Clarke County

Clarke County is an administrative division in southern Iowa with its seat at Osceola, where major highways intersect. The region covers a rural landscape with low population density and serves as a center for county government.

The county was named in 1846 after James Clarke, who served as Governor of the Iowa Territory. Its courthouse, completed in 1956, marked a major phase in the area's growth and institutional development.

The courthouse in Osceola serves as the heart of community gatherings and public life for local residents. The building reflects how the area values its past and brings people together for civic matters.

The County Assessor's office provides access to property records and geographic data through their website for research. The courthouse in Osceola is easy to reach via the intersecting highways that cross the region.

The county maintains its rural character while being surrounded by five neighboring counties, creating a sense of isolation. This positioning away from rapid growth in surrounding areas gives it a distinct local identity.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1846

Capital city: Osceola

Shares border with: Warren County, Decatur County, Madison County, Union County, Ringgold County, Lucas County, Wayne County

Website: http://clarkecountyiowa.org

GPS coordinates: 41.02278,-93.78639

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:58