text:
Russell, Iowa

Russell is a city in Lucas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 472 in the 2020 census, a decline from the 559 population in 2000.

History
Russell was incorporated as a city on April 25, 1887.

The town was originally settled by German and Irish settlers in the 1850s. By the early 1860s the town of Russell had been made into a farming community and provided a source of food for surrounding communities. After being incorporated, a railway and railroad grain-tower were constructed along the town's edge allowing excess produce to be travelled elsewhere on the frontier.

In 1935, the town suffered a fire on the town square that burned down the eastern side and killed 3 people.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 554 people, 212 households, and 146 families residing in the city. The population density was 532.7 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 240.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% White, 0.4% African American, 2.2% Native American, and 0.5% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 212 households, of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.1% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% 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 3.10.

The median age in the city was 39.4 years. 29.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.7% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 559 people, 239 households, and 144 families residing in the city. The population density was 539.7 PD/sqmi. There were 265 housing units at an average density of 255.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.57% White, 0.18% Native American, 0.36% Asian, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.36% of the population.

There were 239 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,125, and the median income for a family was $29,688. Males had a median income of $26,094 versus $16,406 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,093. About 16.5% of families and 23.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 42.6% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
The city is within the Chariton Community School District, which operates Chariton High School.

The Russell Community School District at one time maintained its own K-12 school, with a five-member board of education overseeing operation of the district. Athletic teams were known as the Trojans.

The Russell School District was forced to close in 2008, making it the second time this happened in the state of Iowa; the other was Hedrick in 1990. The Iowa Board of Education cited the district's financial problems, which left Russell school officials unable to provide students with a first-rate education.

Notable people

 * Rich Arnold (born 1945), Iowa House Representative 1995–current (2011)
 * George McGill (1879–1963), United States Senator from Kansas 1930–39
 * Paul McKinley Iowa Senator 2001–2013

title: Russell, Iowa


text:
Williamson, Iowa

Williamson is a city in Lucas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 120 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Williamson is named for its founder, George E. Williamson.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 Census, the total population was 120 people. The population density was 375 people per square mile, spread over 0.32 miles. Of those 120 people, the median age was 29.5 years old, with 41.8% of the town's population under the age of 18, 52.8% between the ages of 18 and 64, and 5.4% of the population over the age of 65. There were a total of 57 households, with an average of 4.67 people per household.

51% of the town's population was male, with the remaining 49% of the population female. The racial makeup of the town was 96.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic, and the remaining 0.9% identified as other.

61.9% of the population of the town is identified as currently married.

90.4% of the Williamson population has received a high school degree, which is 2.2 percentage points lower than the rest of the state. Williamson has a lower-than-average percentage of the population having received college degrees, with only 1% of the town's population having received a bachelor's degree compared to the state average of 30.5%.

6.5% of the town's population were veterans.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 152 people, 63 households, and 40 families living in the city. The population density was 475.0 PD/sqmi. There were 82 housing units at an average density of 256.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.1% White, 0.7% African American, and 3.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.6% of the population.

There were 63 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.9% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 14.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.5% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.4% were from 25 to 44; 30.2% were from 45 to 64; and 17.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 55.9% male and 44.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 163 people, 71 households, and 46 families living in the city. The population density was 510.3 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 263.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 71 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $20,000, and the median income for a family was $25,833. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,456. About 28.6% of families and 26.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 18.8% of those 65 or over.

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

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

title: Williamson, Iowa


text:
Alvord, Iowa

Alvord is a city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States. The population was 206 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Alvord is located at 43.34222°N, -96.30361°W (43.342324, -96.303715).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 196 people, 79 households, and 54 families living in the city. The population density was 700.0 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 303.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.8% White, 8.2% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.2% of the population.

There were 79 households, of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.8% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% 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 3.04.

The median age in the city was 38.5 years. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 28.1% were from 45 to 64; and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 187 people, 75 households, and 54 families living in the city. The population density was 684.8 PD/sqmi. There were 80 housing units at an average density of 292.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 75 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.3% were married couples living together, 2.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% 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 3.02.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $41,786. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,300. None of the families and 2.0% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 16.7% of those over 64.

Notable person

 * Agnes Allen, pitcher and outfielder who played from 1950 to 1953 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

title: Alvord, Iowa


text:
Doon, Iowa

Doon is a city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States, along the Rock River. The population was 619 at the time of the 2020 census. The BNSF Railway passes through Doon.

History
Located on a plateau on the eastern bank of the Rock River, the city was named after the River Doon in Scotland, made famous as the subject of Robert Burns' poem, "The Banks O' Doon". Founded by G. W. Bowers and A. H. Davison on September 6, 1889, the railway town was connected first by the Rock Valley Railway, followed by the Iowa & Dakota Railroad. The city was incorporated on March 8, 1892.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.57 sqmi, all land.

The Rock River, a tributary of the Big Sioux River, flows past the north and west sides of the town and the Little Rock River flows past to the south to join The Rock just southwest of the community.

The city is served by U.S. Route 75, three miles east of Doon, connected by Iowa Highway 167. The Burlington Northern passes the west side of the community.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 577 people, 214 households, and 150 families living in the city. The population density was 1012.3 PD/sqmi. There were 224 housing units at an average density of 393.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.6% White, 1.2% from other races, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 214 households, of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.8% were married couples living together, 1.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.9% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.33.

The median age in the city was 32.5 years. 30.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 20.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.6% male and 45.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 533 people, 202 households, and 151 families living in the city. The population density was 924.1 PD/sqmi. There were 217 housing units at an average density of 376.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.81% White and 0.19% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.38% of the population.

There were 202 households, out of which 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.8% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 22.8% 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 2.64 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.0% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,281, and the median income for a family was $39,773. Males had a median income of $26,607 versus $19,286 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,698. About 6.4% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Doon is served by the Central Lyon Community School District.

