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Urbandale, Iowa

Urbandale is a city in Polk and Dallas counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 45,580. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Urbandale was incorporated as a city on April 16, 1917. In its early days, Urbandale served as a streetcar suburb of Des Moines with four coal mines. Urbandale served as the end of the "Urbandale Line" after plans to build a railroad from Des Moines to Woodward were abandoned because of right-of-way issues. The coal mines had closed by the end of the 1940s while streetcar service ended in 1951.

In 1920, shortly after the city incorporated, Urbandale had 298 people. Its population in 1950 was 1,777, but the city grew rapidly after that along with the rest of Des Moines' suburbs. By 1970, Urbandale had 14,434 people, and in 2000 it had 29,072. Although most of the city's developed area is in Polk County, Urbandale has expanded westward into Dallas County in recent years.

In 2012, President Barack Obama held a reelection campaign rally at Living History Farms in Urbandale.

Geography
Urbandale is located in the northwest part of the Des Moines Metro Area at the intersections of Interstates 35 and 80, and Iowa Highway 141. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.94 sqmi, of which 21.92 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Demographics
The median income for a household in the city was $59,744, and the median income for a family was $70,548 (these figures had risen to $69,269 and $86,885 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $45,470 versus $32,631 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,021. About 2.5% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

2010 U.S. Census
As of the 2010 United States Census there were 39,463 people, 15,596 households, and 10,815 families living in the city. The population density was 1800.3 PD/sqmi. There were 16,319 housing units at an average density of 744.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.1% White, 2.8% African American, 0.1% Native American, 3.5% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 15,596 households, of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.7% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% 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 3.04.

The median age in the city was 37.8 years. 26.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.9% were from 25 to 44; 27% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

Economy
While Urbandale is primarily a residential city, other development has increased in recent years, particularly in the business parks located inside the Urban Loop. This 12-mile stretch of I-35/I-80 has multiple access points to Urbandale. Businesses in the Urban Loop have high freeway visibility and traffic counts which continue to fuel the rapid growth of this area.

The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), which oversees operations for its multi-state games is located in Urbandale, although Powerball is now drawn in Florida.

Top employers
According to Urbandale's 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Urban Loop
The Urban Loop is a development area in the north/central portion of Urbandale and is recognized for the easily accessible network of traffic routes; including interstate access, highway access, and local road access.

Unofficially, the name Rider Corner was used locally to define the ninety-degree bend in the 35/80 interstate system that runs through Urbandale. The proposed area was officially named in the fall of 2017 and has been used by the Urbandale City Government, developers, and real estate brokers to describe the area. Some local media outlets have not discontinued use of the name Rider Corner.

Parks and recreation

Urbandale features 850 acre of parks and 33 mi of recreational trails that connect to other trails in the Des Moines area.

Urbandale is the home of Living History Farms, where Pope John Paul II spoke to a crowd estimated at 350,000 on October 4, 1979, and the Buccaneer Arena, home to the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team.

Government
Urbandale uses the council-manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor and five council members, all of which are elected to four-year terms.

Education
Multiple public school districts serve portions of Urbandale: Urbandale Community School District, Dallas Center–Grimes Community School District, Des Moines School District, Johnston School District, Waukee School District and West Des Moines School District.

The Urbandale Community School District consists of six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school (Urbandale High School).

Des Moines Christian School is in Urbandale.

St. Pius X Catholic School of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines is in Urbandale. It opened with an initial 120 students in September 1956. Initially its facility was one story tall and had eight classrooms, but an additional eight classrooms were added after construction began on another section on May 1, 1962. That section had two stories. The area Catholic high school is Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.

Notable people

 * Eddie Berlin, former professional football player, Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans
 * Gannon Buhr, professional disc golf player and 2022 United States Disc Golf Championship winner
 * Scott Clemmensen, former professional hockey player, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and Toronto Maple Leafs
 * Dan Gehlbach, member of Iowa House of Representatives
 * Paul Gray, former bassist, Slipknot
 * Tom Hess, professional bowler and 2011 USBC Masters champion
 * Chuck Horner, former U.S. Air Force four-star general who commanded the air power portion of the Gulf War
 * Allen Lazard, professional football player, New York Jets
 * Sean Runyan, former professional baseball player, Detroit Tigers
 * Paul J. Springer, author of over a dozen books and professor, Air Command and Staff College

title: Urbandale, Iowa


text:
Van Meter, Iowa

Van Meter is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States, situated along the Raccoon River. The population was 1,484 at the time of the 2020 census. Van Meter is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Van Meter was laid out as a town in 1869. The city was named for Jacob Rhodes Van Meter and his family, Dutch settlers from Meteren, the Netherlands. Van Meter was incorporated on December 29, 1877.

The Van Meter Visitor
In September and October 1903, there were multiple instances of people claiming to have seen a winged, bat-like creature in and around Van Meter. The roughly nine-foot-tall being, which has since been dubbed the Van Meter Visitor, was reported to be able to shoot light from the horn situated on its forehead and be unaffected by bullets. Clarence Dunn, one of the witnesses, had even made a plaster cast of three-toed footprints it left behind. A smaller, similar being sometimes accompanied it. After a community-led confrontation, the being disappeared after about four days, supposedly into the nearby coal mine. Claims of witnessing bat-like creatures or phenomena have continued, including into the 2010s.

To commemorate the sightings, a Van Meter Visitor Festival transpires annually around the anniversary of the events.

Geography
Van Meter's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 41.531505, -93.955338).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.30 sqmi, of which 1.28 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Van Meter is situated west of Des Moines, just south of Interstate 80.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,016 people, 382 households, and 280 families residing in the city. The population density was 793.8 PD/sqmi. There were 415 housing units at an average density of 324.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 382 households, of which 45.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.7% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% 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 3.09.

The median age in the city was 35.5 years. 31.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 8.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 866 people, 326 households, and 237 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,450.3 PD/sqmi. There were 342 housing units at an average density of 572.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.15% White, 0.23% African American, 0.69% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.39% of the population.

There were 326 households, out of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% 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 3.13.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,625, and the median income for a family was $59,000. Males had a median income of $37,895 versus $26,023 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,272. About 0.8% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The Bob Feller Museum opened on June 10, 1995, in honor of Bob Feller, a National Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and a native of Van Meter.

On November 11, 2006, Veterans Day, ground was broken for an Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a site located in the Northern part of Van Meter. Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was among those who helped dedicate the cemetery. On November 11, 2018, a Freedom Rock was unveiled at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Education
The Van Meter Community School District operates local public schools.

