Hiawatha, Iowa

Hiawatha, Iowa
City
Hiawatha City Hall
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  Say hello to a great place to live, work and play
Location in the State of Iowa
Detailed map of Hiawatha, Iowa
Coordinates: 42°2′40″N91°40′52″W / 42.04444°N 91.68111°W / 42.04444; -91.68111 [1]
Country	United States
State	Iowa
County	Linn
Incorporated	June 12, 1950 [2]
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
•  Mayor	Bill Bennett
Area [3]
• Total	4.77 sq mi (12.36 km2)
• Land	4.76 sq mi (12.34 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation	850 ft (260 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	7,183
• Density	1,507.45/sq mi (582.01/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	52233
Area code	319
FIPS code	19-35940
GNIS feature ID	0457418
Website	www.hiawatha-iowa.com

Hiawatha is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburb located in the northwestern side of Cedar Rapids and is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,183 at the time of the 2020 census, an increase from 6,480 in 2000. ^[4]

History

In 1946, Fay Clark, an entrepreneur of several ventures located in Linn County north of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, had a vision of houses and a highway running through a new city. In 1950 Clark and another 45 residents signed a petition seeking to become the 17th incorporated town in Linn County. The town would be named after Clark's trailer company. That same year he and Henry Katz of Marion established the Linn County Fire Association to help provide fire protection to rural communities. Clark served as mayor of Hiawatha from 1950 to 1958, and again from 1961 to 1963. Clark died in 1991 at the age of 84. ^[5]

Hiawatha residents celebrated the dedication of their new City Hall on May 17, 2008. ^[6]

Hiawatha celebrated its 60th anniversary in May 2010.^{[ citation needed ]}

Geography

Hiawatha's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 42.044409, -91.681025. ^[7]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.23 square miles (10.96 km²), all land. ^[8]

The elevation of Hiawatha is 850 feet (260 m) above sea level. ^[2]

Hiawatha's population density is estimated at 1884 people per square mile which is considered low for urban areas. ^[2]

Climate

Monthly Normal, Record High and Low Temperatures, and precipitation
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rec High °F	68	73	88	94	104	103	110	108	105	94	80	69
Norm High °F	28	35	47	62	73	82	85	83	76	64	46	33
Norm Low °F	12	18	25	39	50	60	64	62	54	42	30	17
Rec Low °F	-27	-28	-17	3	24	36	42	37	22	-2	-10	-28
Precip (in)	1.13	1.10	2.08	3.46	4.50	4.80	4.47	4.73	3.79	2.58	2.50	1.48
Source: Weather.com [9]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1960	1,336		—
1970	2,416		80.8%
1980	4,825		99.7%
1990	4,986		3.3%
2000	6,480		30.0%
2010	7,024		8.4%
2020	7,183		2.3%
U.S. Decennial Census [10] [4]

The population of Hiawatha, Iowa from US census data

2010 census

As of the census ^[11] of 2010, there were 7,024 people, 3,071 households, and 1,796 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,660.5 inhabitants per square mile (641.1/km²). There were 3,310 housing units at an average density of 782.5 per square mile (302.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.9% White, 5.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 3,071 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 37 years. 23.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[12] of 2000, there were 6,480 people, 2,859 households, and 1,663 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,834.3 inhabitants per square mile (708.2/km²). There were 2,979 housing units at an average density of 843.3 per square mile (325.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.24% White, 2.16% African American, 0.31% Native American, 1.53% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of the population.

There were 2,859 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.89.

Age spread: 23.6% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 35.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,799, and the median income for a family was $47,135. Males had a median income of $37,277 versus $25,394 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,664. About 3.4% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation

The city of Hiawatha maintains three parks . ^[13] Each Park has Free Wifi ^[14] & Little Free Libraries at each of the parks. ^{[15] [16]}

• Guthridge Park  Located on Emmons Street between 7th and 10th
• Tucker Park   Located on B Avenue
• Clark Park Park Located off N. 18th Avenue

Nature trails

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

Located on Boyson Road in Hiawatha is a trailhead for the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The trailhead is furnished with picnic tables, restrooms, maps and information about the trail, and parking. ^[17]

The main trail is a continuous path just under 52 miles (84 km) long running northwest from Hiawatha to Evansdale, with the first 4 miles (6.4 km) of the route north from Hiawatha paved with asphalt. The first 16 miles (26 km) going south from Evansdale are also paved with asphalt, the remaining trail is crushed and packed limestone. The trail has wildflowers and pockets of native remnant prairie grasses that have been enlarged through the process of burning surrounding brush and non-native plants. The trail is also known to have abundant wildlife and birds to observe. Although a fee was charged on the southern part of the trail at one time ^[ref] , the entire trail is now free. ^[18]

Other trails

A connecting segment of trail continues south from the Cedar Valley Nature Trail head through Hiawatha to connect with the Cedar River trail a 12.6-mile (20.3 km) trail in neighboring Cedar Rapids. ^[19] The city also maintains smaller, unconnected looped walking trails at all three city parks. ^[13]

Farmers market

The Hiawatha farmers market is located in the 10th Avenue parking lot of Guthridge Park. For the 2011 year, the market will be open beginning April 24 and running through October 30 on Sundays from 11:00am to 2:00pm (local time). Depending on the day, 25 or more entrepreneurs from the area set up their own displays and sell home grown and home made products. These include, but are not limited to: fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers, an assortment of baked products, preserved food products, arts, and crafts. ^[20]