Notable person

 * Frederick Manfred, author

title: Doon, Iowa


text:
George, Iowa

George is a city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States, along the Little Rock River. The population was 1,077 at the time of the 2020 census. The ZIP Code for George is 51237.

Geography
George is located at 43.3425°N, -96.00111°W (43.342523, -96.001157).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.41 sqmi, of which 2.40 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,080 people, 451 households, and 302 families living in the city. The population density was 450.0 PD/sqmi. There were 504 housing units at an average density of 210.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.5% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 451 households, of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.0% were non-families. 29.9% 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 2.30 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 46.9 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 22.8% were from 45 to 64; and 29.3% 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 1,051 people, 477 households, and 294 families living in the city. The population density was 439.5 PD/sqmi. There were 532 housing units at an average density of 222.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.33% White, 0.19% African American, 0.19% from other races, and 0.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.57% of the population.

There were 477 households, out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.2% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.74.

19.0% are under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 18.7% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 34.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 livers age 18 and over, there were 77.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,375, and the median income for a family was $40,250. Males had a median income of $30,833 versus $18,350 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,733. About 6.9% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
George and the nearby city of Little Rock share the George–Little Rock Community School District, formed on July 1, 1990, by the merger of the George and Little Rock school districts.

George has an elementary school and the George–Little Rock Senior High School. Little Rock has the GLR Middle School combined with an elementary school.

Notable person

 * Bob Locker, MLB pitcher for four teams from 1965 to 1975

title: George, Iowa


text:
Inwood, Iowa

Inwood is a city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States. The population was 928 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Inwood's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.308770, -96.432531.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 1.34 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 814 people, 341 households, and 236 families living in the city. The population density was 607.5 PD/sqmi. There were 373 housing units at an average density of 278.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.9% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 341 households, of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.8% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the city was 41.3 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 22.9% were from 45 to 64; and 24.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 875 people, 334 households, and 234 families living in the city. The population density was 658.0 PD/sqmi. There were 365 housing units at an average density of 274.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.26% White, 0.46% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 1.03% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.83% of the population.

There were 334 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.3% 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 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,889, and the median income for a family was $41,667. Males had a median income of $29,408 versus $23,611 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,651. About 6.8% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Robert A. Dahl, (1915-2014) political scientist and Sterling professor at Yale.
 * Kyle Vanden Bosch (1978– ) defensive end for the Detroit Lions, a West Lyon Community School graduate, from Larchwood, Iowa

title: Inwood, Iowa


text:
Larchwood, Iowa

Larchwood is a city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States. The population was 926 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Larchwood was founded circa 1872 by a group of McLean County, Illinois land developers: Jesse W. Fell (10 November 1808 – 25 February 1887) and Charles W. Holder (25 September 1819 – 10 April 1900). Fell was born in Pennsylvania, had settled in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1831 and had played an active role in founding many Illinois towns, including Clinton, Normal, Pontiac, and Towanda. He was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, and with his brother Kersey Fell had persuaded Lincoln to write his famous autography. He was nationally known for his love of trees. Holder was a partner in many of Fell's projects, including Towanda and Normal. Holder, Illinois was named in his honor. In the summer of 1869, Fell traveled to northwestern Iowa and selected a tract of about forty sections, more than 25000 acre of land. Fell wrote, “I have never beheld such a large body of surpassingly beautiful prairie as is here to be found. There is absolutely no waste of land, and scarce a quarter of a section not affording an admirable building site.” Holder then entered the land. Larchwood was established at the center of their holdings. Fell frequently visited the site and in May 1873 and personally supervised the planting of some 100,000 saplings and tree cuttings. The town did not grow as rapidly as expected, and in 1881 the development was sold to an Englishman, Richard Sykes.

Geography
Larchwood's latitude and longitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.454351, -96.434897 respectively. It is the northwesternmost community in Iowa and the most distant from the capitol, Des Moines. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.99 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 866 people, 353 households, and 257 families residing in the city. The population density was 874.7 PD/sqmi. There were 372 housing units at an average density of 375.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.6% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.5% 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 353 households, of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.2% were non-families. 25.5% 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 2.45 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 34.8 years. 28.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.8% were from 25 to 44; 23.1% were from 45 to 64; and 15.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 788 people, 326 households, and 234 families residing in the city. The population density was 812.1 PD/sqmi. There were 344 housing units at an average density of 354.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.60% White, 0.13% Native American, 0.51% Asian, and 0.76% from two or more races.

There were 326 households, out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.6% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 26.4% 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 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,250, and the median income for a family was $48,125. Males had a median income of $30,938 versus $21,164 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,092. About 0.8% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.5% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Larchwood belongs to the West Lyon Community School District, which also serves students from the nearby towns of Lester, Alvord, and Inwood, as well as the many rural children from farming families.

Casino
The Grand Falls Casino Resort is located along the South Dakota border, northwest of Larchwood. The casino opened for business June 9, 2011. The casino resort was developed by Kehl Management Company. Along with the casino there is a 97-room hotel. An 18-hole golf course is expected to be completed in the summer of 2014.

Notable people

 * Ellis Yarnal Berry, 10-term U.S. Congressman from South Dakota, 1951 to 1971.
 * Cheri Blauwet (1980– ) Paralympic athlete
 * Kyle Vanden Bosch (1978– ) defensive end for the Detroit Lions
 * LeVar Woods, professional football player

title: Larchwood, Iowa


text:
Lester, Iowa

Lester is a city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States. The population was 296 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Lester's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.437475, -96.333322.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.82 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 294 people, 109 households, and 80 families living in the city. The population density was 161.5 PD/sqmi. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 63.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 0.3% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 4.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.4% of the population.

