Pella, Iowa
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Pella is a city located in Marion County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 9,832. Pella is the home of Central College as well as several manufacturing companies, including Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing Company.
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History and culture
Pella was founded in 1847 when eight-hundred Dutch immigrants settled the area. It is today one of the most unique towns in the state, featuring a number of local events and architectural sights.
The Vermeer Mill is a fully functional 1850s-style windmill, reaching 134 feet high. The Pella Opera House, built in 1900, was renovated in 1990 and is now a popular entertainment destination, featuring stained glass windows and ornate tin ceilings. A canal winds through nearby Molengracht Plaza, home of a number of shops, restaraunts, lodging, a movie theatre, and a full-size working drawbridge.
The annual Tulip Time festival is a celebration of Pella's Dutch heritage. It features tulip gardens, performances, crafters, music, food, Dutch costumes, and daily parades. The festival is held for three days in the late spring, usually the first week of May.
A few miles to the west is Iowa's largest lake, Lake Red Rock, a popular destination for biking, hiking, boating, and fishing.
Geography
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Location of Pella, Iowa
Pella is located at 41°24'26" North, 92°55'2" West (41.407311, -92.917352)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.7 km² (6.8 mi²). None of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 9,832 people, 3,497 households, and 2,395 families residing in the city. The population density is 555.0/km² (1,437.4/mi²). There are 3,691 housing units at an average density of 208.3/km² (539.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 96.32% White, 0.17% African American, 0.21% Native American, 2.36% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. 1.08% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,497 households out of which 30.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% are married couples living together, 5.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% are non-families. 28.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 2.95.
The population is spread out with 21.6% under the age of 18, 17.6% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $45,496, and the median income for a family is $56,321. Males have a median income of $40,344 versus $25,833 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,674. 7.7% of the population and 3.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.9% of those under the age of 18 and 13.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
External links
- Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau website (http://www.pella.org)