How many counties are there in the state of Iowa?
Q: How many counties are there in the state of Iowa?
A: There are 99 counties in the state of Iowa.
Q: When were the first two counties in Iowa formed?
A: The first two counties in Iowa, Des Moines County and Dubuque County, were formed in 1834 when Iowa was still part of the Michigan Territory.
Q: What was the significance of January 15, 1851, in Iowa county history?
A: January 15, 1851, was one of the most important days in Iowa county history because 49 counties were created on that day.
Q: What is the minimum area required for counties in Iowa according to the state's constitution?
A: The Iowa Constitution of 1857, which is still in effect today, states that counties in Iowa must have an area of at least 432 square miles (1,120 km2).
Q: Have any counties in Iowa been granted exceptions to the minimum area requirement?
A: Yes, exceptions have been granted to the minimum area requirement in Iowa. Ten counties have areas below the required 432 square miles.
Q: What is the smallest county in Iowa and what is its land area?
A: The smallest county in Iowa is Dickinson County, which has a land area of 381 sq mi (990 km2).
Q: Which county is the most densely populated in Iowa and what is its population density?
A: Polk County is the most densely populated county in Iowa, with a population density of 657 persons/sq mi. It contains the state's capital and largest city, Des Moines.