There were 109 households, of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.1% were married couples living together, 1.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.6% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the city was 34 years. 33% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.1% were from 25 to 44; 21.5% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 251 people, 103 households, and 70 families living in the city. The population density was 138.3 PD/sqmi. There were 110 housing units at an average density of 60.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.20% White, and 0.80% from two or more races.

There were 103 households, out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% 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 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 14.3% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 80.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $47,083. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $20,938 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,410. About 3.1% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty five or over.

title: Lester, Iowa


text:
Little Rock, Iowa

Little Rock is an incorporated city in Lyon County, Iowa, United States, along the Little Rock River. The population was 439 at the time of the 2020 census. The zip code for Little Rock is 51243.

Geography
Little Rock is located at 43.4425°N, -95.88389°W (43.442628, -95.883931).

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 459 people, 195 households, and 129 families living in the city. The population density was 573.8 PD/sqmi. There were 221 housing units at an average density of 276.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.8% White and 0.2% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 195 households, of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.8% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 41.8 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.3% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 21.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 489 people, 208 households, and 133 families living in the city. The population density was 627.9 PD/sqmi. There were 232 housing units at an average density of 297.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.59% White and 0.41% Asian.

There were 208 households, out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 2.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.98.

24.3% were under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 26.0% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,667, and the median income for a family was $38,571. Males had a median income of $26,000 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,514. About 4.3% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by the George–Little Rock Community School District, formed on July 1, 2003, by the merger of the George and Little Rock school districts. George–Little Rock Senior High School is the district's high school.

Notable person
Tyler Starr - linebacker, drafted 255th overall, in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons Monte Lee Kruse: American Photographer, https://thereader.com/culture/farewell-mayor-of-old-market Mark Kruse District Judge https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-8/district-8-judges-and-magistrates/mark-kruse/

title: Little Rock, Iowa


text:
Rock Rapids, Iowa

Rock Rapids is a city in and the county seat of Lyon County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,611 in the 2020 census, an increase from 2,573 in the 2000 census.

History
A post office called Rock Rapids has been in operation since 1871. The city was named from the falls on the Rock River.

Geography
Rock Rapids is located at 43.42806°N, -96.16861°W (43.427933, -96.168640), along the Rock River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.96 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Rock Rapids has a humid continental climate (Koppen Dfa), with cold winters and hot summers.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,549 people, 1,083 households, and 689 families living in the city. The population density was 643.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,207 housing units at an average density of 304.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.2% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 1,083 households, of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.4% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% 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 2.92.

The median age in the city was 42.1 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 21.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.1% male and 52.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,573 people, 1,085 households, and 720 families living in the city. The population density was 650.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,160 housing units at an average density of 293.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.14% White, 0.16% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.04% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.23% of the population.

There were 1,085 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% 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 2.86.

23.5% are under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 26.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,135, and the median income for a family was $47,688. Males had a median income of $30,691 versus $19,425 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,035. About 3.4% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Rock Rapids is served by the Central Lyon Community School District. The town of Doon is also included in this school district.

Parks and recreation
One of the highlights of Rock Rapids is Island Park, so named because part of the park is completely surrounded by the Rock River. Island Park features a Rock Island railroad trestle that has been resurfaced as part of a new recreation trail and a museum in the nearby retired depot. There are two small dams in the park.

Another notable park is Emma Sater Park, which is home to the Melan Bridge.

Mural Society
The Rock Rapids Mural Society was formed in 2002 to restore its historic past in artistic form.

Notable people

 * Bruce B. Brugmann, editor and publisher of the San Francisco Bay Guardian (a progressive newspaper), grew up in Rock Rapids and graduated from Rock Rapids High School.
 * Jerry Mathers, Leave It to Beaver star, resided in Rock Rapids as a youngster prior to achieving fame as a child actor.
 * Donald J. Grout, author of A History of Western Music. Professor at Harvard, Cornell and University of Texas.
 * Tom Pringle, who voiced the Silly Rabbit in the Trix Cereal commercials from 1992 to 1998 was born and raised in Rock Rapids Iowa.
 * Constance Congdon, American playwright and librettist. Recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts, the W. Alton Jones Foundation, and the Guggenheim Foundation grant, and is the recipient of a 2019 Lilly Award, which recognizes extraordinary women in theatre. In 2021 she was honored with the Legacy Playwrights Initiative Award by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, for her sustained achievement, enduring excellence and influence on the American theater. Congdon was described by Tony Kushner as "one of the best playwrights our country, and our language, has produced."

title: Rock Rapids, Iowa


text:
Earlham, Iowa

Earlham is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,410 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
David Hockett brought his wife, Mary Jane, and three children to the Earlham area by ox team and wagon in 1865. They settled on 200 acres where Earlham stands today. By deeding a land string to the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and selling a third of his acres for town development in 1969, Hockett was instrumental in the founding of Earlham, when it was incorporated on April 26, 1870. The city was named after Earlham College, a Quaker college in Richmond, Indiana.

Geography
Earlham is located at 41.49306°N, -94.12361°W (41.493137, -94.123661).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.97 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,450 people, 544 households, and 389 families living in the city. The population density was 1494.8 PD/sqmi. There were 571 housing units at an average density of 588.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.3% White, 0.1% African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 544 households, of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.5% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.22.

The median age in the city was 34.3 years. 31.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.3% were from 25 to 44; 20.8% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,298 people, 491 households, and 352 families living in the city. The population density was 1,336.9 PD/sqmi. There were 520 housing units at an average density of 535.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.31% White, 0.15% African American, 0.08% Native American, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 491 households, out of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% 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 3.11.

