The geographical center of Iowa lies in Story County, 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Ames.

The land that today is known as Story County was originally prairie with the exception of some groves along the larger streams in the area.

The county was named after Joseph Story, a preeminent United States Supreme Court Justice, in 1853.

Story County was not mentioned in the Federal Census in 1850, but figures from the State of Iowa put the population at 214 in 1852.

Three commissioners were appointed by the Iowa legislature to determine the county seat location.

Although Nevada was long the population center of the county, Ames was the most widely known of the towns because of the busy railroad depot where travelers would transfer to their next train.

This building's tower served as a vantage point to view the countryside; it was eventually removed for safety reasons.

The Justice Center, comprising the law enforcement and judicial aspects of Story County Government.

The Justice Center houses the Sheriff's Office & Jail, Attorney, and Clerk of Court.

[6] Story County consists of 16 townships and 15 incorporated cities, and 4 unincorporated towns.

[7] The geographical center of Iowa lies in Story County, 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of Ames.

Story County contains three rail lines, all controlled by the Union Pacific Railroad Company.

The Spine Line runs north–south on its route from Minneapolis to Kansas City, Missouri, passing near McCallsburg, Nevada and Cambridge.

Commuting time Story County workers age 16 and older spent an average of 16.6 minutes traveling to work between 2005 and 2009.

Total potential labor force According to the Story County Laborshed Analysis, which was analyzed and compiled by the Iowa Workforce Development in August 2011, Story County has a total potential labor force of 424,702 people, which breaks down as follows: Likelihood to accept / change employment The estimated number of individuals who are very likely or somewhat likely to change or accept employment is 106,383, or 25%.

The department provides law enforcement services for the contract towns and unincorporated areas of Story County, as well as providing for courthouse security, operating the county jail, and performing civil procedures.