Formed January 26, 1856 (23rd county)
Polk County (5,209), Osceola (868), Stromsburg (1,145)
The tan brick courthouse was constructed in 1921. It is located on Hawkeye, State, Main, and Nebraska streets. United States Highway 81 is three blocks north of the location. William F. Gernandt is the designer of this columned, Classical Revival structure. There was an 1882 facility previously also in Osceola, the only county seat. The county was established on January 26, 1856 from parts of York County and Native American Territory as the 23rd county. It is named for United States President James K. Polk. Osceola was either named for Osceola, Iowa or for the Native American chief.
The area of the county is 439 square miles. It is 83 out of 93 in the state. It ranks 54 out of 93 in population in the state. It has a density of 11.9 persons per square mile making it 39 out of 93 in the state. Polk County has 58.9% of its population in its incorporated areas. United States Highway 81 goes north to south through the county from Platte County to York County. The county is shaped like a plow. Osceola is slightly south and east of center in the county. Stromsburg is near the southern border of the county. Osceola is the county seat and Stromsburg is the largest city. Osceola is 16.7% of the county population while Stromsburg is 22.0% of the county population. The Platte River forms its northwest border.
Polk County government consists of a sheriff and 3 Commissioners. Four District Court Judges and Four County Court Judges serve Polk, Boone, Butler, Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Saunders, Seward and York counties. Polk County is in the eastern part of the state. Lincoln, Nebraska is southeast and Grand Island, Nebraska is southwest of the county. The county is 2.7 miles West-Northwest of Osceola. The county is surrounded clockwise by Platte, Butler, Seward, York, Hamilton, and Merrick counties. The county seat is pronounced OE-SEE-OE-LA.
Osceola
Polk
Shelby
Stromsburg