Notable people

 * Myrtle Aydelotte, nurse, professor, and hospital administrator
 * Derek Benz, science fiction author, The Revenge of the Shadow King.
 * Bob Feller, Major League Baseball pitcher and member of Baseball Hall of Fame; born in Van Meter
 * David Young, former U.S. Representative for IA's 3rd congressional district

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

title: Van Meter, Iowa


text:
Waukee, Iowa

Waukee is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 23,940 at the time of the 2020 U.S. Census. It is part of the Des Moines – West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area.

In 2017, Apple Inc. chose Waukee as the location of a massive $1.38 billion data center campus.

History
Waukee was laid out as a town in 1869. It is thought to be named after The Milwaukee Railroad. Waukee was incorporated on December 23, 1878.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.99 sqmi, of which 12.97 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water. It is known for its Waukee Stadium.

Climate
Humid continental climate is a climatic region typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. The Köppen climate classification subtype for this climate is "Dfa" (Hot summer, continental climate).

Education
The Waukee Community School District is the fastest-growing school district in the state of Iowa with more than 1,000 staff members serving more than 7,700 students in grades preschool through twelfth grade.

They are named after the Norwalk warriors when they had to use Norwalks uniforms.

Its schools serve students from Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines as well as open enrollment students from other communities outside the 55 square miles of its district boundaries.

There are currently nine elementary schools, two middle schools (grades 6/7), and two middle schools (grades 8/9) in Waukee as well as the Waukee High School and the Vincent Meyer Learning Center.

The district built a second high school, called Waukee Northwest High School, which opened in the 2021 school year.

2010 U.S. Census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 13,790 people, 5,154 households, and 3,689 families living in the city. The population density was 1063.2 PD/sqmi. There were 5,378 housing units at an average density of 414.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.9% white, 1.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 5,154 households, of which 44.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.4% were non-families. 23.0% 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 2.67 and the average family size was 3.19.

The median age in the city was 31.8 years. 32% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 36.3% were from 25 to 44; 18.5% were from 45 to 64; and 8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 U.S. Census
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 5,126 people, 1,927 households, and 1,445 families living in the city. The population density was 610.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,087 housing units at an average density of 248.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.17% white, 0.43% African American, 0.57% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races and 0.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.74% of the population.

There were 1,927 households, out of which 43.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.8% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 21.1% 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 2.66 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $58,024, and the median income for a family was $64,362. Males had a median income of $38,958 and females had a median income of $30,898. The per capita income for the city was $24,351. About 2.1% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
HIRTA provides demand response service in Waukee. However, as of 2023, Waukee is the largest city in Iowa without fixed-route public transit service. Des Moines Area Regional Transit serves Clive approximately half a mile from Waukee with the Route 92 express service.

Notable people

 * Paul Gregory — film, Television and stage producer
 * Joey Jordison — former drummer for the band Slipknot
 * Jake Knott — former Iowa State and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker
 * Talia Leman — CEO and a founder of RandomKid, an organization that empowers young people to do good deeds
 * Hal Manders — relief pitcher in Major League Baseball; born in Waukee
 * Anthony Nelson - former Iowa and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker
 * Ken Smith — internationally acclaimed landscape architect; born in Waukee

title: Waukee, Iowa


text:
West Des Moines, Iowa

West Des Moines is a city in Iowa, United States. Most of the city is in Polk County, some of it is in Dallas County, and small portions extend into Warren and Madison Counties.

As of the 2020 census, the city population was 68,723. West Des Moines is the third-most populous city in the Des Moines metropolitan area and the sixth-most populous city in Iowa.

Settlement and early history
The West Des Moines area used to be home to the Sac and Fox tribes. Near the stroke of midnight on October 11, 1845, a gunshot was fired by a cattle farmer, James Cunningham Jordan (1813–1893) to declare that the area was open for Anglo-European settlement. His residence, the Jordan House, has been restored and is now home to the West Des Moines Historical Society. The Jordan House was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and abolitionist John Brown stayed on Jordan property multiple times, at least once while escorting a group of freedom-seeking slaves to Canada. In West Des Moines' early years, the town was a trading and shipping junction. West Des Moines incorporated as the city of Valley Junction on October 9, 1893.

In its early days, Valley Junction was home to the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad's switching facilities and repair shops due to its location at the junction of several railroad lines. The Rock Island's facilities moved out of Valley Junction and back into Des Moines in 1936.

The speed limit of 10 mi an hour had existed for all automobiles Valley Junction since 1911. However, 1915 an Englishman named Jack Prince built a one-mile (1.6 km) oval race track, designed to let race cars break that speed limit ten times over. The wooden track was made of 980000 ft of 2x4's laid on edge. It was one of 24 such tracks nationwide; it had seating for over 10,000 people. On August 7, 1915, the eyes of the auto world were on Valley Junction in anticipation of the fastest 300 mi auto race in history. Ralph DePalma, winner of the Indianapolis 500 that year, was one of at least a dozen drivers vying for the $10,000 purse. Before a crowd of 7,000 people, a tire blew, lunging Joe Cooper's car over the rail. Cooper was killed and his mechanic was injured. Later while rounding a curb, a wheel of Billy Chandler's Duesenberg failed, cartwheeling the car into the infield and fatally injuring his mechanic, Maurice Keeler. Chandler was seriously injured. Smiling Ralph Mulford won the race with DePalma a close 2nd. This baptism by blood left a bad taste in the mouth of the locals, and the track was closed two years later. The wood was salvaged and then used to construct buildings in Valley Junction.

The serious dilemma of school overcrowding was partially addressed in 1916. The bond issue to build a new high school for $50,000 was approved by a two-to-one vote. The similar new grade school issue was defeated soundly. Building commenced and by September of the following year, the doors of the new Valley High School were opened at 8th and Hillside. As a part of the school board policy, only first-class college-educated teachers were hired. By 1919, the rooms of the new high school were filled. A new junior high school was proposed, approved, and completed by the fall of 1923.

The new school was the only bright spot in the otherwise uncertain dreary years of 1922 and 1923. The foundations of the city were shaken by a 22-month-machinist strike at the Rock Island shops. Starting 1922-07-01, 600 workers were idled. The railroad company reacted by bringing replacement workers into town to break the strike. The replacements were mostly Mexican and African-American laborers brought up from Oklahoma by R. C. Hyde, the master mechanic at the shops. For their own protection, they lived in boxcars and tiny houses in an area south of Railroad Avenue and west of the main rail yards. The area was dubbed "Hyde Park" by the strikers. The resulting hardships suffered by the idled workers led the most desperate to choose between breaking the strike or letting their family starve. It was a time which pitted neighbor against neighbor, tearing at the fabric of the community. Two men shot themselves in desperation before the strike ended.

Valley Junction officially become a dry town in 1915. The Des Moines Golf and Country Club left Des Moines in 1923 and moved to White Pole Road auto trail. By the late 1920s, workers of Valley Junction were suffering from the Depression because the railroads were abandoning track there (completed in 1936), and the Keystone Coal Factory closed due to flooding in the tunnels.

