text:
Hiawatha, Iowa

Hiawatha is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburb located in the northwestern side of Cedar Rapids and is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,183 at the time of the 2020 census, an increase from 6,480 in 2000.

History
In 1946, Fay Clark, an entrepreneur of several ventures located in Linn County north of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, had a vision of houses and a highway running through a new city. In 1950 Clark and another 45 residents signed a petition seeking to become the 17th incorporated town in Linn County. The town would be named after Clark's trailer company. That same year he and Henry Katz of Marion established the Linn County Fire Association to help provide fire protection to rural communities. Clark served as mayor of Hiawatha from 1950 to 1958, and again from 1961 to 1963. Clark died in 1991 at the age of 84.

Hiawatha residents celebrated the dedication of their new City Hall on May 17, 2008.

Hiawatha celebrated its 60th anniversary in May 2010.

Geography
Hiawatha's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 42.044409, -91.681025.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.23 sqmi, all land.

The elevation of Hiawatha is 850 ft above sea level.

Hiawatha's population density is estimated at 1884 people per square mile which is considered low for urban areas.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 7,024 people, 3,071 households, and 1,796 families residing in the city. The population density was 1660.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,310 housing units at an average density of 782.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.9% White, 5.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 3,071 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 37 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,480 people, 2,859 households, and 1,663 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,834.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,979 housing units at an average density of 843.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.24% White, 2.16% African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of the population.

There were 2,859 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.89.

Age spread: 23.6% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 35.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,799, and the median income for a family was $47,135. Males had a median income of $37,277 versus $25,394 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,664. About 3.4% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
The city of Hiawatha maintains three parks. Each Park has Free Wifi & Little Free Libraries at each of the parks.
 * Guthridge Park Located on Emmons Street between 7th and 10th
 * Tucker Park Located on B Avenue
 * Clark Park ParkLocated off N. 18th Avenue

Nature trails
Located on Boyson Road in Hiawatha is a trailhead for the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The trailhead is furnished with picnic tables, restrooms, maps and information about the trail, and parking.
 * Cedar Valley Nature Trail

The main trail is a continuous path just under 52 mi long running northwest from Hiawatha to Evansdale, with the first 4 mi of the route north from Hiawatha paved with asphalt. The first 16 mi going south from Evansdale are also paved with asphalt, the remaining trail is crushed and packed limestone. The trail has wildflowers and pockets of native remnant prairie grasses that have been enlarged through the process of burning surrounding brush and non-native plants. The trail is also known to have abundant wildlife and birds to observe. Although a fee was charged on the southern part of the trail, the entire trail is now free. A connecting segment of trail continues south from the Cedar Valley Nature Trail head through Hiawatha to connect with the Cedar River trail a 12.6 mi trail in neighboring Cedar Rapids. The city also maintains smaller, unconnected looped walking trails at all three city parks.
 * Other trails

Farmers market
The Hiawatha farmers market is located in the 10th Avenue parking lot of Guthridge Park. For the 2011 year, the market will be open beginning April 24 and running through October 30 on Sundays from 11:00am to 2:00pm (local time). Depending on the day, 25 or more entrepreneurs from the area set up their own displays and sell home grown and home made products. These include, but are not limited to: fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers, an assortment of baked products, preserved food products, arts, and crafts.

Government
Hiawatha is governed by the Mayor with city council form of government, utilizing several departments, boards, and commissions. The recently built City Hall (dedicated in 2007) is located at 101 Emmons Street Hiawatha, Iowa 52233. The building was designed to include not only the city government and various departments but also includes a Community center and public meeting rooms.

Police department
The Hiawatha Police Department is located in the lower level of the City Hall building. The department has 14 full-time sworn officers, two reserve police officers and special agent “Reso”, a K-9 unit. Special Agent "Mod" retired from the police department on March 21, 2012. Mod died on August 28, 2013. The Police Department's campus was expanded with the Public Safety Training & Support facility in May 2021. Its year-long construction cost $999,000 and the building ultimately takes up 7,200-square-feet.

Fire department
The Hiawatha Fire Department is located at 60 10th Avenue; Hiawatha, Iowa 52233. The department's personnel consist of a combination of paid and volunteer firefighters. The Hiawatha Fire Department has the only fire-based ambulance service in Linn County. HFD runs approximately 2,500 fire and EMS calls per year. In addition to these services, HFD has a contract with Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids to transport patients from the Mercy Hiawatha Emergency Department to the Mercy Cedar Rapids main campus.

Education
Hiawatha is included in the Cedar Rapids Community School District system.

 * Public schools

 * Hiawatha Elementary School (home of the Cougars) is located at 603 Emmonds street in Hiawatha and opened its doors in 1958. Currently (see reference for date) the school has approximately 310 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and a staff of 64.
 * Nixon Elementary School (home of the Bobcats) is located at 200 Nixon Drive in Hiawatha and opened its doors in 1970. The school's philosophy utilizes self-contained classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade. Currently (see reference for date) Nixon has approximately 330 students and a staff of 58.
 * Elementary schools: Most portions are zoned to either Hiawatha or Nixon, though some western parts are zoned to Viola Gibson Elementary School
 * Secondary schools: Harding Middle School and Kennedy High School

 * Private schools

 * Essential Montessori School is located at 1350 Blairs Ferry Road Suite A. The school has an enrollment of 46 from prekindergarten to kindergarten.

Transportation
Transit in the city is provided by Cedar Rapids Transit. Route 30 provides bus service connecting the city to the region.

