Poweshiek County, Iowa

Poweshiek County is a county located in the southeastern U.S. State of Iowa along Interstate 80, between Des Moines and Iowa City. As of 2000, the population is 18,815. The town of Grinnell is the county seat. Grinnell is also home to Grinnell College, a little-known but prestigious liberal arts college.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,518 km² (586 mi²). 1,515 km² (585 mi²) of it is land and 3 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.19% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 18,815 people, 7,398 households, and 4,882 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (32/mi²). There are 8,556 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 96.74% White, 0.55% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. 1.20% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,398 households out of which 29.00% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.80% are married couples living together, 7.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.00% are non-families. 29.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.35 and the average family size is 2.88.

In the county the population is spread out with 22.70% under the age of 18, 12.80% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 92.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 88.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,836, and the median income for a family is $46,599. Males have a median income of $31,781 versus $22,465 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,629. 9.80% of the population and 6.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 12.00% are under the age of 18 and 5.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Brooklyn
• Deep River
• Grinnell
• Guernsey
• Hartwick
• Malcom
• Montezuma
• Searsboro