Age spread: 29.5% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,917, and the median income for a family was $54,519. Males had a median income of $32,262 versus $24,896 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,659. About 0.9% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Earlham is served by the Earlham Community School District.

title: Earlham, Iowa


text:
East Peru, Iowa

East Peru is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 115 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
East Peru had its start in the year 1887 by the building of the railroad through that territory.

Geography
East Peru is located at 41.22722°N, -93.92528°W (41.227089, -93.925172).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.94 sqmi, all of it land.

East Peru is the birthplace of the Red Delicious cultivar of apple.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 125 people, 47 households, and 38 families residing in the city. The population density was 133.0 PD/sqmi. There were 51 housing units at an average density of 54.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 47 households, of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.0% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 19.1% were non-families. 12.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 45.5 years. 27.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 1.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.8% were from 25 to 44; 32% were from 45 to 64; and 18.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 153 people, 53 households, and 46 families residing in the city. The population density was 163.3 PD/sqmi. There were 58 housing units at an average density of 61.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.42% White, 0.65% Native American, and 3.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.92% of the population.

There were 53 households, out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.2% were non-families. 11.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% 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 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.1% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,083, and the median income for a family was $32,083. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $20,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,756. About 13.3% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 10.0% of those 65 or over.

Government
East Peru is administered by a mayor and council. The mayor is Chris Jordan.

Education
The Winterset Community School District operates local public schools.

Notable residents

 * Mark Pearson (1957-2012), agricultural journalist and television personality, resident of East Peru from 1995 until his death

title: East Peru, Iowa


text:
Macksburg, Iowa

Macksburg is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 97 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Macksburg is located at 41.21417°N, -94.18556°W (41.214250, -94.185618).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.99 sqmi, all of it land.

History
Macksburg was laid out and platted in 1873. It was named for Dr. Joseph Hughes Mack, one of the original owners of the town site.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 113 people in 53 households, including 33 families, in the city. The population density was 56.8 PD/sqmi. There were 59 housing units at an average density of 29.6 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 96.5% White, 1.8% Native American, and 1.8% from two or more races.

Of the 53 households 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.7% were non-families. 34.0% of households were one person and 11.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age was 44.4 years. 20.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 20.4% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.2% male and 47.8% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 142 people in 62 households, including 40 families, in the city. The population density was 72.0 PD/sqmi. There were 66 housing units at an average density of 33.4 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 97.18% White, 1.41% Asian, and 1.41% from two or more races.

Of the 62 households 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 32.3% of households were one person and 14.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.76.

The age distribution was 26.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.

The median household income was $31,500 and the median family income was $36,964. Males had a median income of $29,688 versus $20,357 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,080. There were none of the families and 5.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 6.5% of those over 64.

Education
Orient-Macksburg Community School District operates area public schools.

Notable people

 * Glenn L. Martin, American aviator and founder of the Glenn L. Martin Company, which is now part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

title: Macksburg, Iowa


text:
Patterson, Iowa

Patterson is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 176 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Patterson was laid out in 1872. It derives its name from Alexander Pattison, the original owner of the town site, but the name was misspelled on the plat and stuck.

Geography
Patterson is located at 41.34882°N, -93.88068°W (41.348815, -93.880684), along the Middle River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.20 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 130 people in 57 households, including 37 families, in the city. The population density was 650.0 PD/sqmi. There were 66 housing units at an average density of 330.0 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 99.2% White and 0.8% Pacific Islander.

Of the 57 households 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 10.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.1% were non-families. 29.8% of households were one person and 10.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age was 43 years. 22.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30% were from 25 to 44; 21.5% were from 45 to 64; and 22.3% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.3% male and 47.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 126 people in 58 households, including 33 families, in the city. The population density was 635.1 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 337.7 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 100.00% White.

Of the 58 households 20.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were non-families. 27.6% of households were one person and 6.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.74.

The age distribution was 16.7% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 34.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 129.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.8 males.

The median household income was $47,500 and the median family income was $52,500. Males had a median income of $31,607 versus $24,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,457. There were no families and 1.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The Winterset Community School District operates local public schools.

title: Patterson, Iowa


text:
St. Charles, Iowa

St. Charles is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 640 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
St. Charles was platted in 1852. It was named after the city of St. Charles, Missouri. St. Charles was incorporated as a city in 1876.

In 2018, the city became the site of the "Big Country Bash," a country music festival. The festival had previously been hosted in Des Moines.

Geography
St. Charles is located at 41.28778°N, -93.80806°W (41.287857, -93.807982).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.54 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 U.S. Census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 653 people, 258 households, and 184 families living in the city. The population density was 1209.3 PD/sqmi. There were 270 housing units at an average density of 500.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% white, 1.7% African American and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 258 households, of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.7% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 35.9 years. 28.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.4% were from 45 to 64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

2000 U.S. Census
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 619 people, 246 households, and 171 families living in the city. The population density was 1,101.6 PD/sqmi. There were 253 housing units at an average density of 450.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.52% white, 0.16% from other races and 0.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population.

There were 246 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,333, and the median income for a family was $45,000. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $24,792 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,708. About 3.6% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Interstate 35 Community School District serves the municipality.

Notable people

 * Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa

title: St. Charles, Iowa


text:
Truro, Iowa

Truro is a city in southeast Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 509 at the time of the 2020 census. Truro is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Truro was laid out and platted in 1881. It was first settled as Ohio Township in the early 1850s, by settlers who came primarily from Ohio. In 1881 the town was named after the city of Truro in Cornwall, United Kingdom, by suggestion of the local train conductor, whose hometown was Truro on Cape Cod in Massachusetts.

Geography
Truro is located at 41.20837°N, -93.8455°W (41.208372, -93.845496).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.97 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 485 people, 163 households, and 122 families living in the city. The population density was 500.0 PD/sqmi. There were 187 housing units at an average density of 192.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.4% White, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.2% of the population.