Notable people

 * Salvatore Giunta (born 1985), first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
 * Kraig Paulsen (born 1964) Iowa State representative, Republican majority leader for the 84th Iowa General Assembly.

title: Hiawatha, Iowa


text:
Lisbon, Iowa

Lisbon is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States, adjacent to the city of Mount Vernon. The population was 2,233 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Lisbon was laid out in 1851. It was named after Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

Geography
Lisbon is located at 41.92083°N, -91.38806°W (41.920721, -91.388188).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.14 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,152 people, 824 households, and 570 families living in the city. The population density was 1005.6 PD/sqmi. There were 861 housing units at an average density of 402.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.8% White, 0.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 824 households, of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.8% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.15.

The median age in the city was 36.4 years. 29.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,898 people, 728 households, and 516 families living in the city. The population density was 897.8 PD/sqmi. There were 752 housing units at an average density of 355.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.58% White, 0.37% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 728 households, out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families.

Age spread: 30.1% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,139, and the median income for a family was $55,583. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $24,432 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,275. About 6.0% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Lisbon Community School District operates local public schools.

Area attractions

 * Sutliff Bridge
 * Cornell College

Notable people

 * Bob Kaliban, actor, voice actor, and singer
 * Dwayne Andreas, CEO of Archer Daniels Midland and political donor, was raised in Lisbon
 * Theodore J. Kaczynski, math professor; more notoriously, the Unabomber. Lived seasonally at 307 E. Main Street in the mid-to-late 1960s.
 * David Kaczynski, youth counselor, reform advocate and brother of Theodore Kaczynski. Lived in town in the 1960s and later worked as a teacher at Lisbon High School in the 1970s.
 * Roger Dolan, racing driver

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lisbon, Iowa


text:
Marion, Iowa

Marion is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 26,294 at the 2000 census and was 41,535 in 2020, an increase of 58%. The city is located next to Cedar Rapids and part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The town was named after Francis Marion, a hero of the Revolutionary War. The site was selected in 1839 to be the first county seat of the newly organized Linn County. After years of debate over moving the county seat to Cedar Rapids, it was put to a vote in 1919. The vote was 9,960 in favor of moving the seat and 4,823 not in favor.

Each year, the city hosts the annual "Swamp Fox Festival", a celebration of Marion's heritage named in honor of the "Swamp Fox", Francis Marion's nickname during the Revolutionary War. The event typically includes a 5K run, parade, fireworks, and many other family friendly activities.

The town was the home to St. Berchman's Seminary, established in 1905 by the Sisters of Mercy as a boarding school for small boys. The academy, which closed in 1942, consisted of five buildings spread over 23 acres. One of the most famous residents was actor Don Ameche, who lived in the facility as a boy; he went on to star in the movie Cocoon. Today, the main building, now housing apartments, is all that remains. The current site of the Indian Creek Country Club was once the home of a sulky horse racing track. In November 2019, Mayor Nick AbouAssaly won a second term over Mary Lou Pazour with 70 percent of the vote.

Geography
Marion is located at 42.03778°N, -91.59306°W (42.037649, −91.592925).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.06 sqmi, of which 16.05 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Economy
The Marion Economic Development Corporation, a public–private partnership, was founded in 1984 to support business and economic development in the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 34,768 people, 14,108 households, and 9,308 families living in the city. The population density was 2166.2 PD/sqmi. There were 15,064 housing units at an average density of 938.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94% White, 2.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 14,108 households, of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.0% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the city was 36.1 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.3% were from 25 to 44; 24.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,294 people, 10,458 households, and 7,174 families living in the city. The population density was 2,192.1 PD/sqmi. There were 10,968 housing units at an average density of 914.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.01% White, 0.60% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 10,458 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.00.

Age spread:26.4% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,591, and the median income for a family was $59,110. Males had a median income of $40,766 versus $26,241 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,158. About 3.9% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Museums
The Granger House Museum is a restored middle-class family home, representing the structural design of the American Victorian age. The house, built in the 1840s, showcases an extensive collection that includes many original furnishings. The brick carriage house, built in 1879 next to the Granger home, is an untouched treasure and the only one of its design in the Midwest. The Granger house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and embodies the lifestyle of a middle-class family living in the late 19th century. The museum has guided tours, demonstrations, and seasonal activities bringing the town's history to life.

The Marion Heritage Center is a church building used originally by the Methodists from the 1850s until 1875. Currently it serves as a community center for educational programs. The history of Marion and its citizens are on display, including art exhibits. Lectures, workshops and other cultural events are scheduled to provide insights into the town's past. In 2008 the center became the permanent home for the fresco mural Communication by Mail painting, by the artist Dan Rhodes in 1939. The building is open all year.

Festivals
The Marion Arts Festival is a one-day event showcasing 50 artists from across the country. Continuous live music and specialty food vendors are also featured. There is a 5K run with prizes awarded to the top four winners and for the top three placers in 15 different age categories, thanks to race sponsors. In a less competitive event there is the 5K fun walk. The race uses "chip time technology" allowing every participant to know their exact time to complete the race.

The Swamp Fox Festival and Parade is a celebration of the past and the present, the annual Swamp Fox Festival honors Marion's namesake and Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion, aka the Swamp Fox. Some of the many scheduled events include a golf outing, picnic in the park, live music, craft show, 5K run and fun walk, a pancake breakfast and a community parade.

The Uptown Marion Market features fresh produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, plants, meat, wines, and an array of artisan items. In addition, food vendors onsite offer a variety of take-and-eat items. The market also features live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, children's entertainment, and healthy living programming for all ages.

Sports
Hunters Ridge Golf Course and Country Club is a public golf course featuring bentgrass from tee to green, four sets of tees, 50 bunkers, and 10 water hazards. Hunters Ridge is spread over 400 acres. The front nine winds through a development while holes 10–18 are narrow with many ponds and wetlands entering the field of play.

Indian Creek Golf and Country Club The 9-hole private course and Country Club facility in Marion, Iowa opened in 1926 features 2,680 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 34. The course rating is 35.2 and it has a slope rating of 114 on Rye grass.

