Iowa is well-known for its farming, friendly atmosphere, and beautiful scenery. However, not all of its towns are prosperous. Some people are struggling with decreasing populations, lack of economic growth, and social problems. This blog explores five towns in Iowa that are experiencing a significant number of people leaving, as shown by the most recent U.S. Census data and other trustworthy sources.
Hamburg
Hamburg is a town in southwestern Iowa, specifically in Fremont County. In the past, it used to be a busy place with a railroad, coal mine, and meatpacking plant. But floods, fires, and closures have caused a lot of damage. The population of the area decreased from 1,187 in 2010 to 1,024 in 2020, which is a decline of 13.7%. In addition, Hamburg has a high poverty rate of 23.9%, a median income of $36,250, and a median home value of $64,500.
Keokuk
Keokuk is located in Lee County, southeastern Iowa. It used to be a big industrial center with a dam, power plant, steel mill, and riverboat port. The decrease in population from 10,780 in 2010 to 9,989 in 2020, which is a 7.3% decrease, is due to deindustrialization, competition, and environmental issues. Keokuk has a high poverty rate of 22.4%, with a median income of $38,636 and a median home value of $68,900.
Centerville
Centerville, located in south-central Iowa, used to be a thriving city with a strong mining industry and a lively downtown area. It is also the county seat of Appanoose County. However, due to a decline in mining, loss of business, and an aging population, the population has decreased from 5,528 in 2010 to 5,086 in 2020, which is an 8% decrease. Centerville has a high poverty rate of 20.9%, which means that many people there are living in poverty. The median income in Centerville is $37,500, which is the middle value of all the incomes in the area. The median home value in Centerville is $72,600, which is the middle value of all the home prices.
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Oelwein
Oelwein is a town in northeastern Iowa, specifically in Fayette County. It used to be a thriving railroad town with a variety of industries. The population of the area has decreased by 9.7% from 6,415 in 2010 to 5,794 in 2020. This decline is due to the downsizing of the railroad, closure of factories, and young people moving away. Oelwein has a high poverty rate of 19.8%, which means that a large percentage of its residents live in poverty. The median income in Oelwein is $39,583, which is the middle value of all the incomes in the area. The median home value in Oelwein is $66,800, which is the middle value of all the home prices in the area.
Emmetsburg
Emmetsburg is a city in northwestern Iowa and serves as the county seat of Palo Alto County. The city has a strong Irish heritage and celebrates St. Patrick’s Day every year. Additionally, Emmetsburg is known for its renewable energy industry. However, due to population decline, economic difficulties, and social problems, the number has decreased from 3,904 in 2010 to 3,494 in 2020, which is a 10.5% decrease. Emmetsburg has a high poverty rate of 18.4%, with a median income of $42,500 and a median home value of $82,300.
In summary
Iowa has some towns that face challenges like a decrease in population, economic difficulties, and social issues, even though it has charm and opportunities. This blog has provided information about five towns in Iowa—Hamburg, Keokuk, Centerville, Oelwein, and Emmetsburg—that are experiencing a significant number of people leaving. This information is based on the most recent U.S. Census data and reliable sources. By understanding why these communities are declining, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges they are dealing with. Thanks for taking the time to read!
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