There were 163 households, of which 53.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.2% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.47.

The median age in the city was 29.6 years. 38.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30% were from 25 to 44; 15.6% were from 45 to 64; and 10.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 427 people, 156 households, and 116 families living in the city. The population density was 432.6 PD/sqmi. There were 164 housing units at an average density of 166.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.96% White, 2.11% Native American, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.87% of the population.

There were 156 households, out of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% 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 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.0% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $39,500. Males had a median income of $30,833 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,021. About 6.3% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Interstate 35 Community School District serves the municipality. The Interstate 35 Elementary, Middle & High schools are located in Truro.

Notable people

 * James William "Ducky" Holmes, Major League Baseball Player, Outfielder, 10 seasons, 7 teams
 * Tobin Anderson, Head Coach of the Iona University Men’s Basketball team in New Rochelle, New York

title: Truro, Iowa


text:
Winterset, Iowa

Winterset is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Iowa. The population was 5,353 at the time of the 2020 census.

Winterset is part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. It is the birthplace of actor John Wayne.

History

Winterset was platted during a cool spell in the summer of 1849. The name was originally to be "Summerset", but the unseasonable coldness made the commissioners reverse this to "Winterset".

On March 5, 2022, a low-end EF4 tornado struck the areas just outside the city, killing six people.

Geography
Winterset is located in central Madison County at the intersection of U.S. Route 169 and Iowa State Highway 92. Middle River flows past the south side of the city. It is approximately 30 miles southwest of the state capital of Des Moines.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.72 sqmi, of which, 4.58 sqmi is land and 0.14 sqmi is water.

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

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 5,190 people, 2,062 households, and 1,336 families living in the city. The population density was 1133.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,267 housing units at an average density of 495.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 98.1% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0%.

Of the 2,062 households 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.2% were non-families. 31.7% of households were one person and 16% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age was 38.4 years. 26.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 18.6% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 4,768 people, 1,884 households, and 1,230 families living in the city. The population density was 1,357.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,998 housing units at an average density of 569.0 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 98.87% White, 0.06% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59%.

Of the 1,884 households 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 31.5% of households were one person and 18.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.01.

Age spread: 25.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.

The median household income was $33,142 and the median family income was $42,951. Males had a median income of $31,536 versus $22,146 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,274. About 5.8% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
Winterset is widely known for its covered bridges. A total of six covered bridges are located in Madison County, including one in Winterset City Park. The annual Covered Bridge Festival celebrates the bridges and local heritage every second weekend in October.

The Winterset Stage is Madison County's live theatre venue providing family friendly dinner theatre, including musicals and concerts while offering a variety of children's theatre and educational programming. The Winterset Stage is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located at 405 East Madison in Winterset.

Another notable landmark is Clark Tower, located in Winterset City Park, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Middle River Valley area.

The Madison County Courthouse, in the middle of the town square, was built in 1868, and rebuilt in 1876 after being partially destroyed by fire.

Museums
In 2015, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum opened kitty-corner from Wayne's birthplace home. The $2.5million, 6,000-sq. ft. facility houses scripts, costumes, set pieces, posters, personal correspondence, an original Andy Warhol painting and a custom-made 1972 Pontiac station wagon. The museum is divided into three exhibitions: "The Actor", "The Family Man", and "The American". It is located at 205 S. John Wayne Dr. in Winterset.

The Iowa Quilt Museum offers seasonal exhibits and regular workshops. The current president of the museum, Marianne Fons, is the founder of the well known quilting show Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting. The museum is located on the south side of the town square at 68 E. Court Ave.

The Madison County Historical Society is an 18-acre complex on the south side of town featuring 14 restored and historical buildings. The focal point of the complex is the Victorian Bevington-Kaser manor. Built in 1856, the manor has been fully restored. The complex is open May through October and is located at 815 S. 2nd Ave.

Education
The Winterset Community School District operates local public schools.

Popular culture
Winterset was used as a shooting location for the films Cold Turkey (1971), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), and The Crazies (2010).

Notable people

 * Robert O. Bare, Marine Corps lieutenant general
 * William D. Bond, racing driver and mechanical engineer for General Motors
 * George Washington Carver, agricultural researcher
 * Fred Clarke, member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
 * Henry J. B. Cummings, U.S. representative from Iowa
 * Gail Huff, American broadcast journalist; wife of former U.S. senator and ambassador Scott Brown
 * Mark Pearson, TV and radio personality
 * Edward McMurray Smith, Iowa secretary of state
 * George L. Stout, art conservation pioneer, World War II "Monument Man"
 * Henry Cantwell Wallace, US Secretary of Agriculture
 * John Wayne, actor
 * Col. David Woodley, music professor and band director

title: Winterset, Iowa


text:
Beacon, Iowa

Beacon is a city in Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 445 at the 2020 census.

History
Coal miners in Beacon joined the United Mine Workers union in 1894, organizing local 178. By 1902, this had 100 members.

Evans, Iowa was a coal camp 3 mi to the northwest founded by Evan Evans. This was home to mines that opened in 1879 and were combined and reorganized as the American mine in 1884, at which time, the daily output was 100 tons. By 1894, the mine face was 1.5 mi from the foot of the slope, and the mine was producing 1000 tons of coal a day from a coal seam 6 ft thick. This was one of the very few mines where the miners did not join the Bituminous coal miners' strike of 1894. In 1899 United Mine Workers of America local 835 was organized, and in 1902, local 1932 was organized. Memberships in these two locals, combined, was 210 in 1901.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.00 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 494 people, 213 households, and 144 families living in the city. The population density was 494.0 PD/sqmi. There were 237 housing units at an average density of 237.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.6% African American, 1.2% Native American, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 213 households, of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.4% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 41 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 29% were from 45 to 64; and 16.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.8% male and 49.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 518 people, 208 households, and 153 families living in the city. The population density was 514.5 PD/sqmi. There were 217 housing units at an average density of 215.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.53% White, 0.39% African American, 0.58% Native American, and 2.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.39% of the population.