Gardner Golf Course is a public course constructed in 1968 and designed by Herman Thompson. Greens are Bent Grass and Fairways are Bluegrass. The course is owned and maintained by Linn County.

Education
Marion is served by three public school districts: Marion Independent School District, Linn-Mar Community School District, and Cedar Rapids Community School District. Two of districts have discussed merging on a number of occasions, dating back to the 1950s. Such a consolidation seems unlikely now, given the size of each school.
 * Public education facilities

Marion ISD encompasses much of the south and east sides of Marion. Linn-Mar, which operates Linn-Mar High School, includes land primarily on Marion's north, west, and far east sides and areas of Cedar Rapids. Linn-Mar is one of the fastest growing school systems in the state of Iowa.

St. Joseph School (of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque)) is a prekindergarten through 8th Grade school founded in 1947. It is a Co-ed school with approximately students enrolled. Grace Baptist School is a K-12 co-ed school with  students enrolled.
 * Private education facilities

Being part of the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area Marion citizens have access to all of the advanced education opportunities that are available in the area. See the Cedar Rapids Education section for more details.

Print
The Gazette is the primary daily newspaper for the Cedar Rapids / Marion metro area.

The Marion Times was a weekly newspaper primarily covering Marion Community and School news.

It folded in 2021.

Transportation
U.S. 151 and Iowa Highway 13 run north-south through Marion. Seventh Avenue is the major arterial road heading toward Cedar Rapids.

Until 1971, the Milwaukee Road operated several streamliner passenger trains from major cities in the west to Chicago in the east, making their Cedar Rapids regional stop at Marion station.

Bus Route 20 of Cedar Rapids Transit serves Marion.

Marion also has a small public airport on the east side of the city limits just south of U.S. 151.

Notable people

 * Carey Bender (born 1972), NFL running back
 * Ray Cheetany (born 1977), All American football player at UNLV and founder of RawTeams.com – The Sports Social Network
 * Cherry Sisters, siblings who formed vaudeville touring act in late 19th century
 * Swati Dandekar, Iowa State Senator District 18
 * W. Franklin Dove, educator
 * George Greene, Justice of Iowa Supreme Court
 * John L. Grindell, Wisconsin State Assemblyman
 * Richard Haines (1906–1984), painter and muralist
 * Bryce Janey, blues rock musician
 * Ben F. Jensen (1892–1970), U.S. Representative for former Iowa's 7th congressional district
 * Christian Joy, fashion designer
 * Frank Lanning, actor
 * Ron Livingston, actor in shows such as Office Space, Sex and the City, Defying Gravity and Band of Brothers
 * Thomas J. McKean, general in Union Army during Civil War
 * Lee Moorhouse, photographer
 * Sarah Lacina, police officer, and winner of Survivor: Game Changers
 * Bob Nielson, football head coach, University of South Dakota
 * Marcus Paige (born 1993), basketball player at University of North Carolina
 * Christopher Reed, former Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
 * Hartzell Spence, writer
 * Kiah Stokes (born 1993), basketball player for University of Connecticut and WNBA's New York Liberty
 * Dale O. Thomas, wrestling coach at Oregon State and member of National Wrestling Hall of Fame
 * Elizabeth Wilson, member of the Iowa House of Representatives
 * Marshal Yanda, former eight-time Pro Bowl NFL offensive lineman, has resided in Marion with his family in the off-season

title: Marion, Iowa


text:
Mount Vernon, Iowa

Mount Vernon is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States, adjacent to the city of Lisbon. The population was 4,527 at the time of the 2020 census. Mount Vernon is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Mount Vernon was laid out in 1847, but its origins date back to at least 1838, when it was known as Pinhook, a rest stop on Military Road, which ran between Dubuque, on the Mississippi River, and Iowa City. It was renamed Mount Vernon in 1847, after the estate of George Washington. A post office has been in operation in Mount Vernon since 1849. The Iowa Conference (Methodist) Male and Female Seminary (which later became Cornell College) was established in the town in 1853, and the Northwestern Railroad reached it in 1859, bringing new business to the town as its population expanded.

Geography
Mount Vernon is located at 41.92417°N, -91.41972°W (41.924096, -91.419679). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.50 sqmi, of which 3.49 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

The most prominent geographic feature of Mount Vernon is the "mountain" on which it sits. This "mountain" is actually a paha, a ridge formed of sand and loess along the line of the prevailing wind during the ice ages. The Mount Vernon paha is roughly one mile (2 km) long and 1/4 mile (1/2 km) wide, aligned along a roughly northwest to southeast axis and rising up to 100 feet (30 m) above the surrounding landscape. Uptown Mount Vernon is aligned with the southeast end of the ridge crest, while the campus of Cornell College crowns the northwest end of the ridge.

Transportation
The town is located on significant transportation corridors, both current and historical. The main line of the Union Pacific Railroad passes through the city, and the town is located on the historic Lincoln Highway. U.S. Route 30 and Iowa Highway 1 intersect in the southern part of town. Passenger train service was once provided by the Chicago and North Western Railway from a station in the north of town. The CRANDIC interurban electric railway ran from Cedar Rapids, through downtown Mount Vernon, and ended in nearby Lisbon. The interurban ran from 1914 to 1928 and took 45 minutes to travel to the western terminus of Cedar Rapids. Nearby stops included Bertram, the Palisades and Cornell College.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 4,506 people in 1,353 households, including 894 families, in the city. The population density was 1291.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,397 housing units at an average density of 400.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 95.0% White, 0.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9%.

Of the 1,353 households 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.9% were non-families. 26.5% of households were one person and 8.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median age was 24.4 years. 22.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 27.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.7% were from 25 to 44; 20.1% were from 45 to 64; and 9.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
The city's population was 3,390 when the 2000 census figures were released, but that number was later revised to 3,808 because the Census Bureau had incorrectly reported that 418 residents of Cornell College dormitories in Mount Vernon lived in the nearby city of Bertram.

