Humboldt County, Iowa

Humboldt County
Humboldt County
County
	Clockwise from top: Humboldt County Courthouse, Fountain in Humboldt's John Brown Park, the Des Moines River at Gotch Park, Sumner Avenue in Humboldt, and Old Settler's Park in Livermore
	Location within the U.S. state of Iowa
	Iowa's location within the U.S.
	Coordinates: 42°46′38″N 94°12′15″W / 42.777222222222°N 94.204166666667°W
Country	United States
State	Iowa
Founded	January 28, 1857
Named for	Alexander von Humboldt
Seat	Dakota City
Largest city	Humboldt
Area
• Total	436 sq mi (1,130 km2)
• Land	434 sq mi (1,120 km2)
• Water	1.3 sq mi (3 km2) 0.3%
Population (2020)
• Total	9,597
• Density	22/sq mi (8.5/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district	4th
Website	www.humboldtcounty.iowa.gov

Humboldt County is a county in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,597.^[1] The county seat is Dakota City.^[2] The county was created in 1857 and named in honor of Alexander von Humboldt.

History

Founding

Iowa's entry to the union was approved by Congress on March 3, 1845, with statehood beginning on December 28, 1846, following approval of the state's constitution and boundaries. In order to establish county government across the state, the Iowa General Assembly passed an act on January 15, 1851, which created fifty counties in the half of the state where county government had not yet been established. Humboldt County was created by this act, containing its present area, as well as four townships in present-day Webster County: Jackson, Deer Creek, Badger, and Newark.^[3] It was named after Alexander von Humboldt.^[4] On January 21, 1855, an act merged the northern half of Humboldt County and Bancroft County into Kossuth County, with the southern half of Humboldt County merging into Webster County.^[5]

The Sixth General Assembly passed another act, reestablishing Humboldt County. The act was passed on January 28, 1857, and went into effect on February 26.^[5] However, an error omitted the lower four townships (Jackson, Deer Creek, Badger, and Newark) from returning to Humboldt County. The error was not caught until the next session of the general assembly, and the general assembly passed a bill redefining Humboldt County to include the four townships on March 11, 1858.^[6] However, in the interceding time, the Constitution of Iowa came into effect, including the provision that "future laws altering county boundaries should be submitted to a vote of the people of the counties concerned and must be approved by them before going into effect".^[7] In a court case originating in the disputed area, the Iowa Supreme Court was asked to decide which county court had original jurisdiction. In their clarification, they ruled the March 11, 1858, clarification of Humboldt County's boundaries unconstitutional, as it had not been submitted to a public vote in the counties involved. In his decision, Chief Justice Ralph P. Lowe wrote, "We are compelled to conclude that township 90, in ranges 27 to 30, west of the 5th principal meridian, is still in and forms a part of Webster county. Of course we can pay no attention to conjectural surmises and vague suspicions, which have been made and entertained in relation to some unfairness which may have been practiced in the final passage of the act of 1857, creating the county of Humboldt. If such was the case, no evidence of the fact has been presented to us."^[8] The "vague suspicions" include a rumor that John Duncombe of Fort Dodge (namesake of Duncombe, Iowa and plaintiff in the lawsuit) had tricked Humboldt County into ceding the southern four townships to Webster County "on loan", or was otherwise responsible for the "error".^[9]

In 1872, Humboldt College was opened and closed in 1916 because there was no agreement with the county about taxation.^[10]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 436 square miles (1,130 km²), of which 434 square miles (1,120 km²) is land and 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²) (0.3%) is water.^[11]

Unlike all counties to its east and west, Humboldt County has only 12 townships. Although founded with the standard 16 townships on January 15, 1851, the county was removed from existence in 1855.^[12]

Adjacent counties

Ecology

Humboldt County is located entirely within the Des Moines Lobe of the Western Corn Belt Plains ecoregion, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the flattest regions in Iowa, the Des Moines Lobe ecoregion is a distinctive area naturally defined by Wisconsin glaciation but modified by humans for extensive agriculture. In general, the land is level to gently rolling with some areas of relief defined by glacial features like moraines, hummocky knobs, and kettles, and outwash deposits. The lobe does not have any loess deposits like the Loess Hills to the west.