New name
By 1937, only two trains stopped daily; the sagging business climate needed a boost. Members of the commercial club believed the only way to attract new industries would be to change the name of the city. They thought the name "Valley Junction" conveyed the image of an old-fashioned and backward town to prospective employers and residents. The name of "West Des Moines" would give it the respectability and prestige the town desperately needed. There was a precedent by way of an editorial in the Valley Junction Express in 1905 that suggested dropping "Junction" from the name, but nothing came of it. The opposition feared the change to West Des Moines would cause property owners to be taxed the same as Des Moines. It was also declared as a step toward annexation by Des Moines. A third and final election was held on December 7, 1937.

On January 1, 1938, the name "Valley Junction" was relegated to the past, and the new city of West Des Moines took the first steps to a new identity. Helping to establish this new identity, the most identifiable trait was the suspension of all property taxes between 1936 and 1938. This was due to the profits of the water department. Today the original business district of West Des Moines has been preserved as Historic Valley Junction. It features many locally owned specialty shops and restaurants as well as a weekly farmers' market.

Though the name was changed, the community's commitment to education was bolstered by funds from the Public Works Administration. Despite the Depression, a new elementary school and the Old Valley Football Stadium were built and dedicated on May 24, 1939, at 8th and Hillside. The venerable Lincoln School was razed in 1938 to make way for the new building. Longfellow was retired in 1939 and then sold in 1940 for $1000. In 1955, West Des Moines Elementary School at Walnut and 6th was renamed "Nellie Phenix Elementary" in honor of the former principal. The late 1930s were very good years in the school's athletic teams, producing memorable names: True, Gavin, Swink, and Sherbo. Charles Swink was a multi-record holder in track and field. His record at the Drake Relays stood for twenty years.

An overgrown concrete eyesore on Ashworth Road soon became the musical mecca for the surrounding area on June 6, 1939, when Tom Archer opened the Val Air Ballroom. The site was originally the location of the stillborn Wilson Rubber company factory. Intended to bolster World War I tire production, the end of the war in 1918 left only a large concrete slab. Patrons of the Val Air could dance under a canopy of stars to the melodious sounds of Guy Lombardo, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and other big bands. The war years brought new vitality to the community without a cost.

Then and now, flooding frequently dampens, but has not broken the residents' spirits. Unpredictable waters of the Raccoon River and Walnut Creek have often exceeded their banks due to large amounts of rain in the summer and snowmelt in the spring, filling the streets and damaging homes and businesses.

1950 to the present
In 1950, West Des Moines had a population of 5,615, but the city grew as many new housing subdivisions were built. West Des Moines annexed the neighboring community of Clover Hills in 1950, the town of Ashawa, a former Rock Island railroad stop, in 1957, and the town of Commerce, along the Raccoon River, in 1960. City government also grew, and when the venerable city hall could not keep up with the city's expansion, the city opened a new municipal building in 1954. With the influx of students, the school district's ever-expanding borders continually compromised classroom capacity. Children attended school in former homes near Phenix, with classes in hallways and living rooms. Space was even rented from the new Catholic grade school. In 1959 alone, 150–200 new homes were built, adding to the population's growth. The construction of Interstate 35, Interstate 80, and Interstate 235 in the 1960s brought more people and businesses to West Des Moines. This construction also caused the Des Moines Golf and Country Club to sell its location along Ashworth Road and 8th Street and then move to its current location in Dallas County. In 1966, Dowling Catholic High School/St. Joseph Educational Center purchased 55 acre from the Des Moines Golf and Country Club and, subsequently, moved from Des Moines and opened at its current location, 1400 Buffalo Road, in the fall of 1972. Several retail and office complexes opened along the I-235 corridor after the freeway's completion, including Valley West Mall, which opened in 1975. West Des Moines' population jumped from 11,964 in 1960 to 31,702 in 1990.

West Des Moines expanded into Dallas County during the 1990s and 2000s, once again placing the premier golf courses of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in its city limits and punctuated by the opening of one of the best golf courses in Iowa at the Glen Oaks Country Club along with the West Glen Town Center and the largest in the state of Iowa, Jordan Creek Town Center and shopping mall in 2004. Major commercial construction is underway around the area, including the opening of many additional hotels, shopping centers, and office buildings, including a new Wells Fargo corporate campus. In 2005, West Des Moines annexed land in Warren County for the first time. Seeing the land to the south of Des Moines as extremely valuable, especially with the completion of a major "South-Belt Freeway" system, the cities of Norwalk and West Des Moines are actively competing for land in the northern part of Warren County. From 1990 to 2015, West Des Moines is the fastest growing city in Iowa according to the landmass.

During the 1990s, a new city/school campus opened near the intersection of South 35th Street and Mills Civic Parkway. West Des Moines' new police station opened in April 1992. This was followed by the opening of a new public library in 1996; the library served as a temporary home for West Des Moines' city hall until a new building was dedicated in late 2002. The campus also features a new stadium for Valley High School that also opened in 2002. On the same property, the West Des Moines School district operates Valley Southwoods, a freshman high school with over 600 students that opened in 1996. Turning the West Des Moines Community Schools into a two high school district was not acceptable. In 2004, August Hillside Elementary opened on the former site of Hillside Junior High and Old Valley Stadium, which was demolished in 2001. In 2012, Clegg Park Elementary was renovated and opened as the new Walnut Creek Campus which is the district's alternative high school. Major renovation and additions were completed at Valley High in 2007 and again in 2015.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 39.48 sqmi, of which 38.59 sqmi is land and 0.89 sqmi is water. West Des Moines's location in the Raccoon River valley has left parts of it, particularly the Valley Junction area, prone to flooding. After the Great Flood of 1993, a floodwall was constructed along Walnut Creek (near the boundary with Des Moines) to protect that area.

Climate
West Des Moines has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa).

Street numbering
While nearby Clive, Urbandale, and Windsor Heights use the same street numbers for north–south streets that Des Moines uses, West Des Moines has its own street numbering system. Thus, 86th Street in Clive and Urbandale becomes 22nd Street in West Des Moines. Iowa Highway 28, which forms most of the boundary between Des Moines and West Des Moines, is 63rd Street in Des Moines but 1st Street in West Des Moines. Many of the east–west streets share the same name with Des Moines, although the numbering of these east–west streets starts over in West Des Moines.

