Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: June 10, 2026
Map of Polk County - Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. Polk County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Polk County located in the map, major cities in Polk county, population, areas, and places of interest.
Polk County Map, Iowa
About Polk 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 Polk County, Iowa
Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. It's county seat is Des Moines. As per 2020 census, the population of Polk County is 496844 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 570 sq mi (1,476 km2). Polk County was established on -19709.
Polk County Facts
| Continent | North America |
| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County Seat | Des Moines |
| Largest City/Town | Des Moines |
| Established | January 13, 1846 |
| Total Area | 592 sq mi (1,533 sq km) |
| Land Area | 574 sq mi (1,487 sq km) |
| Water Area | 18 sq mi (46 sq km) |
| Population | 492,401 (Census 2020) |
| Population Density | 858 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Major Highways | Interstate 35, Interstate 80, Interstate 235, U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Iowa Highway 5, Iowa Highway 141, Iowa Highway 163 |
| Major Rivers | Des Moines River, Raccoon River, Fourmile Creek |
| Neighboring Counties | Boone County, Story County, Jasper County, Marion County, Warren County, Madison County, Dallas County |
| Famous For | Des Moines, Iowa State Fair, state government, finance and insurance industries |
| Top Attractions | Iowa State Capitol, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Blank Park Zoo, Pappajohn Sculpture Park |
| Official Website | Official Website |
About Polk County, Iowa
Polk County is located in central Iowa and is the most populous county in the state. Established in 1846, the county seat and largest city is Des Moines, which also serves as Iowa's capital city. Polk County is the economic, governmental, and cultural center of Iowa, featuring major corporations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and historic landmarks.
Cities and Towns in Polk County, Iowa
| City/Town | Population (Census 2020) | Latitude & Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines (county seat) | 214,133 | 41.5868°N, 93.6250°W |
| Ankeny | 67,887 | 41.7318°N, 93.6001°W |
| West Des Moines (partly) | 68,723 | 41.5772°N, 93.7113°W |
| Urbandale | 45,580 | 41.6267°N, 93.7122°W |
| Johnston | 24,064 | 41.6730°N, 93.6977°W |
| Altoona | 19,565 | 41.6447°N, 93.4769°W |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,147 | 41.5970°N, 93.5191°W |
| Bondurant | 7,365 | 41.7005°N, 93.4622°W |
| Grimes | 15,392 | 41.6880°N, 93.7913°W |
| Clive (partly) | 18,601 | 41.6039°N, 93.7241°W |
| Norwalk (partly) | 11,681 | 41.4750°N, 93.6788°W |
| Mitchellville | 2,485 | 41.6683°N, 93.3577°W |
| Carlisle (partly) | 4,160 | 41.5008°N, 93.4894°W |
| Alleman | 432 | 41.8194°N, 93.6124°W |
| Elkhart | 967 | 41.7911°N, 93.4891°W |
Best Golf Courses in Polk County, Iowa
| Golf Course | Location | Latitude & Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Waveland Golf Course | Des Moines | 41.6048°N, 93.6565°W |
| Tournament Club of Iowa | Polk City | 41.7796°N, 93.7172°W |
| Hyperion Field Club | Johnston | 41.6549°N, 93.6917°W |
| Jester Park Golf Course | Granger Area | 41.8335°N, 93.7334°W |
What are Major Roads and Highways in Polk County
Polk County contains Iowa's most important transportation network and serves as a major crossroads for the state.
- Interstate 35 - north-south interstate connecting Minnesota and Missouri
- Interstate 80 - major east-west interstate crossing central Iowa
- Interstate 235 - urban freeway through Des Moines
- U.S. Highway 6 - important regional east-west route
- U.S. Highway 65 and U.S. Highway 69 - key north-south corridors
- Iowa Highway 5 - southern bypass around the Des Moines metro area
- Iowa Highway 141 and Iowa Highway 163 - major commuter routes
Neighboring Counties of Polk County
- Boone County (northwest)
- Story County (north)
- Jasper County (east)
- Marion County (southeast)
- Warren County (south)
- Madison County (southwest)
- Dallas County (west)
What are Top Attractions in Polk County, Iowa
The county offers a wide variety of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions.
| Main Sight Name | City | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State Capitol | Des Moines | Historic state government building with gold dome |
| Iowa State Fairgrounds | Des Moines | Home of the world-famous Iowa State Fair |
| Pappajohn Sculpture Park | Des Moines | Outdoor collection of large-scale sculptures |
| Blank Park Zoo | Des Moines | Wildlife exhibits and family attractions |
| Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | Des Moines | Plants, gardens, and educational exhibits |
| Science Center of Iowa | Des Moines | Interactive science exhibits |
| Adventureland Resort | Altoona | Theme park and water park |
| Prairie Meadows Casino | Altoona | Gaming, racing, and entertainment |
| Jester Park | Granger Area | Nature center, trails, and outdoor recreation |
| Living History Farms | Urbandale | Historic agricultural museum |
| Principal Park | Des Moines | Minor league baseball stadium |
| Gray's Lake Park | Des Moines | Urban lake and recreational trails |
Distance from Polk County to Nearby Cities
The following distances are measured by road (driving) from Des Moines.
- Des Moines to Ankeny (Polk County), Iowa - 10 mi (16 km)
- Des Moines to Altoona (Polk County), Iowa - 9 mi (14 km)
- Des Moines to Johnston (Polk County), Iowa - 10 mi (16 km)
- Des Moines to Boone (Boone County), Iowa - 42 mi (68 km)
- Des Moines to Ames (Story County), Iowa - 35 mi (56 km)
- Des Moines to Newton (Jasper County), Iowa - 34 mi (55 km)
- Des Moines to Indianola (Warren County), Iowa - 18 mi (29 km)
- Des Moines to Winterset (Madison County), Iowa - 31 mi (50 km)
- Des Moines to Adel (Dallas County), Iowa - 24 mi (39 km)
- Des Moines to Pella (Marion County), Iowa - 42 mi (68 km)
- Des Moines to Fort Dodge (Webster County), Iowa - 70 mi (113 km)
- Des Moines to Cedar Rapids (Linn County), Iowa - 122 mi (196 km)
- Des Moines to Davenport (Scott County), Iowa - 168 mi (270 km)
- Des Moines to Omaha, Nebraska - 135 mi (217 km)
- Des Moines to Minneapolis, Minnesota - 245 mi (394 km)
Nearest Airports
Nearest airport of Polk is Des Moines International Airport (DSM / KDSM).
References
- QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
- United States Census Bureau
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- National Geodetic Survey
- Official Polk County Website
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