Johnson County

Johnson County is an administrative division in eastern Iowa that encompasses multiple towns and smaller communities spread across the region. The landscape includes both urban centers and rural areas connected by interstate highways and state routes.

The county was established in 1837 when the territorial legislature separated it from a neighboring county. In 2020, leaders renamed it to honor an important figure from Iowa's educational past.

The University of Iowa has shaped how people live and work in this region for generations, drawing students and professionals from across the country and creating a youthful character throughout the county.

Major highways cross through the county and link its various communities together. These routes make it easy to travel between towns and reach nearby areas.

In 2020, the county was renamed to honor Lulu Merle Johnson, who broke barriers as the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in Iowa. This change reflected the region's commitment to recognizing overlooked figures in the state's past.

Location: Iowa

Inception: December 21, 1837

Capital city: Iowa City

Shares border with: Linn County, Washington County, Muscatine County, Louisa County, Cedar County, Iowa County, Benton County

Website: http://johnson-county.com

GPS coordinates: 41.66667,-91.58333

Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:53