Decatur County, Iowa
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Decatur County is a county located in the state of Iowa. As of 2000, the population is 8,689. Its county seat is Leon, Iowa6. This county is named for Stephen Decatur, Jr., a hero in the War of 1812.
Map_of_Iowa_highlighting_Decatur_County.png
Image:Map of Iowa highlighting Decatur County.png
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Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,381 km² (533 mi²). 1,377 km² (532 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.29% water.
Adjacent counties
- Clarke County (north)
- Wayne County (east)
- Mercer County, Missouri (southeast)
- Harrison County, Missouri (southwest)
- Ringgold County (west)
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 8,689 people, 3,337 households, and 2,149 families residing in the county. The population density is 6/km² (16/mi²). There are 3,833 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (7/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.46% White, 0.98% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. 1.70% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,337 households out of which 28.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% are married couples living together, 7.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.60% are non-families. 30.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.37 and the average family size is 2.96.
In the county the population is spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 16.30% from 18 to 24, 21.60% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $27,343, and the median income for a family is $34,831. Males have a median income of $25,569 versus $19,309 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,209. 15.50% of the population and 10.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 15.60% of those under the age of 18 and 13.70% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Decatur County is considered to be the poorest in Iowa, reporting that almost 20% of its residents live in poverty (http://desmoinesregister.com/news/stories/c4780934/13022230.html).
Cities and towns
External link
- Article Discussing Poverty and Politics in Decatur County (http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040606/OPINION01/406060306/1036)
