Shelby County, Iowa
Shelby County is tucked into southwest Iowa and is named after Kentucky’s first governor, Isaac Shelby. Harlan, the county seat, features a beautiful courthouse square.
The county is well known for its Danish heritage. In fact, the town of Elk Horn is home to an authentic Danish windmill and hosts the annual Tivoli Fest each May.
Highway 59 runs through the county, connecting it to nearby towns and cities. Omaha is only about a half-hour drive away. With around 12,000 residents, Shelby County combines farming with small-town charm.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Shelby County |
| County Seat | Harlan |
| Etymology | Named after Isaac Shelby, American Revolutionary War General, War of 1812 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Harlan, Shelby, Elk Horn, Portsmouth, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 44, Iowa Highway 37 |
| FIPS Code | 19-165 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 741 square miles (land: 735 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Crawford County (North), Audubon County (East), Cass County (Southeast), Pottawattamie County (South), Harrison County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 12,500 |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 41.65°N, 95.33°W |
| Major Landmarks | The Shelby County Historical Museum, the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, and the Harlan City Hall |
