Map of Buchanan County, Iowa

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated On: June 10, 2026

Map of Buchanan County - Buchanan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. Buchanan County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Buchanan County located in the map, major cities in Buchanan county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Buchanan County Map, Iowa

Map of Buchanan County, Iowa

About Buchanan County Map, Iowa: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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Map of Buchanan County, Iowa

Buchanan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. It's county seat is Independence. As per 2020 census, the population of Buchanan County is 20657 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 sq mi (1,479 km2). Buchanan County was established on -22654.

Buchanan County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateIowa
County SeatIndependence
Largest City/TownIndependence
EstablishedDecember 21, 1837
Total Area573 sq mi (1,484 sq km)
Land Area571 sq mi (1,479 sq km)
Water Area2 sq mi (5 sq km)
Population20,565 (Census 2020)
Population Density36.0 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CT)
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 20, Iowa Highway 150, Iowa Highway 281, Iowa Highway 187
Major RiversWapsipinicon River, Buffalo Creek, Pine Creek
Neighboring CountiesFayette County, Delaware County, Linn County, Benton County, Black Hawk County, Bremer County
Famous ForWapsipinicon River, historic Independence, agriculture, Amish communities, scenic countryside
Top AttractionsWapsipinicon Mill, Fontana Park, Heartland Acres, Independence Historic District
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Buchanan County, Iowa

Buchanan County is located in northeastern Iowa and was established in 1837. The county seat is Independence, which is also the largest city. The county is characterized by rolling farmland, river valleys, and vibrant rural communities. The Wapsipinicon River flows through the county and provides scenic beauty, recreation opportunities, and historical significance.

Cities and Towns in Buchanan County, Iowa

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Independence (county seat)5,96642.4689°N, 91.8907°W
Jesup (part)2,57342.4758°N, 92.0632°W
Fairbank (part)1,09642.6397°N, 92.0488°W
Oelwein (part)5,92042.6777°N, 91.9138°W
Hazleton71342.6200°N, 91.9032°W
Winthrop77242.4709°N, 91.7347°W
Quasqueton55442.3956°N, 91.7610°W
Aurora16942.6181°N, 91.7298°W
Brandon30942.3158°N, 92.0018°W
Rowley26442.3641°N, 91.8446°W
Stanley12542.6424°N, 91.8138°W
Ryan (part)36142.3514°N, 91.4787°W
Lamont41742.6022°N, 91.6443°W

Best Golf Courses in Buchanan County, Iowa

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
River Ridge Golf CourseIndependence42.4498°N, 91.9004°W
Three Elms Golf CourseIndependence42.4587°N, 91.8838°W
Buffalo Creek Golf CourseWinthrop42.4755°N, 91.7431°W
Jesup Golf & Country ClubJesup42.4719°N, 92.0625°W

What are Major Roads and Highways in Buchanan County

Major highways connect the county to nearby regions and cities.

  • U.S. Highway 20 - major east-west corridor connecting Independence with Waterloo, Dubuque and Sioux City
  • Iowa Highway 150 - north-south route linking Independence with Oelwein, Vinton and surrounding counties
  • Iowa Highway 281 - serves communities in central Buchanan County and connects to U.S. Highway 20
  • Iowa Highway 187 - provides access to rural areas and connects local communities

Neighboring Counties of Buchanan County

  • Fayette County (north)
  • Delaware County (east)
  • Linn County (southeast)
  • Benton County (south)
  • Black Hawk County (west)
  • Bremer County (northwest)

What are Top Attractions in Buchanan County, Iowa

The county offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions.

Main Sight NameCityFamous For
Wapsipinicon MillIndependenceHistoric 1867 flour mill and museum
Heartland Acres Agribition CenterIndependenceAgricultural museum and vintage machinery exhibits
Fontana ParkHazletonNature center, trails, camping and environmental education
Independence Historic DistrictIndependenceHistoric architecture and downtown attractions
Wapsipinicon River Water TrailCountywideCanoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities
Three Elms ParkIndependenceCommunity recreation and outdoor events
Buchanan County Historical Society MuseumIndependenceLocal history and heritage exhibits
Aurora Community Historical AreaAuroraHistoric small-town Iowa heritage
Quasqueton Historic DistrictQuasquetonHistoric river town and architecture
Jesup Veterans MemorialJesupCommunity landmark honoring military service
Buffalo Creek Recreation AreaWinthropFishing and outdoor recreation
Brandon Historical AreaBrandonLocal history and community events

Distance from Buchanan County to Nearby Cities

The following distances are measured by road (driving).

  • Independence to Waterloo (Black Hawk County), Iowa - 27 mi (43 km)
  • Independence to Cedar Falls (Black Hawk County), Iowa - 31 mi (50 km)
  • Independence to Waverly (Bremer County), Iowa - 29 mi (47 km)
  • Independence to Oelwein (Fayette County), Iowa - 16 mi (26 km)
  • Independence to Manchester (Delaware County), Iowa - 27 mi (43 km)
  • Independence to Vinton (Benton County), Iowa - 24 mi (39 km)
  • Independence to Cedar Rapids (Linn County), Iowa - 45 mi (72 km)
  • Independence to Dubuque (Dubuque County), Iowa - 69 mi (111 km)
  • Independence to Iowa City (Johnson County), Iowa - 72 mi (116 km)
  • Independence to Decorah (Winneshiek County), Iowa - 58 mi (93 km)
  • Independence to Mason City (Cerro Gordo County), Iowa - 74 mi (119 km)
  • Independence to Davenport (Scott County), Iowa - 96 mi (154 km)
  • Independence to Des Moines (Polk County), Iowa - 123 mi (198 km)
  • Independence to La Crosse, Wisconsin - 94 mi (151 km)
  • Independence to Rochester, Minnesota - 92 mi (148 km)

Nearest Airports

Nearest airport of Buchanan is Eastern Iowa Airport (CID / KCID).

References

  1. QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
  2. United States Census Bureau
  3. United States Geological Survey (USGS)
  4. National Geodetic Survey
  5. Official County Website