There were 208 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.0% were non-families. 21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% 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 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,000, and the median income for a family was $35,469. Males had a median income of $31,500 versus $26,641 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,972. About 5.5% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 16.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Oskaloosa Community School District operates local public schools.

title: Beacon, Iowa


text:
Fremont, Iowa

Fremont is a city in Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 708 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
In 1871, Fremont stretched for 8 blocks, 1/2 mile (under 1 km) along Main Street, with at least one house on every block on the north side of the street and a few houses on Washington Street, one block north. There was a Baptist church, a hotel, three stores, a barber shop and a school. The town also had a physician, a blacksmith and a shoemaker.

The Burlington and Western, a narrow gauge railroad and its competitor, the Iowa Central Railway built parallel tracks toward Oskaloosa. The Burlington and Western arrived in the fall of 1883 and was widened to Standard Gauge in 1902 and taken over by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy the next year. the Minneapolis and St. Louis took over the Iowa Central around the same time. The Burlington line was abandoned in 1934.

In 1905, Fremont had a grain elevator, live-stock pens, and a lumber yard on clustered around the Burlington depot on the south side of town, and a creamery, another stockyard, and grain elevator spread out on both sides of the Iowa Central depot along the north-east side. The school and hotel were on Main Street, and the post office was half a block north of Main.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.03 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 743 people, 300 households, and 208 families living in the city. The population density was 721.4 PD/sqmi. There were 327 housing units at an average density of 317.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.1% African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 300 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.7% were non-families. 26.7% 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 2.48 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 37.5 years. 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16% 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 704 people, 283 households, and 198 families living in the city. The population density was 682.7 PD/sqmi. There were 300 housing units at an average density of 290.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.43% White, 0.14% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.28% of the population.

There were 283 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% 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 2.95.

26.6% are under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,583, and the median income for a family was $44,167. Males had a median income of $33,333 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,925. About 5.9% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within the Eddyville–Blakesburg–Fremont Community School District, formed by the 2012 merger of the Fremont Community School District and the Eddyville–Blakesburg Community School District.

Notable people

 * Steve Bales – flight control engineer for NASA's Apollo 11 mission
 * Ivan Combe – founder of Combe, Inc., creator of Clearasil, Odor Eaters, and leader in the Consumer Health Care industry
 * Herschel C. Loveless – 34th Governor of Iowa

title: Fremont, Iowa


text:
Keomah Village, Iowa

Keomah Village is a city in Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 110 at the time of the 2020 census. Keomah Village is located adjacent to Lake Keomah State Park.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.03 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 84 people, 39 households, and 32 families living in the city. The population density was 2800.0 PD/sqmi. There were 48 housing units at an average density of 1600.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.6% of the population.

There were 39 households, of which 10.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.9% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.9% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.41.

The median age in the city was 54.8 years. 9.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.6% were from 25 to 44; 46.4% were from 45 to 64; and 25% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.2% male and 48.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 97 people, 42 households, and 37 families living in the city. The population density was 3,370.2 PD/sqmi. There were 52 housing units at an average density of 1,806.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.94% White, 1.03% Asian, and 1.03% from two or more races.

There were 42 households, out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 81.0% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 11.9% were non-families. 11.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.46.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 13.4% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 43.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $63,750, and the median income for a family was $71,750. Males had a median income of $50,750 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,891. There were 12.8% of families and 9.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The Oskaloosa Community School District operates local public schools.

title: Keomah Village, Iowa


text:
Leighton, Iowa

Leighton is a city in Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 158 in the 2020 census, an increase from 153 in the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.10 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 162 people, 65 households, and 48 families living in the city. The population density was 1620.0 PD/sqmi. There were 65 housing units at an average density of 650.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.4% White and 0.6% from two or more races. Of the 65 households, 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.3% were married couples living together, 1.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.2% were non-families. 24.6% of households were one person, and 12.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age was 42 years. 25.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.2% were from 25 to 44; 18.5% were from 45 to 64; and 22.8% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.7% male and 46.3% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 153 people, 56 households, and 43 families living in the city. The population density was 2,004.7 PD/sqmi. There were 59 housing units at an average density of 773.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 0.00% from two or more races. 0.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 56 households; 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.0%  were married couples living together, 0.0%  had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2%  were non-families. 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1%  had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.21.

The age distribution was 31.4% under the age of 18, 5.9%  from 18 to 24, 25.5%  from 25 to 44, 20.3%  from 45 to 64, and 17.0%  who were 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.9 males.

The median household income was $46,667 and the median family income was $46,667. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $25,833 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,294. 0.0% of the population and 0.0% of families were below the poverty line.

Notable people

 * Jim Van Engelenhoven, Iowa State Representative

title: Leighton, Iowa


text:
New Sharon, Iowa

New Sharon is a city in Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,262 at the time of the 2020 census. The first building was erected in 1856 by Edward Quaintance.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.94 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,293 people, 538 households, and 368 families living in the city. The population density was 1375.5 PD/sqmi. There were 590 housing units at an average density of 627.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.1% White, 0.4% Native American, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 538 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the city was 41.8 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.1% 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 1,301 people, 540 households, and 361 families living in the city. The population density was 1,390.9 PD/sqmi. There were 575 housing units at an average density of 614.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.92% White, 0.08% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, and 0.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.69% of the population.

There were 540 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,125, and the median income for a family was $42,829. Males had a median income of $33,125 versus $21,739 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,280. About 7.8% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government
New Sharon is governed by a mayor-city council form of government. The residents elect five at-large council members and one mayor. Each serves a four-year term.