Demographics
The median income for a household in the city was $54,139, and the median income for a family was $70,600 (in a 2008 estimate, these figures had risen to $61,256 and $83,800 respectively, in 2008 inflation-adjusted dollars ). Males had a median income of $45,185 versus $31,555 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,405. 2.8% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under the age of 18 and 3.0% of those 65 and older.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 68,723 people residing in the city, an increase of 21.4% from 2010. The population density was 1,455 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 80.2% Non-Hispanic White, 3.9% African American, 0.1% Native American, 6.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 5.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 4.9% of the population.

There were 29,311 households, with an average household size of 2.19. 6.6% of residents were under the age of 5, 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 13.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

The per capita income was $49,286, and median household income was $76,564. 96.6% of residents age 25 and older were high school graduates, and 53.7% had a bachelor's degree or higher.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 56,609 people, 24,311 households, and 14,201 families residing in the city. The population density was 1466.9 PD/sqmi. There were 26,219 housing units at an average density of 679.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.4% White, 3.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 4.8% Asian, 1.5% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.2% of the population.

There were 24,311 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.6% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% 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 2.98.

The median age in the city was 33.5 years. 24.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 32.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.4% were from 45 to 64; and 10.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 46,403 people, 19,826 households, and 11,915 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,732.5 PD/sqmi. There were 20,815 housing units at an average density of 777.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.66% White, 1.87% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.76% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.26% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.03% of the population.

There were 19,826 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.98.

The age distribution was 24.7% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 35.5% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

Economy
Hy-Vee, FBL Financial Group, GuideOne Insurance, American Equity, Sammons Financial Group, ITA Group, Windsor Windows & Doors and the Iowa Foundation for Medical Care are headquartered in West Des Moines. Other large employers include ADP, Goodrich and Wells Fargo's Card Services and Home Mortgage divisions. Wells Fargo recently completed its corporate campus south of Jordan Creek Town Center that is the home of their Home Mortgage and Consumer Finance divisions. Microsoft maintains several data centers in West Des Moines including, as of September 2023, its most advanced supercomputer because heat from the supercomputer can be vented with outside air when air temperatures are below 29.3 C and thus significantly reduce the amount of water used for cooling. This location supported training for ChatGPT.

Top employers
According to West Des Moines' 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Government
West Des Moines uses the mayor-council form of government with a city manager appointed by the city council. The council consists of the mayor, two at-large members, and three members from each of the city's three wards. The mayor and all council members serve four-year terms. Rick Messerschmidt served as the interim mayor of the city following former mayor Eugene Meyer's resignation in January 2007; On April 17, Steve Gaer was elected mayor during a special election and held that position until Russ Trimble was elected Mayor in November 2021. Tom Hadden is the city manager of West Des Moines.

Education
The West Des Moines Community School District has nine elementary schools, two junior high schools, and one high school (Valley), with a second high school for freshmen only (Valley Southwoods) and an alternative high school (Walnut Creek Campus). Parts of Clive, Urbandale, and Windsor Heights are also in the West Des Moines School District. The Dallas County portion of West Des Moines is part of the Waukee Community School District; three of that district's ten elementary schools are in West Des Moines. Private schools in West Des Moines include Dowling Catholic High School and Iowa Christian Academy from 1999 till its closing in 2019. Valley High School moved to its present location in 1967. Before that, it was in a three-story brick building at 8th and Hillside. It was built in 1917 and torn down in 1979.

Transportation
Des Moines Area Regional Transit provides public transit service to the city via multiple bus routes.

Notable people

 * Cindy Axne, congresswoman
 * Matt Bullard, basketball player
 * Caitlin Clark, basketball player, Indiana Fever point guard, WNBA all-star, former University of Iowa point guard, all-time NCAA women's basketball points leader
 * Corwin Clatt, football player
 * Jared Clauss, football player
 * Liang Chow, head coach of US women's gymnastic team at the 2008 Summer Olympics
 * Gabby Douglas, gymnast and 2012 Olympic gold medalist
 * Jerry Groom, football player
 * Justin Hartwig, football player
 * Peter Hedges, novelist, screenwriter, director
 * Dan Jennings, baseball player
 * Shawn Johnson, gymnast and 2008 Olympic gold medalist
 * Karlos Kirby, bobsledder
 * Mary Madison, Iowa state representative
 * Mike McCoy, amateur golfer
 * Mason Mitchell, racing driver
 * Carl Pohlad, billionaire businessman, owned Minnesota Twins.
 * Scott Pose, baseball player
 * Brent Roske, TV/ film producer
 * Tyson Smith, football player

title: West Des Moines, Iowa


text:
Woodward, Iowa

Woodward is a city in Dallas County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,346 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Woodward is also home to the Woodward-Granger Community School District's middle school and high school, the elementary school being located in Granger.

History
"The town of Woodward was born when the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Co reconstructed its lines through the community the depot was constructed. The original name for the town was decided upon as Colton, another town had already adopted the name so the name was changed to Woodward.  The City was incorporated in August 1883.  The first Council meeting was on December 18, 1883 called to order by Mayor W.S. Craft."

An F-2 tornado struck Woodward, the city of Ames, and several other small Iowan communities on November 12, 2005, devastating many homes in the southeast and east parts of town. There were no deaths in Woodward, although there was one in Stratford. Discovery Channel's series Destroyed In Seconds showed the natural disaster in one of its episodes. During the first season of Dirty Jobs they visited a pig farmer from Woodward in the episode.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.46 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,024 people, 455 households, and 274 families residing in the city. The population density was 416.3 PD/sqmi. There were 503 housing units at an average density of 204.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 1.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 455 households, of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.8% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 40.4 years. 22.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 31.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.4% male and 52.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,200 people, 490 households, and 309 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,319.1 PD/sqmi. There were 528 housing units at an average density of 580.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.33% White, 0.08% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 1.00% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.17% of the population.

There were 490 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,647, and the median income for a family was $43,333. Males had a median income of $29,500 versus $23,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,501. About 4.7% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Mr. Brian Devick has served as Mayor since 2011. the city council members are Ashvin Patel, Jesse A. Purvis, Richard Hartwig, Paul Thompson and Craig DeHoet.

Public safety
Woodward is served by a volunteer fire department, which has served since 1883.

Education
The Woodward-Granger Community School District operates local public schools.

Nearby organizations
–There is also the Picket Fence Creamery, located right outside of Woodward. They are well known for their 100% natural dairy products and their unusual flavors, such as orange milk. While also selling some meat, they are most widely known for their ice cream, which is sold in Woodward and around central Iowa.
 * Camp Mitigwa, which serves the Boy Scouts of America Mid Iowa Council, lies north of Woodward.
 * Woodward State Resource Center is located in Woodward.
 * Woodward Academy, located in Woodward, is a boot camp for teenage boys who have been convicted of various crimes.

title: Woodward, Iowa


text:
Bloomfield, Iowa

Bloomfield is a city in Davis County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,682 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Davis County. It is widely regarded as one of the worst towns in Iowa due to its lack of access to any resources and utterly miserable residents.

