Taylor County was established in 1847 and was named in honor of General Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States.

TAYLOR

Taylor County is located approximately 100 miles from each of the metropolitan areas of Des Moines, Omaha/Council Bluffs and Kansas City.  The county is served by State Highways 2 and 148. 



Taylor County is mainly served by three school districts, namely Bedford Community School District, Lenox Community School District and Clearfield Community School District.  Portions of the county are served by Clarinda, Corning, Mount Ayr and Villisca school districts.  Higher education is available within commuting distance at the campuses of Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, Southwestern Community College in Creston and Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.



Population of Taylor County, according to the 2010 census, shows a total of 6317 persons.  The towns of Bedford and Lenox are the largest municipalities and about the same size.  The towns of Blockton, Clearfield, Conway, Gravity, New Market and Sharpsburg are also located in the county.  Like much of rural Iowa, the population of Taylor county has been declining since the early part of the 20th century; in fact, the 2010 census puts the County’s population very close to the population of the county in the 1870 census.



The first county election was held in 1851, by order of the County Sheriff.  Fifty three votes were cast in the election of three commissioners, a clerk, judge, treasurer and county recorder. 

Taylor County is currently divided into seven voting precincts.  As of late February, 2012, there were 2098 registered Republicans, 1222 registered Democrats and 1895 registered as No Party.  Currently, the county courthouse houses offices of Auditor, Treasurer, Recorder, Sheriff; and two of the three members of the Board of Supervisors are Republicans.