The stream network is poorly developed and widely spaced, with major rivers carving valleys that are relatively deep and steep-sided. Almost all of the natural lakes of Iowa are found in the northern part of this region (the Iowa Great Lakes). Most of the region has been converted from wet prairie to agricultural use with substantial surface water drainage. Only a small fraction of the wetlands remain, and many natural lakes have been drained as a result of agricultural drainage projects via drainage tiles or ditches.^[13]

Hydrology

Humboldt County is located within the Des Moines River watershed. The East and West Forks of the Des Moines River merge at Frank Gotch State Park in southern Humboldt County. The eastern part of Humboldt County is within the Boone River watershed, a tributary of the Des Moines.

Protected areas

While Humboldt County does not have any state parks, it has county parks. South of Humboldt is Frank A. Gotch County Park. It is named for Frank Gotch, a world-champion, undefeated wrestler from Humboldt. The park is near his childhood farm and is also home to the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Des Moines River. The park features campgrounds and a well-known converted railroad bridge used by the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. The bridge is part of the Three Rivers Trail, a converted rail route that runs from Eagle Grove west to Rolfe.

Near Bradgate is the Willow Access Area. The terrain is very wooded. In south Rutland is Rose Mill Park. The area can be used for camping and also has access to the Rutland Dam and West Fork of the Des Moines River. The dam is being restored, and most of the park is new. The river is known for its forested limestone bluffs and grassy banks.

Further downriver near Humboldt is Oxbow Park, which contains boating access ramps and much scenic open space. The park's southern border is Iowa Highway 3, and south of that is Joe Sheldon County Park. The park is split into two sections, one mostly for camping and one focused on recreation. There is access to the West Fork of the Des Moines River from the lower part of the park.

Continuing along the river, the Lake Nokomis area begins, popular for its woods and small ponds. The Cottonwood Trail also runs through the area.

West of Livermore, Lott's Park allows access to Lott's Creek. The park has many benches and picnic tables. South of Ottosen is the Ottosen Marsh State Game Management Area, colloquially the Ottosen Potholes. East of Dakota City is the Dakota City River Park, near an old dam and the Humboldt County Historical Museum. Near the unincorporated community of Pioneer is the Pioneer Prairie Pothole Wildlife Area.

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1860	332		—
1870	2,596		681.9%
1880	5,341		105.7%
1890	9,836		84.2%
1900	12,667		28.8%
1910	12,182		−3.8%
1920	12,951		6.3%
1930	13,202		1.9%
1940	13,459		1.9%
1950	13,117		−2.5%
1960	13,156		0.3%
1970	12,519		−4.8%
1980	12,246		−2.2%
1990	10,756		−12.2%
2000	10,381		−3.5%
2010	9,815		−5.5%
2020	9,597		−2.2%
2023 (est.)	9,500	^[14]	−1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census^[15] 1790-1960^[16] 1900-1990^[17] 1990-2000^[18] 2010-2018^[19]

Population of Humboldt County from US census data

2020 census

2022 US Census population pyramid for Humboldt County from ACS 5-year estimates

The 2020 census recorded a population of 9,597 in the county, with a population density of 21.9966/sq mi (8.4929/km²). 96.79% of the population reported being of one race. 88.47% were non-Hispanic White, 0.58% were Black, 4.48% were Hispanic, 0.17% were Native American, 0.22% were Asian, 0.06% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 6.02% were some other race or more than one race. There were 4,571 housing units, of which 4,073 were occupied.^[1]

Humboldt County Racial Composition^[20]
Race	Num.	Perc.
White (NH)	8,823	92%
Black or African American (NH)	53	0.6%
Native American (NH)	16	0.2%
Asian (NH)	21	0.22%
Pacific Islander (NH)	6	.06%
Other/Mixed (NH)	248	2.6%
Hispanic or Latino	430	4.5%

2010 census

The 2010 census recorded a population of 9,815 in the county, with a population density of 22.5939/sq mi (8.7235/km²). There were 4,684 housing units, of which 4,209 were occupied.^[21]

2000 census

As of the census^[22] of 2000, there were 10,381 people, 4,295 households, and 2,881 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9.3 people/km²). There were 4,645 housing units at an average density of 11 units per square mile (4.2 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.63% White, 0.11% Black or African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. 0.96% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,295 households, out of which 29.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% were married couples living together, 6.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 29.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.90% under the age of 18, 7.00% from 18 to 24, 24.60% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 21.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,201, and the median income for a family was $46,510. Males had a median income of $31,004 versus $22,312 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,300. About 5.30% of families and 8.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.80% of those under age 18 and 5.10% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Ghost town