History
Bloomfield was incorporated on January 3rd, 1855. On October 12th, 1864 a small group of Confederate soldiers began a raid on the town. The raid would result in the death of three citizens before the soldiers retreated back into Missouri.

Geography
Bloomfield is located in the southeastern part of Iowa, near the Missouri border. Bloomfield's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 40.751122, -92.417007.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.28 sqmi, of which 2.25 sqmi is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.

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

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,640 people, 1,122 households, and 683 families living in the city. The population density was 1173.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,259 housing units at an average density of 559.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.3% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 1,122 households, of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.1% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 43 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 22.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.0% male and 54.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,601 people, 1,123 households, and 668 families living in the city. The population density was 1,145.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,228 housing units at an average density of 540.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.54% White, 0.12% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.38% of the population.

There were 1,123 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.5% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.84.

Age spread: 20.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 26.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,471, and the median income for a family was $44,073. Males had a median income of $25,260 versus $23,686 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,962. About 3.9% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Davis County Community School District operates local area public schools.

Annual events
The Davis County Fair is held in July every year at the fairgrounds, west of Bloomfield.

The week-long Davis County Country & Old Time Music Festival is held every September at the fairgrounds.

Bloomfield and Davis County have a large Amish population concentrated in nearby Drakesville.

Davis County Courthouse
The Davis County Courthouse was designed by Thomas J. Tolan & Son, Architects, of Fort Wayne Indiana and is situated on the Bloomfield townsquare. In November 1876, the center of the square was cleared of trees and the following June, Larkworthy & Menke, of Quincy, Illinois, was awarded the contract to supply stone. The bell was made by the Meneely & Kimberly Bell Company of Troy, New York. The clock was made by the Seth Thomas Company and still resides within the clock tower. The building was completed in 1879. A chain surrounding the courthouse was added in 1879 and an iron fence, by the Cleveland Wrought Iron Fence Company, was added in 1881.

On August 27, 1924, Henry "Dare-Devil" Roland, "The Human Fly," attempted to climb the northwest corner of the courthouse. He fell to the ground from about 25 feet, breaking his hip. He was hospitalized in Bloomfield for six weeks, before returning east with his wife and daughter. On June 28, 1932, Roland made a return trip to Bloomfield to remove the blot from his record of successful climbs. This time, in just eleven minutes, he was sitting perched astride the statue of Blind Justice. Roland died October 7, 1937, as a result of a trapeze fall at Ottway, Tennessee.

The Davis County Court House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 3, 1974. The courthouse was photographed by Bob Thall as part of the Bicentennial project commissioned by Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. to document more than 1,100 American courthouses. One of the results of this project was the 1978 book Court House, edited by Richard Pare. Thall's photo was part of the project's traveling exhibition and also appeared in The New York Times Book Review, American Heritage and Newsweek magazines.

The Bloomfield Square Historic District, which surrounds the courthouse, was added to the National Register's listings on November 7, 1976.

The Davis County Courthouse Preservation Fund was incorporated in November 2005.

Historic Structures

 * The James B. Weaver House is a historic house at 102 Weaver Road (United States Route 63) in Bloomfield, Iowa. Built in 1865, it was the home of James Weaver (1833-1912) until 1890. Weaver, a populist and anti-monopolist, was the Greenback candidate for president in 1880 and the Populist candidate in 1892. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975. James B. Weaver house from W 2.jpg
 * The William Findley House, also known as the Davis County Historical Society Museum, is a historic residence located in Bloomfield, Iowa, United States. Dr. William M. Findley was the first owner of this house. The T-shaped, vernacular structure is one of a very few brick houses in town, as the vast majority are frame construction. While it does not conform to any specific style, the wide, bracketed cornice does suggest the Italianate style. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The William Findlay House.jpg
 * The Henry Wishard House, also known as the Fenton House, is a historic residence located in Bloomfield, Iowa, United States. Wishard was a prominent Bloomfield businessman, who was known as the father of the gasoline tax in the United States to raise revenue for road construction. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Transportation
Bloomfield lies at the junction of U.S. Route 63 and Iowa Highway 2.

Notable people

 * Barry Davis (wrestler) - member of the 1984 and                  1988 Olympics winning silver in ‘84. 3 time National Champion at the University of Iowa. University of Wisconsin Head Coach 1994-2018
 * Curt Bader - member of the 1988 and 1996 Olympic Kayak teams
 * Clem Beauchamp - early motion picture actor, assistant director, production manager; Academy Award winner (Beau champ = Beautiful field...)
 * Smith Wildman Brookhart - U.S. Senator
 * Cyrus Bussey - Civil War Major General (Breveted); Assistant Secretary of the Interior
 * Beryl F. Carroll - Governor of Iowa
 * George W. Clarke - Governor of Iowa
 * Samuel O. Dunn - journalist; transportation specialist
 * Cora Bussey Hillis - Children's rights advocate
 * L.D. Hotchkiss - former editor-in-chief, Los Angeles Times
 * John A. Hull - Major General; Judge Advocate General of the Army (1924–1928); Associate Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines (1934–1936)
 * John A.T. Hull - editor Davis County Republican; Iowa Secretary of State, Lt. Governor of Iowa, U.S. Representative
 * Augustin Reed Humphrey - U.S. Representative from Nebraska
 * John Henry Kyl - U.S. Representative
 * Jon Kyl - U.S. Senator from Arizona
 * Irvin S. Pepper - U.S. Representative
 * Bertha Eaton Raffetto - composer of Home Means Nevada, the state song of Nevada
 * C. William Ramseyer - U.S. Representative
 * Johnny Rawlings - major league baseball player (1914–1926); manager in All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
 * Jack Reno - country singer, songwriter and disc jockey
 * Kevin Ritz - major league pitcher, Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies
 * Walter A. Sheaffer - founder of the Sheaffer Pen Company
 * Erastus J. Turner - U.S. Representative from Kansas
 * James Weaver - U.S. Representative; twice third-party presidential candidate, 1880 Greenback Party and 1892 Populist Party

title: Bloomfield, Iowa


text:
Drakesville, Iowa

Drakesville is a city in Davis County, Iowa, United States. The population was 164 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Drakesville (historically Drakeville) was founded in 1847. It was named for its founder, John A. Drake.

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

Demographics

Drakesville is located in the center of Iowa's fastest growing Amish community http://www.iowaamish.com

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 184 people, 76 households, and 47 families living in the city. The population density was 736.0 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 340.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.5% White and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 76 households, of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.2% were non-families. 27.6% 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 2.42 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the city was 41 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 27.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 42.4% male and 57.6% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 185 people, 78 households and 46 families living in the city. The population density was 746.4 PD/sqmi. There were 88 housing units at an average density of 355.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.22% White, 0.54% African American, and 3.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.70% of the population.

