Humboldt County, Iowa

Humboldt County, Iowa
County
Humboldt County Courthouse
Humboldt County Courthouse
Old Settler's Park in Livermore
Old Settler's Park in Livermore
Fountain in Humboldt's John Brown Park
Fountain in Humboldt's John Brown Park
Sumner Avenue in Humboldt
Sumner Avenue in Humboldt
The Des Moines River at Gotch Park
The Des Moines River at Gotch Park
Map of Iowa highlighting Humboldt County
Location within the U.S. state of Iowa
Coordinates: 42°46′56″N 94°12′10″W / 42.782221°N 94.202775°W / 42.782221; -94.202775
Country United States
State Iowa
FoundedJanuary 15, 1851 (created)
February 26, 1857 (re-created)[1]
Named afterAlexander von Humboldt
SeatDakota City
Largest cityHumboldt
Area
 • Total
435.674 sq mi (1,128.39 km2)
 • Land434.372 sq mi (1,125.02 km2)
 • Water1.302 sq mi (3.37 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
9,597
 • Estimate 
(2024)
9,617 Increase
 • Density22.09/sq mi (8.531/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code515
Congressional district4th
Websitehumboldtcounty.iowa.gov
  • Iowa county number 46[2]

Humboldt County is a county in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,597,[3] and was estimated to be 9,617 in 2024.[4] The county seat is Dakota City and the largest city is Humboldt.[5] The county was created on January 15, 1851, re-created on February 26, 1857, and named in honor of Alexander von Humboldt.

History

Founding

Iowa's entry to the union was approved by Congress on March 3, 1845, with statehood beginning on December 28, 1846, following approval of the state's constitution and boundaries. In order to establish county government across the state, the Iowa General Assembly passed an act on January 15, 1851, which created fifty counties in the half of the state where county government had not yet been established. Humboldt County was created by this act, containing its present area, as well as four townships in present-day Webster County: Jackson, Deer Creek, Badger, and Newark.[6] It was named after Alexander von Humboldt.[7] On January 21, 1855, an act merged the northern half of Humboldt County and Bancroft County into Kossuth County, with the southern half of Humboldt County merging into Webster County.[8]

The Sixth General Assembly passed another act, reestablishing Humboldt County. The act was passed on January 28, 1857, and went into effect on February 26.[8] However, an error omitted the lower four townships (Jackson, Deer Creek, Badger, and Newark) from returning to Humboldt County. The error was not caught until the next session of the general assembly, and the general assembly passed a bill redefining Humboldt County to include the four townships on March 11, 1858.[9] However, in the interceding time, the Constitution of Iowa came into effect, including the provision that "future laws altering county boundaries should be submitted to a vote of the people of the counties concerned and must be approved by them before going into effect".[10] In a court case originating in the disputed area, the Iowa Supreme Court was asked to decide which county court had original jurisdiction. In their clarification, they ruled the March 11, 1858, clarification of Humboldt County's boundaries unconstitutional, as it had not been submitted to a public vote in the counties involved. In his decision, Chief Justice Ralph P. Lowe wrote, "We are compelled to conclude that township 90, in ranges 27 to 30, west of the 5th principal meridian, is still in and forms a part of Webster county. Of course we can pay no attention to conjectural surmises and vague suspicions, which have been made and entertained in relation to some unfairness which may have been practiced in the final passage of the act of 1857, creating the county of Humboldt. If such was the case, no evidence of the fact has been presented to us."[11] The "vague suspicions" include a rumor that John Duncombe of Fort Dodge (namesake of Duncombe, Iowa and plaintiff in the lawsuit) had tricked Humboldt County into ceding the southern four townships to Webster County "on loan", or was otherwise responsible for the "error".[12]

In 1872, Humboldt College was opened and closed in 1916 because there was no agreement with the county about taxation.[13]

Geography

Humboldt County is divided into 12 townships.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 435.674 square miles (1,128.39 km2), of which 434.372 square miles (1,125.02 km2) is land and 1.302 square miles (3.37 km2) (0.3%) is water.[14] It is the 83rd largest county in Iowa by total area.[15]

Unlike all counties to its east and west, Humboldt County has only 12 townships. Although founded with the standard 16 townships on January 15, 1851, the county was removed from existence in 1855.[16]

Adjacent counties

Ecology

Rolling topography along Indian Creek in southern Humboldt County

Humboldt County is located entirely within the Des Moines Lobe of the Western Corn Belt Plains ecoregion, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the flattest regions in Iowa, the Des Moines Lobe ecoregion is a distinctive area naturally defined by Wisconsin glaciation but modified by humans for extensive agriculture. In general, the land is level to gently rolling with some areas of relief defined by glacial features like moraines, hummocky knobs, and kettles, and outwash deposits. The lobe does not have any loess deposits like the Loess Hills to the west.