At the 2000 census there were 3,390 people in 1,129 households, including 795 families, in the city. The population density was 973.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,192 housing units at an average density of 342.1 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 97.05% White, 0.65% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94%.

Of the 1,129 households 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 23.3% of households were one person and 7.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.09.

The age spread: 25.6% under the age of 18, 20.5% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% 65 or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.

The median household income was $51,228 and the median family income was $59,205. Males had a median income of $39,402 versus $27,358 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,027. About 4.1% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
Located on Highway 30, is local artist Mark Benesh's rendition of Grant Wood's American Gothic, on the side of a barn.

Annual events
A sidewalk chalk festival, Chalk the Walk, has taken place in Mount Vernon each May starting in 2006. Several blocks in Uptown Mount Vernon are closed to traffic, and people from all over are encouraged to create their own artwork on more than 4000 sqft of the main street. The event attracts over 300 artists and requires more than a half-ton of chalk. Artists register to color an 8' x 10' section of pavement with their own design. Although participation is free, cash prizes are awarded for these large drawings. Each year there is also one large collaborative piece of art that is 20' by 40'. Interested participants recreate a single 2' by 2' square of the image; the result is an image colored with pastel chalk by dozens of artists of all ages and abilities. Chalk the Walk is Iowa's largest annual Madonnari Festival.

Magical Night, a downtown Christmas festival, takes place in December.

Other events include the Chocolate Stroll, Heritage Days, Chili Cook-Off, and Uptown Thursday Nights.

Popular culture
In the October 2009 edition of Budget Travel Magazine in an article entitled America's Coolest Small Towns, Mount Vernon was included as one of the ten towns. A quote from the magazine. "Every now and then, you stumble upon a town that's gotten everything right—great coffee, food with character, shop owners with purpose."

Education
Mount Vernon is the home of Cornell College, a liberal arts institution with an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. Cornell's entire campus is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mount Vernon has an elementary school, middle school, and high school all situated on the Mount Vernon Community School District campus. The newest building of the three, Mount Vernon's high school, was built in 2006. Previously, the high school was situated at the current middle school. The middle school at the time, however, instead was located uptown in what is now the First Street Community Center. In the United States general elections, 2006, Cornell College political science professor David Loebsack was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in an upset victory over 15-term incumbent Jim Leach.

Notable people

 * Leo Beranek (1914–2016), MIT professor, scientist & businessman, attended college in Mount Vernon
 * Dan Bern (b. 1959), folk musician
 * Tristan Wirfs (b. 1999), National Football League player
 * Jack Cochrane (b. 1999), National Football League player
 * Peter Kollman (1944–2001), chemist and professor
 * Jefferson White (b. 1989)

title: Mount Vernon, Iowa


text:
Palo, Iowa

Palo is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,407 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Palo is located near Pleasant Creek State Recreation Park.

History
In 1849 a regional post office was named by Marion resident Dr. Bardwell, shortly after the Battle of Palo Alto in the Mexican-American War. Dr. Bardwell, used the short name Palo. The town was surveyed in 1854 and the first building in Palo was built in the same year and the town took its name from the local post office.

Floods of 2008
Palo suffered severe damage during the 2008 flood. Approximately 980 residents, the entirety of the town, were ordered to abandon their homes and businesses. The mandatory evacuation was ordered by the Linn County Emergency Management department, due to flooding from the Cedar River.

Geography
Palo is located at 42.06222°N, -91.79306°W (42.062201, -91.793126).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.43 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,026 people, 358 households, and 292 families living in the city. The population density was 717.5 PD/sqmi. There were 372 housing units at an average density of 260.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.6% White, 0.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 358 households, of which 48.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.6% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 18.4% were non-families. 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.13.

The median age in the city was 32.4 years. 32.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 34% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 6.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.6% male and 48.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 614 people, 247 households, and 170 families living in the city. The population density was 490.4 PD/sqmi. There were 251 housing units at an average density of 200.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.70% White, 0.16% African American, 0.16% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.65% of the population.

There were 247 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $53,558, and the median income for a family was $58,571. Males had a median income of $39,167 versus $24,044 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,429. About 1.1% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Palo is in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

Zoned schools for Palo:
 * Elementary schools: Viola Gibson
 * Secondary schools: Harding Middle School and Kennedy High School

title: Palo, Iowa


text:
Prairieburg, Iowa

Prairieburg is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 160 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Prairieburg was laid out in 2021.

Geography
Prairieburg is located at 42.23778°N, -91.42444°W (42.237829, -91.424416).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.46 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 178 people, 75 households, and 53 families living in the city. The population density was 387.0 PD/sqmi. There were 78 housing units at an average density of 169.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 75 households, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.3% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the city was 47.1 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.2% were from 25 to 44; 32% were from 45 to 64; and 19.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 175 people, 69 households, and 54 families living in the city. The population density was 384.8 PD/sqmi. There were 72 housing units at an average density of 158.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 69 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.7% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 38.3% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,750, and the median income for a family was $39,063. Males had a median income of $40,750 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,197. About 10.6% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.4% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Education
The Central City Community School District operates local area public schools.

Utilities
Telephone and Internet is provided by Hilliary Communications

title: Prairieburg, Iowa


text:
Robins, Iowa

Robins is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,353 at the time of the 2020 census. It is a suburb of Cedar Rapids and part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Robins is located at 42.07278°N, -91.66861°W (42.072916, -91.668538).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.84 sqmi, of which 5.83 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,142 people, 1,034 households, and 911 families living in the city. The population density was 538.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,072 housing units at an average density of 183.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.6% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 1,034 households, of which 46.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.8% were married couples living together, 1.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 11.9% were non-families. 8.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 3.23.