There were 78 households, of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.0% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.15.

Age distribution was 26.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.3 males.

The median household income was $26,875, and the median family income was $32,500. Males had a median income of $25,625 versus $23,438 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,063. About 14.7% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 26.9% of those 65 or over.

Education
The Davis County Community School District operates local area public schools.

title: Drakesville, Iowa


text:
Floris, Iowa

Floris is a city in Davis County, Iowa, United States. The population was 116 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
A post office was opened at Floris in 1847.

Geography
Floris is located on the south margin of the Soap Creek floodplain. It is approximately 8.5 miles north-northeast of Bloomfield.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.48 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 138 people, 58 households, and 41 families living in the city. The population density was 287.5 PD/sqmi. There were 62 housing units at an average density of 129.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.3% White and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 58 households, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.3% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 45 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 28.9% were from 45 to 64; and 21% 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 153 people, 61 households, and 42 families living in the city. The population density was 316.3 PD/sqmi. There were 68 housing units at an average density of 140.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.69% White and 1.31% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.61% of the population.

There were 61 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $19,375, and the median income for a family was $27,917. Males had a median income of $26,250 versus $3,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $9,438. About 21.4% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.7% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Education
The Davis County Community School District operates local area public schools.

title: Floris, Iowa


text:
Pulaski, Iowa

Pulaski is a city in Davis County, Iowa, United States. The population was 264 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Pulaski was founded in 1856. It is named for Casimir Pulaski.

Corn show
The Pulaski Corn Show, held annually on a September weekend, is a citywide celebration with a parade.

Geography
Pulaski is located on Iowa Highway 2 southeast of the county seat of Bloomfield and west of Milton.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.51 sqmi, all land.

Transportation
Iowa Highway 2 passes through Pulaski.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 260 people, 104 households, and 80 families residing in the city. The population density was 509.8 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 229.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 104 households, of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.1% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the city was 39.7 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.6% were from 25 to 44; 30% were from 45 to 64; and 13.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.7% male and 47.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 249 people, 103 households, and 70 families residing in the city. The population density was 669.3 PD/sqmi. There were 113 housing units at an average density of 303.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.19% White, 0.40% Native American, and 2.41% from two or more races.

There were 103 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,694, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $24,318 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,334. About 6.6% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.7% of those under the age of eighteen and 14.0% of those 65 or over.

title: Pulaski, Iowa


text:
Davis City, Iowa

Davis City is a city in Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 179 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Davis City was laid out in 1855. It is named for William Davis, who operated a sawmill. Davis City was a shipping point on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Geography
Davis City is located along the Thompson River. A stream gauge station is maintained on the river in the city.

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

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 204 people in 94 households, including 53 families, in the city. The population density was 345.8 PD/sqmi. There were 121 housing units at an average density of 205.1 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.5% Native American, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0%.

Of the 94 households 21.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.6% were non-families. 36.2% of households were one person and 17% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age was 52 years. 18.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.2% were from 25 to 44; 28.4% were from 45 to 64; and 29.4% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 275 people in 109 households, including 79 families, in the city. The population density was 469.5 PD/sqmi. There were 125 housing units at an average density of 213.4 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 98.55% White, 0.36% Native American, 0.73% from other races, and 0.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45%.

Of the 109 households 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 24.8% of households were one person and 10.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.86.

The age distribution was 27.6% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median household income was $23,750 and the median family income was $26,875. Males had a median income of $25,750 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,091. About 25.6% of families and 28.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 23.1% of those sixty five or over.

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

Transportation
While there is no fixed-route transit service in Davis City, intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Lamoni.

title: Davis City, Iowa


text:
Decatur City, Iowa

Decatur is a city in Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 175 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Decatur was the first county seat of Decatur County, until 1853, when the seat was transferred to Leon.

Decatur was incorporated in 1875.

In 2023, the city council had the city's name clarified through a vote in the regular city election (public measure) as previously there are documents calling it both Decatur and Decatur City. Upon the certification of that election in November 2023, the city is officially named the city of Decatur.

Geography
Decatur is located on Iowa Highway 2 just east of I-35, 4.5 miles west of Leon and approximately eight miles north-northeast of Lamoni.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.40 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 197 people, 78 households, and 53 families living in the city. The population density was 492.5 PD/sqmi. There were 91 housing units at an average density of 227.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.5% Native American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 78 households, of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.1% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% 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 3.08.

The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 199 people, 92 households, and 50 families living in the city. The population density was 508.5 PD/sqmi. There were 103 housing units at an average density of 263.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.49% White, 1.51% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 92 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.6% were non-families. 41.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,250, and the median income for a family was $27,917. Males had a median income of $22,000 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,394. About 15.4% of families and 26.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 16.1% of those 65 or over.

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

Transportation
While there is no fixed-route transit service in Decatur, intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Lamoni.

title: Decatur City, Iowa


text:
Garden Grove, Iowa

Garden Grove is a small town in Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 174 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
On April 24, 1846, emigrants affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the direction of Brigham Young established a way station halfway into their trek across Iowa. This semi-permanent settlement was named Garden Grove because the entire grove was covered with wild onions as far as the eye could see. Within three weeks of their arrival, the pioneers enclosed and planted 715 acre. They founded the village to assist those who did not have sufficient means to continue their journey, as well as to support and supply future companies of pioneers.

When Brigham Young and the main company left Garden Grove on May 12, 1846, the poorest and least prepared were left behind. After the Saints arrived in Winter Quarters, Captain James Allen brought orders from President James Polk to enlist a battalion of Mormons for the War with Mexico. Brigham Young and other leaders rode back as far as Mt. Pisgah to encourage the men to enlist, and a letter was sent to the Saints in Garden Grove. Only one man from the Garden Grove settlement, Edward Bunker, enlisted and served in the Mormon Battalion.

In the fall of 1846, when the last of the Mormons were driven out of Nauvoo, Illinois, the exiles camped on the west shore of the Mississippi River. Two rescue parties were sent from Winter Quarters and Council Bluffs, and an additional group was requested from Garden Grove. Luman Shurtliff led the third rescue party and brought the poorest of the exiles to the settlement at Garden Grove.

Through the winter of 1846/47, about 600 Latter-day Saints resided in Garden Grove. By 1852, the Mormon settlers had moved on to Utah, selling the property and improvements to other American frontiersmen. Garden Grove is a site on the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. A marker just west of the city, overlooking a wooded ravine, marks the site of the former Mormon Cemetery.