The stream network is poorly developed and widely spaced, with major rivers carving valleys that are relatively deep and steep-sided. Almost all of the natural lakes of Iowa are found in the northern part of this region (the Iowa Great Lakes). Most of the region has been converted from wet prairie to agricultural use with substantial surface water drainage. Only a small fraction of the wetlands remain, and many natural lakes have been drained as a result of agricultural drainage projects via drainage tiles or ditches.[17]

Hydrology

Humboldt County is located within the Des Moines River watershed. The East and West Forks of the Des Moines River merge at Frank Gotch State Park in southern Humboldt County. The eastern part of Humboldt County is within the Boone River watershed, a tributary of the Des Moines.

Protected areas

The Rutland dam in Rose Mill Park.

While Humboldt County does not have any state parks, it has county parks. South of Humboldt is Frank A. Gotch County Park. It is named for Frank Gotch, a world-champion, undefeated wrestler from Humboldt. The park is near his childhood farm and is also home to the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Des Moines River. The park features campgrounds and a well-known converted railroad bridge used by the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. The bridge is part of the Three Rivers Trail, a converted rail route that runs from Eagle Grove west to Rolfe.

Near Bradgate is the Willow Access Area. The terrain is very wooded. In south Rutland is Rose Mill Park. The area can be used for camping and also has access to the Rutland Dam and West Fork of the Des Moines River. The dam is being restored, and most of the park is new. The river is known for its forested limestone bluffs and grassy banks.

The lower portion of Joe Sheldon Park.

Further downriver near Humboldt is Oxbow Park, which contains boating access ramps and much scenic open space. The park's southern border is Iowa Highway 3, and south of that is Joe Sheldon County Park. The park is split into two sections, one mostly for camping and one focused on recreation. There is access to the West Fork of the Des Moines River from the lower part of the park.

Continuing along the river, the Lake Nokomis area begins, popular for its woods and small ponds. The Cottonwood Trail also runs through the area.

West of Livermore, Lott's Park allows access to Lott's Creek. The park has many benches and picnic tables. South of Ottosen is the Ottosen Marsh State Game Management Area, colloquially the Ottosen Potholes. East of Dakota City is the Dakota City River Park, near an old dam and the Humboldt County Historical Museum. Near the unincorporated community of Pioneer is the Pioneer Prairie Pothole Wildlife Area.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1860332—
18702,596681.9%
18805,341105.7%
18909,83684.2%
190012,66728.8%
191012,182−3.8%
192012,9516.3%
193013,2021.9%
194013,4591.9%
195013,117−2.5%
196013,1560.3%
197012,519−4.8%
198012,246−2.2%
199010,756−12.2%
200010,381−3.5%
20109,815−5.5%
20209,597−2.2%
2024 (est.)9,617[18]0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[19]
1790–1960[20] 1900–1990[21]
1990–2000[22] 2010–2020[4]
2022 US Census population pyramid for Humboldt County from ACS 5-year estimates

As of the second quarter of 2025, the median home value in Humboldt County was $165,277.[23]

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 4,236 estimated households in Humboldt County with an average of 2.23 persons per household. The county has a median household income of $66,994. Approximately 13.7% of the county's population lives at or below the poverty line. Hamilton County has an estimated 61.7% employment rate, with 19.3% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 93.6% holding a high school diploma.[4] There were 4,600 housing units at an average density of 10.59 per square mile (4.1/km2).

The top five reported languages (people were allowed to report up to two languages, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (94.8%), Spanish (3.8%), Indo-European (0.4%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.9%), and Other (0.0%).

The median age in the county was 41.8 years.

