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 69 |
| FIPS Code | 19-153 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 588 square miles (land: 574 sq mi, water: 14 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Boone County (Northwest), Dallas County (West), Jasper County (East), Madison County (Southwest), Marion County (Southeast), Story County (North), Warren County (South) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 41.60°N, 93.62°W |
| Etymology | Named in honor of former President James K. Polk |
| Major Landmarks | The Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and the Science Center of Iowa |
| Website | Polk County Website |
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Polk County Road Map
I-35 and I-80 intersect in Polk County, making Des Moines a major transportation hub. US Highway 69 and 141 provide additional routes, but traffic can get heavy near downtown. Despite the urban core, rural areas retain open farmland. Explore more with our zoom tool on the map below.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Polk County Satellite Map
Des Moines dominates the center of Polk County with its sprawling suburbs. The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet in the southwest. Farmland fills the outer edges, though development is creeping in. Though heavily populated, parks and lakes offer breaks in the urban landscape.
OUTLINE MAP
Polk County Blank Map
Polk County is a rough square with slightly uneven edges in the southeast. It sits in the center of Iowa.
Neighboring Counties
Here are the 7 neighboring counties of Polk County:
Iowa County Map
Where the sky stretches wide and the backroads lead to something real. Come find the grace in wide-open spaces in one of Iowa’s 99 counties.