Map of Iowa
The state of Iowa is located in the upper Midwestern United States. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers to the west; Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east and southeast, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, South Dakota to the northwest, and Minnesotato the north.
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About the map:
This map of Iowa State shows the state borders, states, state capital, county borders, counties, county seats and important cities.
County seats are indicated by a red circle, white circles indicate cities, and the capital of Iowa is indicated by a star in the red circle. The larger the city in terms of population, the larger the circle on the map and the larger the font of the city name.
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Iowa State Maps
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Iowa State Profile
The Great Seal of the State of Iowa |
Flag of Iowa |
| Capital: | Des Moines |
| Largest city: | Des Moines |
| Largest metropolitan area: | Des Moines |
| Largest county by population: | Polk |
| Largest county by area: | Kossuth |
| Area: | 56,273 sq mi (145,746 km2) |
| Population (2023): | 3,207,004[1] |
| Density: | 57.1/sq mi (22.1/km2) |
| Dimensions: |
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| Latitude: | 40°23′ N to 43°30′ N |
| Longitude: | 90°8′ W to 96°38′ W |
| Elevation: |
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| Official language: |
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| Religion (2022):[2] |
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| Racial/ethnic groups (2023):[1] |
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| Median household income (2022): | $70,571[1] |
| USPS abbreviation: | IA |
| ISO 3166 code: | US-IA |
| Time zone: | UTC–06:00 (Central) Summer (DST) UTC–05:00 (CDT) |
| The Official Website of the State of Iowa: | www.iowa.gov |
About the State of Iowa
The State of Iowa is located between the major rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri. It borders the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Iowa's northern border is at 43°30′ north latitude. The southern boundary is the Des Moines River and a line 40°35′ north latitude. These boundaries are established by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the 1849 case of State of Missouri v. State of Iowa.
Iowa is the 26th largest in total area (56,273 sq mi (145,746 km2)), and the 31st most populous of the 50 U.S. states, with a population of 3,207,004, according to the 2023 census. Iowa includes 99 counties but 100 county centers, as Lee County has two county seats. The state's capital and largest city is Des Moines.
The state's economy has evolved, with manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy gaining prominence alongside agriculture. Iowa stands as a leading producer of corn, soybeans, and pork, contributing significantly to national and global food supplies. The state's focus on renewable energy, particularly wind power, underscores its commitment to sustainable development.
Iowa's educational institutions, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, contribute significantly to research and innovation. The state's political significance remains notable, with the Iowa caucuses serving as an influential event in the presidential nomination process. Overall, Iowa's history and development reflect its adaptation to changing economic and social landscapes while maintaining its agricultural roots.
Brief History
Iowa, the 29th state to join the United States, gained admission to the Union on December 28, 1846. The land that constitutes present-day Iowa underwent several territorial changes before statehood, transitioning from French control as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to becoming part of the Missouri Territory in 1812. Subsequent treaties with Native American tribes, including the Black Hawk Purchase of 1832, opened the region for settlement.
In the mid-19th century, Iowa's economy centered on agriculture, with settlers primarily cultivating corn, wheat, and oats. The state's fertile soil and favorable climate facilitated the growth of a robust agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of Iowa's economy. By the late 19th century, advancements in transportation, such as the expansion of railroads, further integrated Iowa into national markets, promoting economic diversification.
The state played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement and supported the Union during the Civil War. In the 20th century, Iowa became known for its early embrace of educational reforms and advancements in public health.
Major cities in Iowa
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport
- Sioux City
- Iowa City
- West Des Moines
- Ankeny
- Waterloo
- Ames
- Council Bluffs
- Dubuque
- Urbandale
- Marion
- Cedar Falls
- Bettendorf
- Marshalltown
- Mason City
- Ottumwa
- Fort Dodge
- Clinton
Counties in Iowa
There are 99 counties in the U.S. state of Iowa.
List of counties in IowaIowa County Map
Geography of Iowa
Iowa, located in the Midwestern United States, features a landscape primarily composed of rolling plains and fertile soil, making it a leading agricultural state. The state's geography divides into several regions, including the Des Moines Lobe, the Driftless Area, and the Southern Iowa Drift Plain. The Des Moines Lobe, in the north-central part of the state, consists of flat terrain shaped by glacial activity. The Driftless Area in the northeast remains untouched by glaciers, resulting in a rugged landscape with steep hills and valleys. The Southern Iowa Drift Plain, covering much of the state, features gently rolling hills and rich farmland.
Iowa experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall in spring and early summer, supporting the state's agricultural productivity. The diverse climate and topography contribute to Iowa's agricultural dominance, particularly in corn and soybean production. Overall, Iowa's geographical and climatic conditions provide a foundation for its economic activities and natural ecosystems.
Below you will find a list of the largest lakes and the longest rivers in Iowa.
Major Rivers in Iowa
- Missouri River - 2,341 mi (3,767 km)
- Mississippi River - 2,320 mi (3,734 km)
- Des Moines River - 525 mi (845 km)
- Big Sioux River - 419 mi (674 km)
- Cedar River - 338 mi (544 km)
- Iowa River - 323 mi (520 km)
- Skunk River - 265 mi (426 km)
- Little Sioux River - 258 mi (415 km)
- Wapsipinicon River - 255 mi (410 km)
- Raccoon River - 226 mi (364 km)
- Chariton River - 218 mi (351 km)
- North Raccoon River - 196 mi (315 km)
- Nishnabotna River - 198 mi (319 km)
- South Skunk River - 185 mi (298 km)
- Turkey River - 153 mi (246 km)
- Upper Iowa River - 156 mi (251 km)
- Maquoketa River - 150 mi (241 km)
- Middle River - 123 mi (198 km)
- Shell Rock River - 113 mi (182 km)
- English River - 89 mi (143 km)
Major Lakes in Iowa
- Lake Red Rock - 109 sq mi (282 km2)
- Saylorville Lake - 24 sq mi (62 km2)
- Rathbun Lake - 21 sq mi (54 km2)
- Coralville Lake - 15 sq mi (39 km2)
- Spirit Lake - 8.6 sq mi (22 km2)
- West Okoboji Lake - 6 sq mi (16 km2)
- Clear Lake - 5.5 sq mi (14 km2)
- Storm Lake - 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km2)
- East Okoboji Lake - 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km2)
- Big Spirit Lake - 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km2)
- Black Hawk Lake - 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km2)
- Lake Manawa - 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km2)
- Lake Macbride - 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km2)
- Lake Sugema - 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km2)
- Lake Icaria - 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km2)
- Rock Creek Lake - 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km2)
- Brushy Creek Lake - 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km2)
- Arrowhead Lake - 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2)
- Lake Anita - 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2)
- Union Grove Lake - 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2)
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References
1. ^ QuickFacts Iowa. U.S. Census Bureau.2. ^ American Values Atlas: Religious Tradition in Iowa. Public Religion Research Institute.