Education
New Sharon is home to North Mahaska Community School District schools. This is a rural school district serving nearly 600 students in grades Pre-K through 12. Located adjacent to the schools is the North Mahaska Community School District Early Childhood education center, which opened in 2009. This houses pre-school classes for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as the New Sharon Child Care and Preschool (NSCCP).

title: New Sharon, Iowa


text:
Oskaloosa, Iowa

Oskaloosa is a city in, and the county seat of, Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Oskaloosa was a national center of bituminous coal mining. The population was 11,558 in the 2020 U.S. census.

History

Oskaloosa derives its name from Ouscaloosa who, according to town lore, was a Creek princess who married Seminole chief Osceola. A local tradition was that her name meant "last of the beautiful." (This interpretation of "last of the beautiful" is not correct. "Oskaloosa" in the Mvskoke-Creek language means "black rain," from the Mvskoke words "oske" (rain) and "lvste" (black). "loosa" is an English corruption of the Mvskoke word "lvste". See for example the Wikipedia entry for Tuskaloosa, eponym of the town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. In addition the Mvskoke word "Ouscaloosa" means "Black Water"). The first European-American settlers arrived in 1835, led by Nathan Boone, youngest son of frontiersman Daniel Boone. Acting on instructions from Stephen W. Kearny, he selected this as the first site of Fort Des Moines, located on a high ridge between the Skunk and Des Moines rivers. The ridge was originally called the Narrows.

The town was formally platted in 1844 when William Canfield moved his trading post from the Des Moines River to Oskaloosa. The town was designated by the legislature as the county seat in the same year.

The Des Moines Valley Railroad built north from Eddyville, Iowa through Oskaloosa to Pella, Iowa in 1864. In 1873, this became the Keokuk and Des Moines Railroad, and in 1887, it was leased by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. The Central Iowa Railway followed, which became the Iowa Central Railway in 1888 and was absorbed by the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway in 1901. In 1883, the Burlington and Western Railway reached Oskaloosa; this was a narrow gauge line that was widened to Standard Gauge in 1902 and then merged with the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

On January 6, 1882, most of the buildings in the north half of Oskaloosa were severely damaged and most of the plate glass windows in the area were broken by an explosion. Three boys were killed in the explosion. The boys had been seen shooting at the A. L. Spencer gunpowder magazine half a mile north of the town center.

The first bituminous coal mine in the area was opened shortly after 1853 by Robert Seevers, who drove a drift into a four-foot coalbed in an exposed creek bank east of town. Initially, coal was mined entirely for local consumption, but with the arrival of the railroads, coal from the region was shipped widely. In the 1880s, more than one million tons of coal was mined in the county from 38 mines. By 1887, the report of the state mine inspector listed 11 coal mines in or very close to Oskaloosa. By 1895, the coal output of Mahaska County surpassed that of all other Iowa counties, and production had reached more than one million tons per year. In 1911, coal mining was reported to be the primary industry in the region. In 1914, the Carbon Block Coal Company of Centerville produced more than 100,000 tons of coal, ranking among the top 24 coal producers in the state.

Several major coal-mining camps were located in the Oskaloosa area. Muchakinock was approximately five miles south of town, on the banks of the Muchakinock Creek. Lost Creek was a company town and post office with a population of about 500 in 1905, located about 10 miles south of town. On January 24, 1902, there was a mine explosion in the Lost Creek No. 2 mine. This was one of only two major mine disasters in Iowa between 1888 and 1913. A miner setting shots to blast coal from the coal face re-used a hole left over from a previous failed shot, and the result was a coal dust explosion that detonated barrels of gunpowder stored in the mine. Twenty men died on the site and 14 more were badly injured. The explosion sparked a statewide miner's strike. As a result, in April 1903, the legislature enacted a law to regulate blasting in coal mines.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.45 sqmi, of which 7.43 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

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

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,463 people, 4,715 households, and 2,842 families residing in the city. The population density was 1542.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,144 housing units at an average density of 692.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94% White, 1.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 4,715 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.7% were non-families. 33.3% 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 2.30 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 35.8 years. 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.3% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 17.1% 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 10,938 people, 4,603 households, and 2,863 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,593.8 PD/sqmi. There were 4,945 housing units at an average density of 720.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.00% White, 1.04% African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.32% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.26% of the population.

There were 4,603 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 32.8% 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 2.28 and the average family size was 2.89.

Population spread: 24.1% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,490, and the median income for a family was $42,138. Males had a median income of $33,830 versus $23,698 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,721. About 10.6% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 11.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Top Ten Companies
 * Source: LocationOne Information Systems website and telephone survey conducted February 2010

Oskaloosa is also the headquarters of the music publisher C.L. Barnhouse Company.

Annual events
The Southern Iowa Fair is one of the largest traditional county fairs in Iowa and is held each July.

Art on the Square is held each June on the city square. This event features local and regional artists.

Sweet Corn Serenade is held each July on the city square. A concert by the municipal band is the highlight of the corn-on-the-cob and pork burger feast.

Each December, the Lighted Christmas Parade travels through the downtown area on two consecutive nights. The floats in the parade are adorned with lights for the after-dark event.

Government and politics
The City of Oskaloosa has a mayor-city council-city manager form of government under a home rule charter. The mayor and city council are elected. The city council is composed of seven members who make decisions regarding rules and regulations pertaining to Oskaloosa. The mayor is elected for a two-year term and council members are elected to serve for four years. The city manager is appointed by the city council.

Oskaloosa is a sister city with Shpola, Ukraine.

In July 2015, presidential candidate Donald Trump held a campaign event, a family picnic, at Oskaloosa's George Daily Community Auditorium. He did not give press credentials to the Des Moines Register for the event, due to its having had an editorial urging him to drop out of the race.

