Moving to Atlantic, Iowa

The current estimated population of Atlantic, Iowa, is 6,670, with a gender distribution of 48% male and 52% female. The population has remained stable, supported by its role as a regional center for agriculture and small businesses.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1868
  • County Affiliation: Cass County
  • Land Area: 8.4 square miles
  • Population Density: 794 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 712
  • Zip Codes: 50022

Geography and Location

Atlantic, Iowa, is a small city located in Cass County in the southwestern part of the state. It is situated along the East Nishnabotna River, which meanders through the region’s fertile plains. The town is located between Des Moines and Omaha, Nebraska, and serves as a hub for agricultural activity in the surrounding area.

The geography of Atlantic is typical of the Midwest, with flat to gently rolling farmland that supports the production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. The town itself is laid out in a traditional grid pattern, with a small but vibrant downtown area that serves as a commercial center for the surrounding rural region.

Atlantic experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, which is typical of the Midwestern United States. The city is well-connected to major highways and rail lines, which has historically helped it maintain its role as a transportation and distribution center for agricultural products. Its central location and access to regional markets make Atlantic an important part of Iowa’s agricultural economy.

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.6 years
Median household income: $33,370
Median house value: $68,200

Population by Race

Races in Atlantic:

  • White Non-Hispanic (98.3%)
  • Hispanic (0.8%)

Ancestries: German (34.4%), Danish (15.0%), Irish (11.8%), English (9.7%), United States (4.9%), Swedish (4.3%).

Elevation: 1215 feet

Land area: 8.1 square miles

Map of Atlantic, IA

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Atlantic

  • High school or higher: 84.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.8%
  • Unemployed: 7.6%
  • Mean travel time to work: 15.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Atlantic city

  • Never married: 19.0%
  • Now married: 58.0%
  • Separated: 0.5%
  • Widowed: 12.2%
  • Divorced: 10.3%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -255 (-3.4%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Atlantic:

  • CASS COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (1501 EAST TENTH STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Atlantic:

  • AUDUBON COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 25 miles; AUDUBON, IA)
  • SHELBY COUNTY MYRTUE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 26 miles; HARLAN, IA)
  • MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 31 miles; RED OAK, IA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atlantic:

  • EPPLEY AIRFIELD (about 61 miles; OMAHA, NE; Abbreviation: OMA)
  • DES MOINES INTL (about 95 miles; DES MOINES, IA; Abbreviation: DSM)
  • FORT DODGE REGIONAL (about 98 miles; FORT DODGE, IA; Abbreviation: FOD)

Other public-use airports nearest to Atlantic:

  • ATLANTIC MUNI (about 2 miles; ATLANTIC, IA; Abbreviation: AIO)
  • ANITA MUNI-KEVIN BURKE MEMORIAL FIELD (about 18 miles; ANITA, IA; Abbreviation: Y43)
  • AUDUBON COUNTY (about 22 miles; AUDUBON, IA; Abbreviation: ADU)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atlantic:

  • IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 56 miles; COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,840)
  • BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY (about 65 miles; BELLEVUE, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,723)
  • METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AREA (about 67 miles; OMAHA, NE; Full-time enrollment: 6,175)
  • NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY (about 74 miles; MARYVILLE, MO; Full-time enrollment: 5,620)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA (about 81 miles; OMAHA, NE; Full-time enrollment: 10,150)
  • CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY (about 81 miles; OMAHA, NE; Full-time enrollment: 5,806)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (about 81 miles; OMAHA, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,448)

Schools

Public high school in Atlantic:

  • ATLANTIC HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 480; Location: 1201 E 14TH ST; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Atlantic:

  • WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 434; Location: 500 E 14TH ST; Grades: PK – 03)
  • ATLANTIC MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 380; Location: 1100 LINN ST; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • SCHULER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 219; Location: 1100 LINN ST; Grades: 04 – 05)

Libraries

Library in Atlantic:

  • ATLANTIC PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $175,334; Location: 507 POPLAR; 30,432 books; 1,049 audio materials; 869 video materials; 92 serial subscriptions)