Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: June 10, 2026
Map of Shelby County - Shelby County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. Shelby County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Shelby County located in the map, major cities in Shelby county, population, areas, and places of interest.
Shelby County Map, Iowa
About Shelby 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 Shelby County, Iowa
Shelby County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. It's county seat is Harlan. As per 2020 census, the population of Shelby County is 11770 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 591 sq mi (1,531 km2). Shelby County was established on -17881.
Shelby County Facts
| Continent | North America |
| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County Seat | Harlan |
| Largest City/Town | Harlan |
| Established | January 15, 1851 |
| Total Area | 591 sq mi (1,531 sq km) |
| Land Area | 591 sq mi (1,531 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.4 sq mi (1 sq km) |
| Population | 11,746 (Census 2020) |
| Population Density | 19.9 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Major Highways | Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 59, Iowa Highway 37, Iowa Highway 44, Iowa Highway 191 |
| Major Rivers | West Nishnabotna River, East Nishnabotna River, Mosquito Creek |
| Neighboring Counties | Crawford County, Carroll County, Audubon County, Cass County, Pottawattamie County, Harrison County |
| Famous For | Harlan, Danish heritage, agriculture, Myrtue Medical Center, rural Iowa communities |
| Top Attractions | Danish Windmill, Prairie Rose State Park, Shelby County Historical Museum, Nishna Bend Recreation Area |
| Official Website | Official Website |
About Shelby County, Iowa
Shelby County is located in western Iowa and was established in 1851. The county seat and largest city is Harlan. Agriculture remains the foundation of the local economy, while manufacturing, healthcare, and retail services also contribute significantly. The county is known for its strong Danish-American heritage, scenic countryside, and welcoming small-town communities.
Cities and Towns in Shelby County, Iowa
| City/Town | Population (Census 2020) | Latitude & Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Harlan (county seat) | 4,893 | 41.6531°N, 95.3258°W |
| Shelby | 696 | 41.5158°N, 95.4508°W |
| Earling | 356 | 41.7761°N, 95.4328°W |
| Elk Horn | 601 | 41.5911°N, 95.0600°W |
| Irwin | 319 | 41.7908°N, 95.2081°W |
| Kirkman | 64 | 41.7314°N, 95.1719°W |
| Defiance | 245 | 41.8267°N, 95.3458°W |
| Panama | 221 | 41.7258°N, 95.4742°W |
| Portsmouth | 195 | 41.6508°N, 95.5192°W |
| Westphalia | 127 | 41.7158°N, 95.3900°W |
| Tennant | 63 | 41.8628°N, 95.2244°W |
Best Golf Courses in Shelby County, Iowa
| Golf Course | Location | Latitude & Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Harlan Golf & Country Club | Harlan | 41.6588°N, 95.3389°W |
| Nishnabotna Valley Golf Course | Harlan | 41.6469°N, 95.3133°W |
| Elk Horn Golf Club | Elk Horn | 41.5969°N, 95.0711°W |
| Shelby Country Club | Shelby | 41.5197°N, 95.4606°W |
What are Major Roads and Highways in Shelby County
Major highways provide access across western Iowa and neighboring states.
- Interstate 80 - major east-west interstate crossing the southern part of the county
- U.S. Highway 59 - principal north-south route through Harlan
- Iowa Highway 37 - serves communities in northern Shelby County
- Iowa Highway 44 - east-west route connecting Harlan with central Iowa
- Iowa Highway 191 - regional connector serving western portions of the county
Neighboring Counties of Shelby County
- Crawford County (north)
- Carroll County (northeast)
- Audubon County (east)
- Cass County (south)
- Pottawattamie County (west)
- Harrison County (northwest)
What are Top Attractions in Shelby County, Iowa
The county offers a mix of cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and local history.
| Main Sight Name | City | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| Danish Windmill | Elk Horn | Authentic Danish windmill and cultural landmark |
| Museum of Danish America | Elk Horn | Danish-American history and heritage exhibits |
| Prairie Rose State Park | Near Harlan | Camping, fishing, hiking, and boating |
| Shelby County Historical Museum | Harlan | County history and pioneer artifacts |
| Nishna Bend Recreation Area | Near Harlan | Outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing |
| Harlan Courthouse Square | Harlan | Historic downtown district |
| Defiance Historic District | Defiance | Historic architecture and local heritage |
| Earling Community Center | Earling | Community events and gatherings |
| Westphalia Heritage Area | Westphalia | German and Danish cultural influences |
| Elk Horn Creek Recreation Areas | Countywide | Fishing and outdoor activities |
| Shelby County Fairgrounds | Harlan | Agricultural fairs and annual events |
| Western Iowa Scenic Drives | Countywide | Rolling hills and farmland views |
Distance from Shelby County to Nearby Cities
The following distances are measured by road (driving) from Harlan.
- Harlan to Shelby (Shelby County), Iowa - 12 mi (19 km)
- Harlan to Elk Horn (Shelby County), Iowa - 19 mi (31 km)
- Harlan to Earling (Shelby County), Iowa - 9 mi (14 km)
- Harlan to Defiance (Shelby County), Iowa - 10 mi (16 km)
- Harlan to Denison (Crawford County), Iowa - 27 mi (43 km)
- Harlan to Carroll (Carroll County), Iowa - 40 mi (64 km)
- Harlan to Audubon (Audubon County), Iowa - 31 mi (50 km)
- Harlan to Atlantic (Cass County), Iowa - 35 mi (56 km)
- Harlan to Council Bluffs (Pottawattamie County), Iowa - 45 mi (72 km)
- Harlan to Logan (Harrison County), Iowa - 30 mi (48 km)
- Harlan to Omaha, Nebraska - 58 mi (93 km)
- Harlan to Sioux City (Woodbury County), Iowa - 92 mi (148 km)
- Harlan to Des Moines (Polk County), Iowa - 91 mi (146 km)
- Harlan to Cedar Rapids (Linn County), Iowa - 202 mi (325 km)
- Harlan to Kansas City, Missouri - 184 mi (296 km)
Nearest Airports
Nearest airport of Shelby is Harlan Municipal Airport-HNR.
References
- QuickFacts - U.S. Census Bureau
- Official Shelby County Website
- Iowa Data Center
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- National Geodetic Survey
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