Humboldt County, Iowa – racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) Pop. 1980[24] Pop. 1990[25] Pop. 2000[26] Pop. 2010[27] Pop. 2020[28]
White alone (NH) 12,150
(99.22%)		 10,670
(99.20%)		 10,188
(98.14%)		 9,288
(94.63%)		 8,823
(91.93%)
Black or African American alone (NH) 11
(0.09%)		 9
(0.08%)		 7
(0.07%)		 39
(0.40%)		 53
(0.55%)
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 7
(0.06%)		 15
(0.14%)		 6
(0.06%)		 14
(0.14%)		 16
(0.17%)
Asian alone (NH) 13
(0.11%)		 25
(0.23%)		 24
(0.23%)		 31
(0.32%)		 21
(0.22%)
Pacific Islander alone (NH) — — 10
(0.10%)		 0
(0.00%)		 6
(0.06%)
Other race alone (NH) 12
(0.10%)		 0
(0.00%)		 0
(0.00%)		 4
(0.04%)		 22
(0.23%)
Mixed race or multiracial (NH) — — 46
(0.44%)		 82
(0.84%)		 226
(2.35%)
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 53
(0.43%)		 37
(0.34%)		 100
(0.96%)		 357
(3.64%)		 430
(4.48%)
Total 12,246
(100.00%)		 10,756
(100.00%)		 10,381
(100.00%)		 9,815
(100.00%)		 9,597
(100.00%)

2024 estimate

As of the 2024 estimate, there were 9,617 people, 4,236 households, and _ families residing in the county. The population density was 22.14 inhabitants per square mile (8.5/km2). There were 4,600 housing units at an average density of 10.59 per square mile (4.1/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.3% White (90.1% NH White), 1.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, _% from some other races and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.0% of the population.

2020 census

Population of Humboldt County from US census data

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,597 people, 4,073 households, and 2,568 families residing in the county.[29] The population density was 22.09 inhabitants per square mile (8.5/km2).[30] There were 4,571 housing units at an average density of 10.52 per square mile (4.1/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.95% White, 0.58% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.81% from some other races and 3.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.48% of the population.[31][32]

The median age was 41.8 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18 and 21.1% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 98.1 males age 18 and over.[30]

55.6% of residents lived in urban areas, while 44.4% lived in rural areas.[33]

There were 4,073 households in the county, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 50.8% were married-couple households, 19.8% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 23.4% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The 4,571 housing units included 4,073 occupied units (10.9% vacant); among occupied units, 75.4% were owner-occupied and 24.6% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.3% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.7%.[30]

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 9,815 people in the county, with a population density of 22.6/sq mi (8.7/km2). There were 4,684 housing units, of which 4,209 were occupied.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 10,381 people, 4,295 households, and 2,881 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9.3 people/km2). There were 4,645 housing units at an average density of 11 units per square mile (4.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.63% White, 0.11% Black or African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. 0.96% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,295 households, out of which 29.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% were married couples living together, 6.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 29.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.90% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 24.60% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 21.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,201, and the median income for a family was $46,510. Males had a median income of $31,004 versus $22,312 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,300. About 5.30% of families and 8.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.80% of those under age 18 and 5.10% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Berkhimer Bridge, located northwest of Humboldt, was built in 1899.

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Ghost town

Townships

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Humboldt County.

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2020 Census)
1 Humboldt City 4,792
2 † Dakota City City 759
3 Livermore City 381
4 Bode City 302
5 Gilmore City (partially in Pocahontas County) City 270 (487 total)
6 Renwick City 234
7 Thor City 181
8 Rutland City 113
9 Bradgate City 75
10 Hardy City 57
11 Ottosen City 40
12 Lu Verne (partially in Kossuth County) City 30 (258 total)
13 Pioneer City 4

Politics

Beginning in 1952, Humboldt County has been strongly Republican, only voting Democratic twice in that span, in 1964 during a nationwide landslide for Lyndon B. Johnson and in 1988 for Michael Dukakis who performed very strongly throughout Iowa in part due to the ongoing farm crisis.

