Harrison County
countyHarrison County, Iowa, nestled in the western part of the state, is characterized by its scenic Loess Hills and proximity to the Missouri River. The county, part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, had a population of 14,582 in the 2020 census, with estimates around 14,626 in 2024. Its landscape is primarily agricultural, contributing to the rural character and small-town values cherished by its residents. The economy of Harrison County is largely driven by agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming, alongside livestock production. Key sectors also include healthcare, education, and retail, providing employment for many residents. The county features a mix of small businesses and larger employers within these sectors, supporting the local economy. What makes Harrison County distinctive is its unique geological feature, the Loess Hills, formed by wind-blown silt from glaciers. These hills not only offer stunning landscapes but also provide recreational opportunities and are a significant part of the region's identity. The county also boasts a rich history, with several historical sites and museums that reflect its heritage and pioneer roots.
Harrison County, Iowa
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 19-085
- Country
- United States
- County
- Harrison County
- Region
- Midwest/Plains
- Total Area
- 702 sq mi
- Land Area
- 697 sq mi
- Water Area
- 4.8 sq mi
- Latitude
- 41.682222
- Longitude
- -95.824167
- Climate
- Warm summers and cold winters
- Notable Features
- Loess Hills · Missouri River · Little Sioux River
- Neighboring Areas
- Monona County · Crawford County · Shelby County · Pottawattamie County · Washington County, Nebraska · Burt County, Nebraska
- Population (2020)
- 14,582
- Est. Population (2024)
- 14,626
- Median Age
- 41.9
- Median Income
- $77,027
- Poverty Rate
- 4.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 76.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 95.0% White, 2.5% Two or More Races, 2.1% Hispanic
- Government Type
- Board of Supervisors
- Governing Body
- Board of Supervisors
- Body Size
- 3 members
- Municipal Services
- Secondary roads and bridges · Elections · Recorded documents · Taxation · Financial administration
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.6%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Agribusiness · Manufacturing · Transportation · Warehousing · Public Services · Human Services
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 10
- Students
- 2,554
- School Districts
- Boyer Valley Community School District · Logan-Magnolia Community School District · West Harrison Community School District · Woodbine Community School District · Missouri Valley Community School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 29 · U.S. Highway 30 · Iowa Highway 37 · Iowa Highway 44 · Iowa Highway 127 · Iowa Highway 183 · Iowa Highway 191
- Utilities
- Municipal services available
- Major Facilities
- Harrison County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge · Loess Hills State Forest · Willow Lake Recreation Area
- Parks & Trails
- Brent's Trail · Willow Lake Recreation Area · Harrison County Historical Village & Iowa Welcome Center
- Founded
- 1851
- Named After
- William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. President
- Historical Significance
- Reflects early settlement and agricultural development in western Iowa
- Key Events
- Establishment as part of Keokuk County · Early settlement by Mormon dissenters · Construction of courthouses in Magnolia and Logan






