United States securities and exchange commission logo May 26, 2020 Bruce K. Lee Chief Executive Officer Heartland Financial USA, Inc. 1398 Central Avenue Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Re: Heartland Financial USA, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-4 Filed May 18, 2020 File No. 333-238459 Dear Mr. Lee: This is to advise you that we have not reviewed and will not review your registration statement. Please refer to Rules 460 and 461 regarding requests for acceleration. We remind you that the company and its management are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of their disclosures, notwithstanding any review, comments, action or absence of action by the staff. Please contact Donald Field at 202-551-3680 with any questions. Sincerely, Division of Corporation Finance Office of Finance