Garden Grove was a shipping point on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

A strong EF2 tornado struck the town on March 5, 2022, causing major damage to several structures.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 211 people in 78 households, including 49 families, in the city. The population density was 305.8 PD/sqmi. There were 103 housing units at an average density of 149.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 97.6% White, 0.9% African American, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9%.

Of the 78 households 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.9% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.2% were non-families. 26.9% of households were one person and 6.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age was 38.1 years. 27% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.4% were from 25 to 44; 29.9% were from 45 to 64; and 8.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 250 people in 96 households, including 64 families, in the city. The population density was 359.0 PD/sqmi. There were 113 housing units at an average density of 162.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 99.60% White and 0.40% Native American.

Of the 96 households 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 28.1% of households were one person and 11.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.26.

The age distribution was 29.2% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.

The median household income was $19,844 and the median family income was $29,464. Males had a median income of $21,875 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,301. About 28.3% of families and 35.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 28.2% of those sixty five or over.

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

title: Garden Grove, Iowa


text:
Grand River, Iowa

Grand River is a city in northwest Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 196 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Grand River got its start in the year 1881, following construction of the Humeston and Shenandoah Railroad through the territory.

Geography
Grand River is located along the Thompson River (a tributary of the Grand River).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.21 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 236 people in 99 households, including 58 families, in the city. The population density was 1123.8 PD/sqmi. There were 128 housing units at an average density of 609.5 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 96.6% White, 0.4% Native American, 1.3% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4%.

Of the 99 households 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.4% were non-families. 35.4% of households were one person and 23.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median age was 38 years. 25.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.3% were from 25 to 44; 21.7% were from 45 to 64; and 23.3% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 225 people in 104 households, including 55 families, in the city. The population density was 1,079.8 PD/sqmi. There were 123 housing units at an average density of 590.3 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 97.78% White, 0.44% Native American, 0.44% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44%.

Of the 104 households 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.2% were non-families. 41.3% of households were one person and 28.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 3.02.

The age distribution was 24.0% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 20.9% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 30.2% 65 or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 73.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 69.3 males.

The median household income was $22,344 and the median family income was $26,964. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $19,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,272. About 7.0% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under the age of eighteen and 27.0% of those sixty five or over.

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

title: Grand River, Iowa


text:
Lamoni, Iowa

Lamoni is a city in Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,969 at the time of the 2020 Census. Lamoni is the home of Graceland University, affiliated with the Community of Christ, a denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. The city was the church's headquarters from 1880 to 1920, after which it moved to Independence, Missouri.

The town is host to KNSL, a public radio station which rebroadcasts programming from Iowa Public Radio, National Public Radio, and adult album alternative music to South Central Iowa and North Central Missouri.

History
The Lamoni area was first settled in 1834 to 1840 by people who thought they were settling in slave-owning Missouri. It was only after the Sullivan Line separating Missouri and Iowa was formally surveyed when Iowa became a state in 1846 that they realized they were in non-slave-owning Iowa.

In 1851, refugees from the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 sought to settle the area and form the community of New Buda (named for a neighborhood of Budapest). Their efforts did not result in a significant settlement.

In 1870, Joseph Smith III authorized the Order of Enoch to purchase over 3,000 acres (12 km$2$) to form a community of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church). Smith lived in Liberty Hall, now a museum.

The city was named after Lamoni, a king mentioned in the Book of Mormon.

Lamoni, just north of the Missouri border, was chosen because of its good farmland and because it is about 100 miles north of Temple Lot, an important location in church teachings. The Mormons were evicted from Temple Lot and Missouri in the 1838 Mormon War.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by Brigham Young, passed through the community in 1846, staying at nearby Garden Grove, Iowa, while en route from Nauvoo, Illinois (where they had settled after being forced to leave Missouri), to the Salt Lake Valley.

Lamoni was formally platted adjacent to newly laid tracks of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1879. By 1900, its population had grown to 1,500.

In 1880, Smith moved to Lamoni (as did the RLDS Church headquarters) from Plano, Illinois.

In 1895, the church founded Graceland University in Lamoni.

After the Smith family moved to Independence to the area near Temple Lot in 1916, Liberty Hall served as a home for the aged, a farmhouse, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, and a private residence before becoming a museum.

Charles Hyde and David Vredenburg, members of the church affiliated with the church-owned General Supply Company, which owned Lamoni mills, hardware and grocery stores, started a grocery store chain called the Supply Store in 1930, which in turn became Hy-Vee (from their two names). Lamoni remained the company's headquarters until 1945, when it moved to Chariton, Iowa.

Geography
Lamoni is located in southwest Decatur County on US Route 69.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 3.44 sqmi, of which 3.34 sqmi is land and 0.10 sqmi is water.

Climate
Lamoni has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa).

Amish population
The Lamoni area has a sizable Amish community, whose businesses are not open on Sundays.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,324 people, 770 households, and 427 families living in the city. The population density was 723.6 PD/sqmi. There were 927 housing units at an average density of 288.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.6% White, 5.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.7% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

There were 770 households, of which 24% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.5% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.84.

27.8% were under the age of 20, 25.6% from 20 to 24, 11.9% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,444 people, 818 households, and 428 families living in the city. The population density was 761.1 PD/sqmi. There were 904 housing units at an average density of 281.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.86% White, 2.95% African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.60% Asian, 0.41% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races, and 2.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.78% of the population.

There were 818 households, out of which 21.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.6% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.84.

15.1% were under the age of 18, 39.6% from 18 to 24, 13.9% from 25 to 44, 15.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,083, and the median income for a family was $53,363. Males had a median income of $37,700 versus $26,563 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,279. About 6.9% of families and 15.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Lamoni Community School District operates local public schools.

Graceland University is a private university located in Lamoni.

Transportation
Jefferson Lines provides intercity bus service to Lamoni on a route between Minneapolis and Tulsa.

Notable people

 * Paul Ballantyne, actor
 * William W. Blair, RLDS Church leader
 * Eveline Burgess, chess champion
 * Steven V. Carter, politician
 * Caitlyn Jenner, athlete and television personality
 * Floyd M. McDowell, RLDS Church leader
 * Jack Parker, athlete
 * Alexander Hale Smith, RLDS Church leader
 * Heman C. Smith, RLDS Church leader
 * Israel A. Smith, RLDS Church leader
 * Joseph Smith III, RLDS Church leader
 * W. Wallace Smith, RLDS Church leader
 * Wallace B. Smith, RLDS Church leader
 * Eddie Watt, Major League Baseball pitcher

title: Lamoni, Iowa


text:
Le Roy, Iowa

Le Roy is a city in Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 11 in the 2020 census, a decrease from 13 in 2000.

As of the 2020 census, Le Roy is the smallest incorporated city in Iowa. In the 2000 census, it was the second smallest, and in the 2010 census was tied with Beaconsfield for smallest.