United States presidential election results for Humboldt County, Iowa[34]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
1896 2,010 71.18% 783 27.73% 31 1.10%
1900 2,214 77.88% 595 20.93% 34 1.20%
1904 1,950 81.76% 369 15.47% 66 2.77%
1908 1,818 73.66% 587 23.78% 63 2.55%
1912 477 18.76% 634 24.93% 1,432 56.31%
1916 1,676 66.69% 809 32.19% 28 1.11%
1920 3,577 82.82% 681 15.77% 61 1.41%
1924 2,841 59.71% 370 7.78% 1,547 32.51%
1928 2,828 62.52% 1,679 37.12% 16 0.35%
1932 2,028 41.48% 2,804 57.35% 57 1.17%
1936 2,262 39.02% 3,420 59.00% 115 1.98%
1940 2,853 46.44% 3,268 53.20% 22 0.36%
1944 2,525 47.73% 2,749 51.97% 16 0.30%
1948 2,498 45.99% 2,855 52.56% 79 1.45%
1952 4,534 67.94% 2,124 31.82% 16 0.24%
1956 3,747 57.58% 2,756 42.35% 4 0.06%
1960 3,537 56.66% 2,706 43.34% 0 0.00%
1964 2,250 39.96% 3,376 59.96% 4 0.07%
1968 3,239 59.87% 1,940 35.86% 231 4.27%
1972 3,622 62.53% 2,062 35.60% 108 1.86%
1976 3,075 52.65% 2,677 45.83% 89 1.52%
1980 3,575 60.60% 1,840 31.19% 484 8.20%
1984 3,396 57.92% 2,406 41.04% 61 1.04%
1988 2,594 48.42% 2,713 50.64% 50 0.93%
1992 2,299 44.34% 1,765 34.04% 1,121 21.62%
1996 2,236 45.33% 2,080 42.17% 617 12.51%
2000 2,846 57.61% 1,949 39.45% 145 2.94%
2004 3,162 59.10% 2,146 40.11% 42 0.79%
2008 2,895 56.51% 2,160 42.16% 68 1.33%
2012 3,099 60.08% 1,972 38.23% 87 1.69%
2016 3,568 70.14% 1,252 24.61% 267 5.25%
2020 3,819 71.69% 1,442 27.07% 66 1.24%
2024 3,770 74.17% 1,236 24.32% 77 1.51%

Infrastructure

See also: List of county routes in Humboldt County, Iowa

Major highways

Education

School districts include:[35]

Former school districts:

See also

References

  1. ^ "Iowa: Individual County Chronologies". publications.newberry.org. The Newberry Library. 2007. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  2. ^ "Iowa County Names and Numbers". Iowa Department of Administrative Services. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  3. ^ "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  4. ^ a b c "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Humboldt County, Iowa". www.census.gov. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  5. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  6. ^ "Webster" (1913), p. 73.
  7. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 163.
  8. ^ a b "Webster" (1913), p. 74.
  9. ^ "Webster" (1913), pp. 74–75.
  10. ^ "Webster" (1913), p. 75.
  11. ^ "Webster" (1913), pp. 75–76.
  12. ^ "About Humboldt County". 2011. Archived from the original on December 20, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
  13. ^ "City of Humboldt History." City of Humboldt. Online History. Archived September 19, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  14. ^ "2025 County Gazetteer Files – Iowa". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  15. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Humboldt County, Iowa". www.census.gov. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  16. ^ "Humboldt County Seat". Beaver Township, Dakota City. Humboldt County Historical Association. 2011. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
  17. ^ Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from Chapman, S.S., Omernik, J.M., Griffith, G.E.; et al. Ecoregions of Iowa and Missouri (PDF). United States Geological Survey.{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs).
  18. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". Retrieved July 24, 2025.
  19. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  20. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  21. ^ Forstall, Richard L. (April 20, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  22. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  23. ^ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  24. ^ "Humboldt County, Iowa — Population by Race". CensusScope. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  25. ^ "1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics Iowa" (PDF). www.census.gov. October 6, 2022. p. 30. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  26. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Humboldt County, Iowa". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
  27. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Humboldt County, Iowa". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  28. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Humboldt County, Iowa". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  29. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  30. ^ a b c "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  31. ^ "How many people live in Hamilton County, Iowa". USA Today. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  32. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  33. ^ "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
  34. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  35. ^ a b "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Humboldt County, IA" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2024. - Text list
  36. ^ "Algona". Iowa Department of Education. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  37. ^ "SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP (2010 CENSUS): Humboldt County, IA" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2024. - Text list
  38. ^ a b "Reorganization and Dissolution Action Since 1965-66". Iowa Department of Education. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
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