Unique

Townships

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Humboldt County.^[1]

† county seat

Rank	City/Town/etc.	Municipal type	Population (2020 Census)
1	Humboldt	City	4,792
2	† Dakota City	City	759
3	Livermore	City	381
4	Bode	City	302
5	Gilmore City (partially in Pocahontas County)	City	270 (487 total)
6	Renwick	City	234
7	Thor	City	181
8	Rutland	City	113
9	Bradgate	City	75
10	Hardy	City	57
11	Ottosen	City	40
12	Lu Verne (partially in Kossuth County)	City	30 (258 total)
13	Pioneer	City	4

Politics

Beginning in 1952, Humboldt County has been strongly Republican, only voting Democratic twice in that span, in 1964 during a nationwide landslide for Lyndon B. Johnson and in 1988 for Michael Dukakis who performed very strongly throughout Iowa in part due to the ongoing farm crisis.

United States presidential election results for Humboldt County, Iowa^[23]
Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party
Year	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2020	3,819	71.69%	1,442	27.07%	66	1.24%
2016	3,568	70.14%	1,252	24.61%	267	5.25%
2012	3,099	60.08%	1,972	38.23%	87	1.69%
2008	2,895	56.51%	2,160	42.16%	68	1.33%
2004	3,162	59.10%	2,146	40.11%	42	0.79%
2000	2,846	57.61%	1,949	39.45%	145	2.94%
1996	2,236	45.33%	2,080	42.17%	617	12.51%
1992	2,299	44.34%	1,765	34.04%	1,121	21.62%
1988	2,594	48.42%	2,713	50.64%	50	0.93%
1984	3,396	57.92%	2,406	41.04%	61	1.04%
1980	3,575	60.60%	1,840	31.19%	484	8.20%
1976	3,075	52.65%	2,677	45.83%	89	1.52%
1972	3,622	62.53%	2,062	35.60%	108	1.86%
1968	3,239	59.87%	1,940	35.86%	231	4.27%
1964	2,250	39.96%	3,376	59.96%	4	0.07%
1960	3,537	56.66%	2,706	43.34%	0	0.00%
1956	3,747	57.58%	2,756	42.35%	4	0.06%
1952	4,534	67.94%	2,124	31.82%	16	0.24%
1948	2,498	45.99%	2,855	52.56%	79	1.45%
1944	2,525	47.73%	2,749	51.97%	16	0.30%
1940	2,853	46.44%	3,268	53.20%	22	0.36%
1936	2,262	39.02%	3,420	59.00%	115	1.98%
1932	2,028	41.48%	2,804	57.35%	57	1.17%
1928	2,828	62.52%	1,679	37.12%	16	0.35%
1924	2,841	59.71%	370	7.78%	1,547	32.51%
1920	3,577	82.82%	681	15.77%	61	1.41%
1916	1,676	66.69%	809	32.19%	28	1.11%
1912	477	18.76%	634	24.93%	1,432	56.31%
1908	1,818	73.66%	587	23.78%	63	2.55%
1904	1,950	81.76%	369	15.47%	66	2.77%
1900	2,214	77.88%	595	20.93%	34	1.20%
1896	2,010	71.18%	783	27.73%	31	1.10%

Infrastructure

Major highways

References

^ ^a ^b ^c "2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United states Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
^ "Webster" (1913), p. 73.
^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 163.
^ ^a ^b "Webster" (1913), p. 74.
^ "Webster" (1913), pp. 74–75.
^ "Webster" (1913), p. 75.
^ "Webster" (1913), pp. 75–76.
^ "About Humboldt County". 2011. Archived from the original on December 20, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
^ "City of Humboldt History." City of Humboldt. Online History. Archived September 19, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved August 10, 2010.
^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
^ "Humboldt County Seat". Beaver Township, Dakota City. Humboldt County Historical Association. 2011. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2011.
^ This article incorporates public domain material from Chapman, S.S., Omernik, J.M., Griffith, G.E.; et al. Ecoregions of Iowa and Missouri (PDF). United States Geological Survey.{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs).
^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Humboldt County, Iowa".
^ "Population & Housing Occupancy Status 2010" (PDF). United States Census Bureau American FactFinder. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 26, 2018.

Pratt, Harlow Munson (1913). History of Fort Dodge and Webster County, Iowa. Vol. 1. Chicago: The Pioneer Publishing Company. OCLC 6672352 – via Archive.org.