In November 2019, presidential candidate Joe Biden held a campaign event at William Penn University.

Education
Oskaloosa is the home of William Penn University, a private, liberal arts college. It was founded by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1873 as Penn College. In 1933, the name was changed to William Penn College, and finally to William Penn University in 2000. Oskaloosa was the home of the now-defunct Oskaloosa College.

The city's public system, Oskaloosa Community School District, operates a high school, middle school, elementary school, and an alternative school. Oskaloosa Elementary opened in January 2005, merging five smaller buildings scattered across the city. The building is the largest elementary school in Iowa.

Also in Oskaloosa is Oskaloosa Christian Grade School, which was founded in 1946. SonShine Preschool was started later on and is in the same building.

Transportation
Transit services in the city are provided by Oskaloosa Rides. Free bus service is provided along one fixed-route loop in the city, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Paratransit services operated by 10-15 Transit are provided daily.

Distinctions
In the city's town square is a bronze statue of Chief Mahaska, the 19th-century leader of a Native American tribe called the Ioway; he was memorialized by the name of Mahaska County. Restored in the 21st century, the statue was completed in 1907 by an Iowa-born sculptor named Sherry Edmundson Fry (1879–1966). At the time it was commissioned, Fry was living in Paris. He returned to Iowa the following summer to make preparatory drawings of Meskwaki at the nearby Settlement at Tama, Iowa, and to collect Indian artifacts and other reference materials. Returning to Paris, he began on a clay scale model, which he first showed at the Paris Salon in 1907. A year later, Fry exhibited the final full-sized sculpture, for which he won the Prix de Rome. Soon after, it was shipped to the US, and arrived in Oskaloosa by railroad in September. The formal dedication of the statue was held on May 12, 1909, and attended by a crowd of about 12,000 people.

Oskaloosa boasts two private homes designed in 1948–51 by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Typical of his Usonian homes, these are the Carroll Alsop House at 1907 A Ave E and the Jack Lamberson House at 511 North Park Avenue.

Oskaloosa hosted the Iowa State Fair in 1858 and 1859, prior to the Civil War.

In 1934, Oskaloosa became the first city in the United States to fingerprint all of its citizens, including children.

Municipal Band and historic bandstand
The first settlers in the area brought along their instruments and a deep love of music. Residents organized a town band in 1864. In 1880 the band was called the K. T. Band (for Knight Templars). About 1882 the city erected a double-deck bandstand in the center of the city park. The band had started playing in the city park when it was just a field. A brick walk through the park was constructed with money raised from a local talent minstrel show. In 1886 the Knee Gahh Band went to St. Louis for their national conclave and was a tremendous hit. That marked the beginning of the band's prominence in the Midwest.

Charles L. Barnhouse developed the band "atmosphere" from the time he came to Oskaloosa in 1891. He exerted a creative influence to build up a musical organization that would become the pride of the city. His band garnered statewide acclaim, becoming the official band of the Iowa State Fair for four years. In 1904 the band played at the annual National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic in Louisville, Kentucky. En route, it played by invitation at the World's Fair in Saint Louis, Missouri. In the ensuing years the band became popular throughout Iowa and other states.

In 1907 and 1908 Oskaloosa had two bands playing concerts – the Iowa Brigade Band and LaRue's Band. The merchants on High Avenue West employed their own band to compete with the Iowa Brigade Band in the park on Saturday evenings.

In 1911 the citizens decided to beautify the city and voted to fund improvements for the city park. The citizens recommended a new bandstand be erected in the center of the park. The old double-deck frame bandstand was moved to one side to be used while the new bandstand was being built. The first concert in the new bandstand was played on June 1, 1912, and the bandstand was dedicated on July 25, 1912.

Notable people

 * Eddie Anderson, football head coach at University of Iowa 1939–42, 1946–49
 * Alfred Balk, magazine editor
 * Bill S. Ballinger, author and screenwriter
 * Steve Bell, former ABC News anchor
 * Max Bennett, jazz musician
 * Charles Brookins, track and field athlete
 * Elaine Christy, harpist
 * Bernard A. Clarey, Admiral, among most decorated U.S. Navy officers; Admiral Clarey Bridge in Pearl Harbor named after him
 * Chester Conklin, comedian and actor
 * Marsena E. Cutts, politician
 * Lisa Eagen, athlete, 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, team handball
 * Dulah Marie Evans, painter, photographer, etcher
 * Frank Friday Fletcher, Admiral, Medal of Honor recipient and namesake of the Fletcher-class destroyer
 * Cliff Knox, Major League Baseball player
 * John F. Lacey, U.S. Representative
 * Tip Lamberson, flute maker
 * Harry Hamilton Laughlin, eugenicist
 * Lillian Miles, actress best known for her performance in the anti-marijuana film Reefer Madness
 * Patrick O'Bryant, National Basketball Association player
 * Arthur Russell, modern music composer
 * Tyler Sash, defensive back for Iowa Hawkeyes and Super Bowl champion with the NFL's New York Giants
 * Emma Steghagen, labor organizer and suffragist
 * John H. Stek, translator of New International Version Bible
 * Cecil W. Stoughton, Kennedy presidential photographer
 * Al Swearengen, proprietor of Gem Saloon in Deadwood, South Dakota, 1877–1899 (featured in HBO series Deadwood)
 * Ed Thomas, football coach
 * Guy Vander Linden, Iowa state representative, U.S. Marines Brigadier General
 * Thomas Eugene Watson, U.S. Marines lieutenant general
 * Clarence C. Wiley, ragtime music composer
 * Roscoe B. Woodruff, U.S. Army general of World War II

title: Oskaloosa, Iowa