Howard County, Iowa
Howard County is located in the northeast corner of Iowa and borders Minnesota. The Turkey River is a prominent geographical feature, playing an important role in both agriculture and recreation.
Cresco, the county seat, is notable as the birthplace of Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his contributions to agriculture.
Despite its small population of around 9,000, the county has a significant dairy industry and a major cheese production facility in Cresco. Although Howard County may be small, it’s big on heart and Midwest hospitality.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Howard County |
| County Seat | Cresco |
| Etymology | Named after Tilghman Howard, US Representative from Indiana |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Cresco, Elma, Lime Springs, Howard, Chester, Cresco Township, Vernon Springs |
| Interstates and Highways | Iowa Highway 9, Iowa Highway 56, U.S. Highway 63 |
| FIPS Code | 19-089 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 475 square miles (land: 474 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Mower County, Minnesota (Northwest), Fillmore County, Minnesota (North), Winneshiek County (East), Chickasaw County (South), Mitchell County (West), Floyd County (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 9,700 |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 43.37°N, 92.21°W |
| Major Landmarks | Howard County Historical Society Museum, Scenic Overlooks, Prairie Creek Nature Center |
