Adams County, Iowa
You’ll find Adams County tucked away in the southwest corner of Iowa. It’s the state’s smallest county by population, with just over 3,600 residents calling it home.
The annual Adams County Fair in Corning draws crowds from miles around with its demolition derby and pie-eating contests. Lake Icaria is another local hotspot, surrounded by a popular recreational area.
But if you asked me about Corning’s claim to fame, it’s the birthplace of Johnny Carson, the legendary late-night TV host. That’s right—you can still visit places connected to where he grew up in Corning. Not bad for a county with Iowa’s smallest population.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Adams County |
| County Seat | Corning |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Corning, Nodaway, Carbon, Prescott |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 34, Iowa Highway 25 |
| FIPS Code | 19-003 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 426 square miles (land: 424 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Cass County (Northwest), Adair County (Northeast), Union County (East), Taylor County (South), Montgomery County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 40.98°N, 94.70°W |
| Etymology | Named after John Adams, the second President of the United States |
| Major Landmarks | Lake Icaria, Corning Opera House, Johnny Carson Birthplace Museum |
| Population | 3,600 |