The median age in the city was 39.1 years. 31.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 31.6% were from 45 to 64; and 8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.1% male and 48.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,806 people, 592 households, and 520 families living in the city. The population density was 472.3 PD/sqmi. There were 603 housing units at an average density of 157.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.17% White, 0.17% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 1.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 592 households, out of which 46.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.6% were married couples living together, 2.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.0% were non-families. 9.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.0% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 5.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $74,211, and the median income for a family was $76,666. Males had a median income of $51,520 versus $33,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,078. About 0.4% of families and 1.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
Most of Robins is in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

Zoned schools for Robins:
 * Elementary schools: Hiawatha and Nixon elementaries in Hiawatha
 * Secondary schools: Harding Middle School and Kennedy High School

title: Robins, Iowa


text:
Springville, Iowa

Springville is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,154 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Springville was laid out on March 22, 1856 by surveyor Samuel W. Durham, under the direction of original settlers Hosea White, Moses P. Wynans, J. P. Hoffman, and Joseph S. Butler.

Geography
Springville is located at 42.05694°N, -91.44417°W (42.057062, -91.444228).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.72 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,074 people, 442 households, and 313 families living in the city. The population density was 1491.7 PD/sqmi. There were 462 housing units at an average density of 641.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.9% White, 0.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 442 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.2% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 39.3 years. 22% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.3% were from 25 to 44; 27% were from 45 to 64; and 14.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,091 people, 429 households, and 293 families living in the city. The population density was 1,467.7 PD/sqmi. There were 444 housing units at an average density of 597.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.44% White, 0.09% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.55% of the population.

There were 429 households, out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.08.

28.0% are under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,567, and the median income for a family was $53,088. Males had a median income of $33,000 versus $25,129 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,429. About 2.7% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.1% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Springville, Iowa


text:
Walker, Iowa

Walker is a city in Linn County, Iowa. The population was 688 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa metropolitan area.

History
Walker began as an outgrowth of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. It was named in honor of W. W. Walker, chief engineer of the railroad.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.77 sqmi, of which 0.76 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 791 people, 289 households, and 215 families living in the city. The population density was 1040.8 PD/sqmi. There were 309 housing units at an average density of 406.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 289 households, of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.6% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.18.

The median age in the city was 34 years. 32.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.5% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 12.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 750 people, 273 households, and 197 families living in the city. The population density was 1,066.1 PD/sqmi. There were 286 housing units at an average density of 406.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.67% White, 0.27% African American, 0.53% Native American, and 0.53% from two or more races.

There were 273 households, out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.6% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 22.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.23.

30.7% were under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,438, and the median income for a family was $50,556. Males had a median income of $34,271 versus $23,618 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,258. About 4.1% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The North Linn Community School District operates area public schools. Just north of Walker was Cono Christian School, an international boarding school, founded by Max Belz in 1948, now used as a summer camp and retreat center.

Notable people

 * Clifton Brady, Seattle-based architect
 * Luella Klein, obstetrician-gynecologist
 * Joel Belz, journalist, publisher

title: Walker, Iowa


text:
Columbus City, Iowa

Columbus City is a city in western Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 392 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Columbus City was platted in the 1840s.

Geography
Columbus City is located two miles southwest of Columbus Junction and the Iowa River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 391 people in 146 households, including 99 families, in the city. The population density was 1629.2 PD/sqmi. There were 155 housing units at an average density of 645.8 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 74.2% White, 3.1% Asian, 22.0% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 41.9%.

Of the 146 households 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.2% were non-families. 24.7% of households were one person and 14.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.15.

The median age was 38.1 years. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.3% were from 45 to 64; and 15.6% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 376 people in 135 households, including 91 families, in the city. The population density was 1,613.4 PD/sqmi. There were 138 housing units at an average density of 592.1 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 74.47% White, 0.27% Asian, 22.87% from other races, and 2.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33.24%.

Of the 135 households 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 28.9% of households were one person and 17.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.49.

Age spread: 31.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.

The median household income was $32,188 and the median family income was $39,167. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $22,232 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,468. About 7.3% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Margaret Cleaves (1848–1917), physician

title: Columbus City, Iowa


text:
Columbus Junction, Iowa

Columbus Junction is a city in Louisa County, Iowa. The population was 1,830 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Columbus Junction is home of the historic Swinging Bridge, found one block south of Highway 92 near downtown. The 262-foot-long steel cable and wood suspension bridge was built in 1922 as an elevated walkway connecting Third and Fourth streets.

The Columbus Community School District (which serves Columbus Junction, Columbus City, Fredonia, Cotter, Conesville, and other surrounding townships) is based in Columbus Junction. The school's colors are blue and white and their mascot is a wildcat.

The city's largest employer is a Tyson Foods meat processing plant located just north of the city on Highway 70.

History
Columbus Junction began as a settlement located at the intersection of two railroad lines. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (also known as the Rock Island [Line]) built an east–west line through the area in 1858, and the perpendicular north–south Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Minnesota Railroad (BCR&M) line was built in 1870.

The first local business, a restaurant and boarding house imported via the Rock Island from Muscatine, Iowa, opened the day after a BCR&M train made the inaugural stop and crossing of the newly completed intersection. Just a month later, on March 12, 1870, the town was platted.

Neighboring Columbus City had been established before the railroads arrived and both the Rock Island and BCR&M had built their lines over a mile's distance away. Because they had invested in the latter line, they were permitted to name the new town, and so it became Columbus Junction.

The largest sustained period of growth for Columbus Junction was from 1960 to 2000, driven primarily by job creation in meat processing. From 1961 to 1982 Rath Packing Company operated a hog processing plant just north of the city. In 1985 the facility reopened under the ownership of IBP, and in 2001 was bought by Tyson Foods.

Immigration has played a strong role in the history of Columbus Junction. The most recent wave of immigrants includes refugees from the Chin State of Myanmar (Burma). Many of them work in the meat processing plants.

