Iowa is renowned for its high work ethic, low crime rate, quality education, and quality of life. Calhoun County is the home of Twin Lakes-one of three blue water lakes in the world and one of Iowa's best kept secrets. Twin Lakes offers complete water recreation,fishing,camping, and lake front property for year-around living, without the congestion of other resort areas.

Congestion is unheard of in Calhoun County. Instead of an hour or two drive to work, you may find yourself walking to work. You also will not have to reserve a tee-time weeks in advance at our golf courses. However, this lack of congestion does not mean isolation. If you enjoy hearing the sounds of famous international orchestras or rock and roll bands or watching a ballet or theater, a ninety minute drive to Ames or Des Moines will get you there.

Iowa is well-known for its low cost of living and low crime rate. In 1990 the four statistical metropolitan areas of Iowa all ranged between 95 and 99.3 against the national average of 100 in the cost of living composite index. In 1990 the median value of all houses was $45,900, ranking it 48th in the U.S. In 1993 the medial sale price of new and existing homes in the U.S. was $81,490. In Iowa, the median was $66,167.

In 1990 the U.S. average of violent crimes per 100,000 population was 663.1. The rate in Iowa was 266.3. The rate is even lower in Calhoun County since violent crime is unheard of.

Some rural areas lack the availability of readily accessible health care. This is not so in Calhoun County. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, which recently completed a $6 million addition, provides comprehensive health services with its twelve physicians, visiting specialists, and McCrary-Rost Clinics located in Rockwell City, Lake City, Gowrie, and Lake View. Along with the Manson Medical Clinic, health services are available within a fifteen minute drive anywhere in the county.

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, as well as several cities, operate EMT ambulance services throughout the county with LifeFlite helicopter availability.

Calhoun County is also the home of Opportunity Living, Inc., which provides living skills training, vocational training, transportation, and group home living for the developmentally disabled.

In Calhoun County we are proud of our commitment for quality human caring services and our quality of life. We invite you to enjoy this quality of life in ``Calhoun County-Your Home in the Heartland!"