History
Le Roy got its start in 1880, following construction of the Humeston and Shenandoah Railroad through the territory. The city is named for Leroy Buffman, an early settler.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.33 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 15 people, 8 households, and 3 families residing in the city. The population density was 45.5 PD/sqmi. There were 9 housing units at an average density of 27.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.3% White and 6.7% from two or more races.

There were 8 households, of which 12.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 12.5% were married couples living together, 25.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 62.5% were non-families. 50.0% 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 1.88 and the average family size was 2.33.

The median age in the city was 56.3 years. 13.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 0.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 40% were from 45 to 64; and 20% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 40.0% male and 60.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 13 people, 6 households, and 4 families residing in the city. The population density was 39.4 PD/sqmi. There were 15 housing units at an average density of 45.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 6 households, out of which 50.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 33.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.40.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 53.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 62.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 66.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,125, and the median income for a family was $34,375. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,560. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

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

title: Le Roy, Iowa


text:
Leon, Iowa

Leon is a city in and the county seat of Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,822 at the time of the 2020 census.

The city is located near the Little River Lake Recreation Area. Leon is home to a major rodeo that has been Rodeo of the Year in Iowa for many years.

History
Center Township was organized as part of the formation of the county on 1 April 1850. Because Decatur City was inaccessible to the rest of the county during the area's periodic floods, a majority of the county voted to move the county seat to a nearby location east of the Little River. Because the residents of Decatur City refused to respect the results of the vote, the county records were stolen and moved by ox-drawn wagon under cover of darkness. The new settlement was originally named Independence, but that name was soon discovered to have already been taken by another town in Buchanan County. It was then renamed South Independence before the state legislator and veteran W.H. Cheevers successfully argued for renaming it Leon in honor of the Jewish "Fighting Doctor" David Camden de Leon in 1855.

It was formally incorporated as a city in 1858. It was a shipping point on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Geography
Leon is located on US Route 69 and Iowa Highway 2 approximately 12 miles northeast of Lamoni.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.18 sqmi, of which, 3.17 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

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

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,977 people, 826 households, and 482 families living in the city. The population density was 623.7 PD/sqmi. There were 952 housing units at an average density of 300.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.1% White, 0.7% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 826 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.6% were non-families. 36.9% 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 2.32 and the average family size was 3.08.

The median age in the city was 40.2 years. 25.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.3% were from 25 to 44; 24.9% were from 45 to 64; and 20.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.4% male and 52.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,983 people, 858 households, and 513 families living in the city. The population density was 630.9 PD/sqmi. There were 966 housing units at an average density of 307.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.64% White, 0.10% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.

There were 858 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.7% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.90.

Age spread: 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 23.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,390, and the median income for a family was $33,083. Males had a median income of $24,100 versus $18,849 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,015. About 12.7% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.9% of those under age 18 and 16.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * Steven V. Carter, politician
 * Sarah Bond Hanley, politician
 * John Clinton Porter, politician

Chamber history
On January 15, 1888, a meeting of the business men of Leon was held at the Courthouse at which steps were taken towards organizing a business men's association. At this meeting a committee was appointed for the purpose of drawing up a plan of organization. At a second meeting, the committee recommended that an association be formed at once under the name of the Leon Board of Trade. The shares of stock were fixed at $5 each, and each member of the board was required to take not less than one share of the stock. The constitution and by-laws were at once circulated for signatures, and within 15 minutes thirty of the business men of the town had signified their intention of becoming members of the board. The Board of Trade existed successfully and helpfully for a number of years. The Leon Commercial Club was established on April 26, 1907. The object of the club was to promote the civic and industrial interests of the city and to place Leon on equal footing with similarly sized cities in the State. The officers were: James F. Harvey - President A.L. Ackerly - Vice President William J Springer - Secretary CW Robinson - Treasurer (Adapted from History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915) Today this organization is known as the Leon Chamber of Commerce. Current membership consists of 58 business members and a number of private, individual members. The purpose of this organization is to unite into one central organization all of the civic, industrial and commercial activities of this community, To aid, encourage and promote the best interests of the City of Leon and the County of Decatur, To acquire real and personal property, to mortgage, lease and dispose of same, To do any and all things permitted by law for a non-profit corporation, and to exercise any and all powers and privileges permitted by law concerning the same.

In 2013, the Leon Chamber of Commerce and the Leon Community Development Corporation (LCDC) were merged into one organization. Leon Chamber of Commerce remained and LCDC become a subcommittee of the Leon Chamber of Commerce.

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

title: Leon, Iowa


text:
Pleasanton, Iowa

Pleasanton is a city in Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 32 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Pleasanton was founded in 1854. It was originally called Pleasant Plain, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with another community of that same name in the state. The present name is commendatory.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.35 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 49 people, 18 households, and 14 families living in the city. The population density was 140.0 PD/sqmi. There were 26 housing units at an average density of 74.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 18 households, of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.2% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age in the city was 34.5 years. 28.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.4% were from 45 to 64; and 20.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 55.1% male and 44.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 37 people, 20 households, and 12 families living in the city. The population density was 107.6 PD/sqmi. There were 24 housing units at an average density of 69.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 20 households, out of which 15.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.85 and the average family size was 2.42.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 10.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 13.5% from 25 to 44, 35.1% from 45 to 64, and 32.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,250, and the median income for a family was $54,375. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,231. There were no families and 12.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 16.7% of those over 64.

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

Transportation
While there is no fixed-route transit service in Pleasanton, intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Lamoni.

title: Pleasanton, Iowa


text:
Van Wert, Iowa

Van Wert is a city in northern Decatur County, Iowa, United States. The population was 178 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Van Wert is located on Route J14 east of I-35 approximately eight miles north of Decatur City and two miles south of the Decatur-Clarke county line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.34 sqmi, of which 0.33 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

History
Van Wert was first settled in 1853. It is named after Issac Van Wart.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 230 people in 101 households, including 73 families, in the city. The population density was 697.0 PD/sqmi. There were 119 housing units at an average density of 360.6 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 96.1% White, 2.2% Native American, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3%.

Of the 101 households 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.7% were non-families. 21.8% of households were one person and 8.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.63.

The median age was 48 years. 20.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.8% were from 25 to 44; 32.2% were from 45 to 64; and 21.3% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.1% male and 53.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 231 people in 103 households, including 64 families, in the city. The population density was 697.6 PD/sqmi. There were 120 housing units at an average density of 362.4 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 99.13% White, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87%.

Of the 103 households 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 33.0% of households were one person and 11.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.85.

The age distribution was 22.1% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median household income was $34,375 and the median family income was $44,375. Males had a median income of $26,000 versus $18,194 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,564. About 4.2% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 17.2% of those sixty five or over.

title: Van Wert, Iowa