Government

Hiawatha is governed by the Mayor with city council form of government, utilizing several departments, boards, and commissions.
The recently built City Hall (dedicated in 2007) is located at 101 Emmons Street Hiawatha, Iowa 52233. The building was designed to include not only the city government and various departments but also includes a Community center and public meeting rooms. ^[21]

Police department

The Hiawatha Police Department is located in the lower level of the City Hall building. The department has 14 full-time sworn officers, two reserve police officers and special agent “Reso”, a K-9 unit. Special Agent "Mod" retired from the police department on March 21, 2012. Mod died on August 28, 2013. ^[22] The Police Department's campus was expanded with the Public Safety Training & Support facility in May 2021. Its year-long construction cost $999,000 and the building ultimately takes up 7,200-square-feet. ^[23]

Fire department

The Hiawatha Fire Department is located at 60 10th Avenue; Hiawatha, Iowa 52233. The department's personnel consist of a combination of paid and volunteer firefighters. The Hiawatha Fire Department has the only fire-based ambulance service in Linn County. HFD runs approximately 2,500 fire and EMS calls per year. In addition to these services, HFD has a contract with Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids to transport patients from the Mercy Hiawatha Emergency Department to the Mercy Cedar Rapids main campus.

Education

Hiawatha is included in the Cedar Rapids Community School District system. ^[24]

Public schools

• Hiawatha Elementary School (home of the Cougars) is located at 603 Emmonds street in Hiawatha and opened its doors in 1958. Currently (see reference for date) the school has approximately 310 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and a staff of 64. ^[25]
• Nixon Elementary School (home of the Bobcats) is located at 200 Nixon Drive in Hiawatha and opened its doors in 1970. The school's philosophy utilizes self-contained classrooms in kindergarten through fifth grade. Currently (see reference for date) Nixon has approximately 330 students and a staff of 58. ^[26]
• Elementary schools: Most portions are zoned to either Hiawatha or Nixon, though some western parts are zoned to Viola Gibson Elementary School ^[27]
• Secondary schools: Harding Middle School and Kennedy High School ^{[28] [29]}

Private schools

• Essential Montessori School is located at 1350 Blairs Ferry Road Suite A. The school has an enrollment of 46 from prekindergarten to kindergarten. ^[30]

Transportation

Transit in the city is provided by Cedar Rapids Transit. Route 30 provides bus service connecting the city to the region. ^[31]

Notable people

• Salvatore Giunta (born 1985), first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. ^{[32] [33]}
• Kraig Paulsen (born 1964) Iowa State representative, Republican majority leader for the 84th Iowa General Assembly. ^[34]

References

1. "Hiawatha". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
2. "City-Data website". Hiawatha-Iowa. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
3. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
4. "2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United states Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
5. "Hiawatha Iowa Official Website". History. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
6. "Hiawatha City Hall". Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
8. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
9. "Weather.com Hiawatha" . Retrieved November 11, 2010.
10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
11. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 11, 2012.
12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
13. "Hiawatha Iowa Official Website". Parks and Recreation Department. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
14. "ImOn launches free Wi-Fi in Hiawatha parks | The Gazette". The Gazette. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
15. Group, Sinclair Broadcast. "Little Free Libraries In Hiawatha". KGAN. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
16. "Hiawatha Little Free Libraries - CJ Flynn". www.cjflynn.com. Retrieved February 15, 2016.
17. "Cedar Valley Nature Trail Hiawatha trailhead Map". Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
18. "Cedar Valley Nature Trail". Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on December 17, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
19. "Linn County Trails" . Retrieved January 29, 2011.
20. "Hiawatha Insights" (PDF). Farmers Market Report. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 11, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
21. "Hiawatha Iowa Official Website". Main page. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
22. "Hiawatha Iowa Official Website". Police Department. Archived from the original on April 24, 2010. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
23. "New Hiawatha Public Safety Training Facility complete and ready for use". The Gazette. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
24. "Cedar Rapids" (PDF). Iowa Department of Education . Retrieved April 7, 2020.
25. https://hiawatha.crschools.us/
26. "Nixon Elementary School". Home page. Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
27. "Elementary School Boundaries" (PDF). Cedar Rapids Community School District . Retrieved April 7, 2020.
28. "Middle School Boundaries High School Boundaries" (PDF). Cedar Rapids Community School District . Retrieved April 7, 2020.
29. "2010 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Hiawatha city, IA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau . Retrieved April 7, 2020.
30. "Local School Directory". Essential Montessori School. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
31. "CRT Routes" . Retrieved August 28, 2023.
32. "Medaglia al parà, Obama chiama la Ederle". Il Giornale di Vicenza. September 10, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
33. Jacobs, Jennifer (September 12, 2010). "Iowan downplays Medal of Honor designation". The Des Moines Register . Archived from the original on September 13, 2010.
34. "Iowa House Republicans". Kraig Paulsen. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2010.

External links

• Iowa portal

• Hiawatha Iowa Official Website Home page
• HEDCO Website Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation
• Business Directory for Hiawatha
• City Data Comprehensive statistical data and more about Hiawatha
• Hiawatha Advocate Hiawatha's online news source
• American Towns News, organizations, restaurants, and things to do,