The Iowa Flood of 2008 impacted Columbus Junction along with many other towns and cities. The damage dealt by the inundation affected 29 businesses and non-profits, but the community has since been able to recover.

Geography
Columbus Junction is located between the cities of Columbus City and Fredonia. It lies at the confluence of two rivers, the Iowa and the Cedar.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.19 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,899 people, 687 households, and 468 families residing in the city. The population density was 867.1 PD/sqmi. There were 760 housing units at an average density of 347.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 74.2% White, 1.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 17.4% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 48.0% of the population.

There were 687 households, of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.9% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.28.

The median age in the city was 35.9 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.8% male and 48.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,900 people, 691 households, and 487 families residing in the city. The population density was 879.6 PD/sqmi. There were 748 housing units at an average density of 346.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.32% White, 0.58% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 12.37% from other races, and 1.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 39.00% of the population.

There were 691 households, out of which 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.24.

28.6% are under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,167, and the median income for a family was $42,188. Males had a median income of $27,841 versus $22,566 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,314. About 9.7% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Bill Orr, former First Gentleman of Nebraska (1987-1991), raised in Columbus Junction.
 * Billie Ray, wife of Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray and First Lady of Iowa; born in Columbus Junction in 1928.
 * Karl Weber, television and radio actor who starred in Maverick, Perry Mason, Dr. Kildare and other shows in the 20th century, was born in Columbus Junction.

title: Columbus Junction, Iowa


text:
Cotter, Iowa

Cotter is a city in western Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 39 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Cotter, originally called Cotterville, was laid out in 1878 by Margaret E. Cotter. It was located along the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.

Geography
Cotter is located on Iowa Highway 92 approximately 5.5 miles west of Columbus Junction and one mile east of the Louisa-Washington county line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 48 people in 19 households, including 14 families, in the city. The population density was 192.0 PD/sqmi. There were 24 housing units at an average density of 96.0 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 29.2%.

Of the 19 households 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.2% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.3% were non-families. 26.3% of households were one person and 5.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age was 44.5 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23% were from 25 to 44; 39.6% were from 45 to 64; and 8.3% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 33.3% male and 66.7% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 48 people in 19 households, including 14 families, in the city. The population density was 205.3 PD/sqmi. There were 19 housing units at an average density of 81.2 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 85.42% White, 4.17% African American, 10.42% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.58%.

Of the 19 households 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.2% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 10.5% of households were one person and none had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.79.

The age distribution was 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 166.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 125.0 males.

The median household income was $41,250 and the median family income was $26,250. Males had a median income of $34,375 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,879. There were 11.1% of families and 18.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including 37.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Cotter, Iowa


text:
Fredonia, Iowa

Fredonia is a city in Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 222 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Fredonia was laid out in 1836, by Alvin Clark, who had a squatters claim on the land and was surveyed by John Gilliland. It is located on the east side of the Iowa River, immediately below the junction of the Iowa and Cedar rivers. It is a part of section 20, township 75, range 4 west. It is said Alvin Clark and his brother Gibbs were the first settlers in Fredonia. As such it is one of the oldest continuously-incorporated towns in Iowa. It is sometimes claimed that Fredonia came near being the capital of Iowa and only lost by 1 vote. This however, was not a truly serious consideration in the House of Representatives, as many other names were being brought up at the time.

Geography
Fredonia is located just east of the confluence of the Iowa River and the Cedar River. The community of Columbus Junction lies to the southwest across the Iowa River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.17 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 244 people, 83 households, and 58 families residing in the city. The population density was 1435.3 PD/sqmi. There were 93 housing units at an average density of 547.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 74.6% White, 0.4% African American, 2.0% Native American, 2.5% Asian, 19.3% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 43.9% of the population.

There were 83 households, of which 44.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.1% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.53.

The median age in the city was 29 years. 34.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 21.3% were from 45 to 64; and 9.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.9% male and 47.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 251 people, 87 households, and 64 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,635.7 PD/sqmi. There were 92 housing units at an average density of 599.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.06% White, 7.97% from other races, and 5.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31.47% of the population.

There were 87 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.40.

32.3% are under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,250, and the median income for a family was $28,750. Males had a median income of $25,625 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,380. About 7.6% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 4.2% of those 65 or over.

title: Fredonia, Iowa


text:
Grandview, Iowa

Grandview is a city in Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 437 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Grandview was laid out in 1841 by Alvin Clark and Robert Childers.

Grandview was seriously affected by an EF3 tornado on June 1, 2007, which damaged or destroyed dozens of houses and impacted other parts of the city.

Geography
Grandview is located one half mile east of the junction of US Route 61 and Iowa Highway 92. Wapello is six miles to the south and Muscatine is approximately 12 miles to the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.23 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 556 people, 207 households, and 154 families living in the city. The population density was 2417.4 PD/sqmi. There were 233 housing units at an average density of 1013.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.3% White, 0.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 4.0% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.5% of the population.

There were 207 households, of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.6% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 34.4 years. 28.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 600 people, 204 households, and 157 families living in the city. The population density was 3,093.0 PD/sqmi. There were 216 housing units at an average density of 1,113.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.83% White, 0.50% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.50% Pacific Islander, 4.00% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.33% of the population.

There were 204 households, out of which 44.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.28.

32.0% were under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,625, and the median income for a family was $38,500. Males had a median income of $35,682 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,152. About 7.5% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Louisa–Muscatine Community School District operates the area public schools for this municipality.

Notable people

 * Murray Wier (1926-2016), University of Iowa basketball star, NBA player

title: Grandview, Iowa


text:
Letts, Iowa

Letts is a city in northern Louisa County, Iowa, United States, established in 1855. The population was 363 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area. The name is taken from that of local benefactor, Nehemiah Madison Letts (b. 1818 Licking, Ohio – d. 1894 Grandview, Iowa).

