Palo Alto County Resolution 6-22-2022 Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Notice of Public Hearings for Wind Ordinance Changes
Notice of Changes in Precincts
PaloAltoCoIA_Precincts_Letter_2020
Notice of Public Hearing Proposed FY 23 Budget
Palo Alto County Floodplain Ordinance
Palo Alto County Phone Directory
Welcome to the Palo Alto County website!
Palo Alto County is located in the northwest region of the state of Iowa. The county has a total area of 569 square miles that contain a variety of lakes including Five Island Lake, Lost Island Lake, Rush Lake, and Silver Lake. Communities include Ayrshire, Curlew, Cylinder, Emmetsburg, Graettinger, Mallard, Rodman, Ruthven and West Bend.
The population of Palo Alto County is 8,996 (according to the 2020 census). County business is done at the county seat in Emmetsburg. Most offices are located at the historic 1880s courthouse located downtown near the business district.