Winneshiek County, Iowa
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Winneshiek County is a county located in the state of Iowa. As of 2000, the population is 21,310. Its county seat is Decorah, Iowa6.
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History
A largely rural and agricultural county, Winneshiek County has a rich cultural history from the English, Irish, German, Swiss, and Norwegian immigrants that have settled within its boundaries.
The county was originally settled in 1848 in present day Bloomfield Township (near Castalia, Iowa) and in Washington Township (near Fort Atkinson, Iowa). It was organized in 1847.
In 1980, Winneshiek County reported a population of 21,842. Like much of Iowa during the 1980s it witnessed a population loss, plummeting to 20,847 according to the 1990 Unites States Census. However during the 1990s the county experienced some mild growth and was able to rise above the 21,000 mark once again.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,787 km² (690 mi²). 1,786 km² (690 mi²) of it is land and 1 km² (0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.04% water.
Adjacent counties
- Fillmore County, Minnesota (northwest)
- Houston County, Minnesota (northeast)
- Allamakee County (east)
- Fayette County (south)
- Chickasaw Counth (southwest)
- Howard County (west)
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 21,310 people, 7,734 households, and 5,189 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (31/mi²). There are 8,208 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (12/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 97.85% White, 0.51% Black or African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 7,734 households out of which 30.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.90% are married couples living together, 5.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% are non-families. 27.60% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 3.03.
In the county the population is spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 16.70% from 18 to 24, 24.20% from 25 to 44, 20.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 96.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $38,908, and the median income for a family is $45,966. Males have a median income of $29,278 versus $21,240 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,047. 8.00% of the population and 5.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.50% of those under the age of 18 and 10.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
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Cities and towns
Named townships in the county are: Bloomfield, Bluffton, Burr Oak, Calmar, Canoe, Decorah, Frankville, Freemont, Glenwood, Hesper, Highland, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Military, Orleans, Pleasant, Springfield, Sumner, and Washington Townships.
External links
- 1913 History of Winneshiek County (http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/historical/winneshiek/win_contents.htm)
- South Winneshiek School District (http://www.s-winneshiek.k12.ia.us)
- Turkey Valley School District (http://www.turkey-v.k12.ia.us/education/school/school.php?sectionid=2)
- North Winneshiek Community School District (http://www.n-winn.k12.ia.us/)
- List of towns in Winneshiek County (http://www.rootsweb.com/~iawinnes/townlist.htm)
- Winneshiek County Fair (http://www.winneshiekcountyfair.com/)
