Crawford County, Iowa
Crawford County stretches across western Iowa’s Loess Hills, offering a landscape shaped by rolling terrain and farmland. Denison, the county seat, proudly celebrates its connection to Donna Reed, the acclaimed actress known for It’s a Wonderful Life.
Yellow Smoke Park, located outside Denison, is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Meanwhile, Buck Grove, one of Iowa’s smallest towns, comes alive each Labor Day weekend with a lively community celebration.
With a population of about 17,000 residents, Crawford County has deep agricultural roots and a strong rural character. U.S. Highway 30 crosses the county, providing an important connection to the surrounding region while helping preserve its small-town atmosphere and local heritage.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Crawford County |
| County Seat | Denison |
| Etymology | Named after William H. Crawford, a prominent politician and statesman from Georgia |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Denison, Arion, Charter Oak, Deloit, Dow City, Manilla, Westside, Vail |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 30, Iowa Highway 39, Iowa Highway 141 |
| FIPS Code | 19-047 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 715 square miles (land: 710 sq mi, water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ida County (North), Sac County (Northeast), Carroll County (East), Audubon County (Southeast), Shelby County (South), Harrison County (Southwest), Monona County (West), Woodbury County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 41.93°N, 95.35°W |
| Major Landmarks | John Wayne Birthplace Museum, Crawford County Historical Museum, Yellow Smoke Park |
| Population | 17,000 |
