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Decorah is a city located in Winneshiek County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 8,172. It is the county seat of Winneshiek CountyTemplate:GR.
About Decorah
Originally settled by people of English descent in 1849, Decorah has become popular as a center for Norwegian-American culture originating from a high number of Norwegian settlements beginning in the 1850s. Since 1862 it has been the home of Luther College, a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Each July Decorah is also the host of Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian culture with ethnic dancing, food and music. Decorah is also the home of the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the largest museum in the country devoted to one single immigrant group. Until 1972, one of the largest Norwegian language newspapers in the nation was published in Decorah, the Decorah Posten.
Economic Development
Despite its rural location, Decorah has managed to acquire a strong economic base in Northeast Iowa through several diverse employers. The city boasts strong employment numbers from Luther College, Textron Corporation, Deco Products, Fred Carlson Company,Rockwell Collins, APAC Teleservices, Iowa Rotocast Plastics and Wapsie Produce, the largest capon producing plant in America. Not so surprisingly, Decorah has a low unemployment rate and real estate values in the city are high. In 2000, the average home value in Decorah was $96,000, which was only second to Pella, Orange City and Sioux Center as the highest for smaller, rurally located communities in the state.
In the retail sector, Decorah has continued to offer a considerable amount of shopping options considering its size and location. JC Penney, Wal-Mart, Christopher & Banks, Maurice's, Hallmark and a number of other national chains have a stake in Decorah. The JC Penney in Decorah is unusual in that it is not located in a mall, and is also located in downtown Decorah.
Residents of Decorah often frequent other commercial hubs in the tri-state area for many needs. Rochester, Minnesota, La Crosse, Wisconsin and the Twin Cities are very popular spots for shopping, entertainment and dining.
For banking, there are several local, regional, and national banks that have a presence in Decorah. Bank of the West recently entered the community when it accquired Community First Bank in December of 2004.
A complete list of Decorah area businesses can be found here
Accommodation and Dining Options
Decorah is rich in both hotel and restaurant options for the traveler. The Hotel Winneshiek, located in a beautifully restored building constructed in 1905 offers the guest a turn-of-the-century atmosphere with modern conveniences. The hotel includes two restaurants, Albert's Lounge and The Victorian Rose. The Bluffs Inn, Heartland Inn, Super 8 Motel, Country Inn & Suites and various campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and cabins allow for a number of getaways in the Decorah area.
As restaurants go, Decorah boasts a selection that includes fast food chains McDonald's, Subway (restaurant), Dairy Queen, the Pizza Ranch and Pizza Hut while also featuring several other establishments with cuisines ranging from Mexican (Sabor Latino) to Norwegian (Dayton House Cafe). The Whippy Dip ice cream stand is known throughout Northeast Iowa for its ice cream.
Geography
Decorah is best known for being nestled in Northeast Iowa's bluff country with the Upper Iowa River flowing through town. The town's unique setting makes it popular for a variety of outdoor activities. Until 2003, Decorah was home to the Nor-Ski Runs Ski Area, a community attraction since the 1960s. It is located about 20 miles (30 km) away from the Minnesota - Iowa border. Depending on the direction of travel, it is either the first or last major community located along U.S. Highway 52 in Iowa.
Decorah is located at 43°18′06″N 91°47′25″W / 43.30167°N 91.79028°W / 43.30167; -91.79028 (43.301795, -91.790218)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.7 km² (6.4 mi²). 16.6 km² (6.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.47% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 8,172 people, 2,819 households, and 1,561 families residing in the city. The population density is 492.2/km² (1,275.9/mi²). There are 2,968 housing units at an average density of 178.8/km² (463.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 95.99% White, 1.13% African American, 0.10% Native American, 1.60% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,819 households out of which 22.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% are married couples living together, 6.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 44.6% are non-families. 37.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.13 and the average family size is 2.80.
In the city the population is spread out with 15.0% under the age of 18, 31.4% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 81.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 78.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $37,485, and the median income for a family is $49,668. Males have a median income of $33,362 versus $22,399 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,351. 8.0% of the population and 2.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 2.9% of those under the age of 18 and 9.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
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