Geography
Letts is located one-half mile south of the Louisa-Muscatine county line and two miles west of US Route 61.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.59 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 384 people, 148 households, and 110 families residing in the city. The population density was 650.8 PD/sqmi. There were 153 housing units at an average density of 259.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.8% White, 0.5% Native American, 1.8% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.2% of the population.

There were 148 households, of which 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.7% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 37.3 years. 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 28% were from 45 to 64; and 15.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 392 people, 146 households, and 113 families residing in the city. The population density was 706.3 PD/sqmi. There were 151 housing units at an average density of 272.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.68% White, 0.51% African American, 1.02% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.77% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.06% of the population.

There were 146 households, out of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,188, and the median income for a family was $40,750. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,285. About 4.4% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
Louisa–Muscatine Community School District operates the area public schools for this municipality.

Some rural areas in proximity to Letts are zoned to the Muscatine Community School District. Muscatine High School is the district's high school.

title: Letts, Iowa


text:
Morning Sun, Iowa

Morning Sun is a city in Morning Sun Township, Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 752 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Morning Sun was laid out in 1851 by Cicero Hamilton.

Geography
Morning Sun is located on the north side of Iowa Highway 78 approximately 1.5 miles north of the Louisa-Des Moines county line. Wapello is about six miles north.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.80 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 836 people, 314 households, and 220 families living in the city. The population density was 1045.0 PD/sqmi. There were 360 housing units at an average density of 450.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.3% White, 0.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 314 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.9% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the city was 39.8 years. 25.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 18.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 872 people, 338 households, and 239 families living in the city. The population density was 1,119.5 PD/sqmi. There were 366 housing units at an average density of 469.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.36% White, 0.11% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 1.38% from other races, and 0.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.78% of the population.

There were 338 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,727, and the median income for a family was $43,173. Males had a median income of $32,107 versus $20,313 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,041. About 8.3% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Jack Hamilton, Major League Baseball Player
 * Clifford Roberts, co-founder with Bobby Jones of the Augusta National Golf Club and Chairman of the Masters Tournament from 1934 through 1976

title: Morning Sun, Iowa


text:
Oakville, Iowa

Oakville is a city in southeastern Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 200 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Oakville was laid out in 1891.

Geography
Oakville is located just north of Iowa Route X99 and the Iowa River passes about one-half mile to the northwest. The Louisa-Des Moines county line is two miles to the south. Wapello is about six miles to the northwest and Keithsburg, Illinois is across the Mississippi River approximately five mile to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.43 sqmi, of which 0.42 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 173 people in 62 households, including 42 families, in the city. The population density was 411.9 PD/sqmi. There were 95 housing units at an average density of 226.2 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 97.7% White, 0.6% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9%.

Of the 62 households 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 12.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.3% were non-families. 29.0% of households were one person and 12.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.36.

The median age was 28.3 years. 37% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 20.3% were from 45 to 64; and 9.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 439 people in 179 households, including 119 families, in the city. The population density was 1,044.8 PD/sqmi. There were 193 housing units at an average density of 459.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 99.32% White, 0.46% Asian, and 0.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91%.

Of the 179 households 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.5% were non-families. 28.5% of households were one person and 12.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 26.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.

The median household income was $29,018 and the median family income was $32,250. Males had a median income of $31,346 versus $21,389 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,276. About 3.0% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Wapello Community School District operates area public schools.

June 2008 flooding
Due to the catastrophic statewide major flooding of June 2008, the recovery of the city is under question.

title: Oakville, Iowa


text:
Wapello, Iowa

Wapello is a city in and the county seat of Louisa County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,084 at the time of the 2020 census.

Wapello is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Wapello was platted in the late 1830s.

The city's namesake is Wapello, a Meskwaki chief.

Geography
Wapello is located on the west side of the Iowa River. US Route 61 passes through the community.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.34 sqmi, of which 1.29 sqmi is land and 0.05 sqmi is water. Wapello is on the Iowa River.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,067 people, 825 households, and 544 families living in the city. The population density was 1602.3 PD/sqmi. There were 889 housing units at an average density of 689.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% White, 0.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 3.4% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.2% of the population.

There were 825 households, of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.1% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 17.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female. Zach Odle & Zach Grimm are both from Wapello.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,124 people, 836 households, and 572 families living in the city. The population density was 1,688.3 PD/sqmi. There were 893 housing units at an average density of 709.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.28% White, 0.09% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 2.82% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.92% of the population.

There were 836 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.02.

25.0% are under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,556, and the median income for a family was $45,395. Males had a median income of $31,346 versus $21,220 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,947. About 10.0% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.4% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over. Zach Odle and Zach Grimm are also both from Wapello.

Education
The Wapello Community School District operates area public schools.

Notable person

 * Edwin Richley Hicklin, United States federal judge

title: Wapello, Iowa


text:
Chariton, Iowa

Chariton is a city in, and the county seat of, Lucas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 4,193 at the 2020 census. Lucas is the primary distribution center for and the former corporate headquarters of the Hy-Vee supermarket chain.

History
Chariton was platted in 1850. Chariton was the name of a French trader.

Hotel Charitone
Designed by local architect William L. Perkins and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the development of Chariton as a county seat, the Hotel Charitone is listed by the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance as one of the most endangered sites in Iowa. The hotel is currently undergoing restoration with the majority of the hotel being converted into apartments.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.82 sqmi, all land.

The Lucas County Courthouse is the highest point of elevation in the whole town.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Chariton has a hot-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,321 people, 1,861 households, and 1,109 families living in the city. The population density was 1131.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,114 housing units at an average density of 553.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 1,861 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 42.1 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 21.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,573 people, 1,936 households, and 1,192 families living in the city. The population density was 1,238.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,155 housing units at an average density of 583.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.88% White, 0.15% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87% of the population.

