Polk County, Iowa Free Public Records Directory

Polk County, Iowa, is named for James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States. The county was established in 1846, in the midst of its namesake's presidential term from 1845-1849. Polk is the most populous county in the state, home to approximately 15% of the Iowa population. Des Moines, the county seat, also serves as the state capital. ^[1] It is the largest city in Iowa, with an estimated population of 217,521 in 2017. Home to multiple insurance company headquarters, Des Moines is known as the insurance industry capital of the US. It is also recognized as a leading financial services center. ^[2] Iowa in general and Polk County in particular emerge as political bellwethers every four years in advance of the US presidential elections. The Iowa caucuses draw members of the Democratic and Republican parties to select the delegates who will choose their respective party nominees. The caucuses signal the beginning of the presidential primary season; the city of Des Moines consequently attracts significant media attention. The influential Des Moines Register, with the largest circulation in the state, publishes the "Iowa Poll." This esteemed poll, first distributed in 1943, offers extensive election coverage and early candidate forecasting. ^[3]

Sources:

• [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_County,_Iowa
• [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Moines,_Iowa
• [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Des_Moines_Register