Des Moines County is located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,910, and was estimated to be 38,077 in 2025. It is one of Iowa's two original counties along with Dubuque County; both were organized by the Michigan Territorial legislature in 1834. Des Moines County is part of the Burlington micropolitan statistical area.
Des Moines County sits on Iowa's eastern border alongside the Mississippi River. The city of Des Moines is in Polk County in central Iowa. Both places derive their name from the Des Moines River, which flows through the city of Des Moines and originally flowed through the county. When the county was divided early in Iowa's history, the river ended up further west, forming the border between Lee County, Iowa and the state of Missouri.
History
At an extra session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of Michigan Territory held in September 1834, the Iowa District was divided into two counties by running a line due west from the lower end of Rock Island in the Mississippi River. The territory north of this line (which started just south of the present-day Davenport) was named Dubuque County, and all south of it was Demoine County. It was named after the Des Moines River. From July 3, 1836, until July 3, 1838, Des Moines County was part of Wisconsin Territory. The county underwent various border changes during this time. July 4, 1838, the named county became part of Iowa Territory (later the state of Iowa).
The current Des Moines County Court House was completed in 1940. The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant was also established in 1940.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (3.18%) is water. It is the 93rd largest county in Iowa by total area.
The Mississippi River forms the east border; Skunk River, the south border; and the county is drained by Flint Creek.
Major highways
- x20px U.S. Highway 34
- x20px U.S. Highway 61
Transit
- Burlington station
- Burlington Urban Service
Airport
The Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (IATA code BRL), is located on the southern side of Burlington.
Adjacent counties
thumbnail|right|275px|The [[U.S. Route 34 in Iowa|U.S. Highway 34 bridge over the Mississippi River in Burlington]]