There were 1,936 households, out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.92.

Age spread: 24.6% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 22.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,844, and the median income for a family was $37,935. Males had a median income of $32,265 versus $21,981 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,553. About 6.6% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.5% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Chariton School District is the only school district in the county since 2008, when the Russell School District closed. There are two elementary schools, Columbus Elementary (K-2 grades) and Van Allen Elementary (3–5 grades); one middle school, Chariton Middle School (6–8 grades); and one high school, Chariton High School (9–12). The high school athletic teams are called the Chargers.

Air Service
Owned by the City of Chariton and located 3 miles west of Chariton on US Highway 34, the Chariton Municipal Airport has served the city and Lucas County since April 1947.

Highways
Chariton is located on  U.S. Route 34, which runs east and west to each side of the state. The city is also served by Iowa Highway 14.

Notable people

 * Paul Engebretsen, National Football League player
 * Everett Gendler, rabbi, social activist, and author
 * Theodore Heck, Catholic Benedictine priest, academy president, educator
 * T. J. Hockenson, National Football League player for the Minnesota Vikings
 * Leo Hoegh, former governor
 * Nick Mundy, star of TLC's new hit show, "You, Me, and my Ex."
 * Lyle Tuttle, tattoo artist and tattoo historian
 * Mortimer Wilson, composer
 * Gordon Willey, anthropologist

title: Chariton, Iowa


text:
Derby, Iowa

Derby is a city in Lucas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 90 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Derby was platted in 1872.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 115 people, 47 households, and 31 families living in the city. The population density was 442.3 PD/sqmi. There were 55 housing units at an average density of 211.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.1% White and 0.9% from two or more races.

There were 47 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.0% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 41.5 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 31.3% were from 45 to 64; and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.3% male and 48.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 131 people, 53 households, and 34 families living in the city. The population density was 497.6 PD/sqmi. There were 63 housing units at an average density of 239.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 53 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.3 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 110.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,667, and the median income for a family was $31,250. Males had a median income of $23,333 versus $14,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,605. There were 6.1% of families and 4.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 9.5% of those over 64.

Education
Mormon Trail Community School District operates schools serving the community.

Notable person
Lester J. Dickinson, U.S. Representative from Iowa's 10th district and U.S. Senator from Iowa was born in Derby.

title: Derby, Iowa


text:
Lucas, Iowa

Lucas is a city in Lucas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 172 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company established a station at Lucas in 1866, named after Lucas County and Robert Lucas. A plat for the town was filed on May 9, 1868 and the town was incorporated on March 18, 1887. The town grew slowly until coal was discovered in the area.

In 1876, the Whitebreast Coal and Mining Company began working a 250 ft shaft one mile (1.6 km) east of Lucas. This proved successful, and in 1878, they platted a company town there, which they named Cleveland 41.03256°N, -93.44409°W. By 1880, Cleveland had a population of 380, and the first mine was producing 650 to 700 tons of coal per day by the labor of 280 miners and 33 mule drivers. A second mine was opened 3/4 mile from the first, and the two mines sold coal to the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and several other railroads to the south and west. The Cleveland post office was open from 1877 to 1891 and then reopened between 1899 and 1908. Very little remained of Cleveland by the 1930s.

In 1893, the Lucas Coal Company was working a two-foot coal seam 83 ft down, employing 24 men.

The Big Hill mine in Lucas worked a 4 ft coal seam 274 ft below the surface using room and pillar methods, with a shaft not far from the Burlington station. This mine was closed in April 1904 and stripped of equipment, but by mid-1905, plans were in place to reopen it. The reopening lasted until 1907, when the mine was again closed, as the rock directly above the coal was sandstone and it was saturated with water. This mine is noteworthy because John L Lewis got his first coal mining job here, before going on to head the United Mine Workers of America.

United Mine Workers local 799 was organized in Lucas in 1899; its membership was 121 in 1902, but it fell to 57 in 1907 and just 24 in 1912. UMW local 1120 was organized in Cleveland in 1899; membership was 350 in 1902, fell to 125 in 1907 and no membership was reported in 1912. Mine wages varied from $2.36 to $2.56 per day in Cleveland in 1907 (there are no wage figures for Lucas that year).

In 1919, Lucas was home to the second most productive coal mine in Iowa, Mine No. 2 of the Central Iowa Fuel Company. This produced 217,169 tons of coal that year and employed 360 men. The last coal mine in the Lucas area was the Iowa-Nebraska Mine, closed in 1923. This mine was located about 1.5 mi southwest of Lucas (41.01407°N, -93.48056°W). The former mine site is now in the Lucas Unit of the Stephens State Forest. The site is now the site of Mine Pond and the Mine Pond Campground in the state forest. This forest was a base of operations for the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The CCC established the pine and hardwood forest that now dominates this land.

Geography
Lucas is located on the north bank of White Breast Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River that flows east through the Southern Iowa drift plain.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.98 sqmi, of which 0.97 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 216 people, 89 households, and 59 families residing in the city. The population density was 222.7 PD/sqmi. There were 112 housing units at an average density of 115.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.4% White, 0.5% African American, and 4.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 89 households, of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.7% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 47.4 years. 22.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.7% were from 25 to 44; 34.2% were from 45 to 64; and 19.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.2% male and 46.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 243 people, 95 households, and 68 families residing in the city. The population density was 251.4 PD/sqmi. There were 101 housing units at an average density of 104.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.77% White, 0.82% Asian, and 0.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.

There were 95 households, out of which 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $26,458 versus $21,607 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,145. About 6.9% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Education
Chariton Community School District serves the community. The district operates Chariton High School.

Notable people

 * George Bennard, composer of "The Old Rugged Cross"
 * John L. Lewis, president of the UMW

title: Lucas, Iowa