West Bend, Iowa Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools
West Bend, Iowa is a small town with a population of around 1,100 people. It is located in the northwest corner of the state and is known for its rolling hills, lush farmlands and beautiful landscape. The climate in West Bend is mild and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-80s during the summer months. In the winter months, temperatures can dip into the teens and twenties.
The history of West Bend dates back to 1854 when it was first settled by German immigrants. The town was incorporated in 1877 and has since become a popular tourist destination for those looking for a more rural experience. The politics of West Bend are centered around small-town values such as family, hard work and community involvement. The economy of West Bend is primarily based on agriculture and farming, although there are some small businesses that have opened up in recent years to help diversify the town’s economy.
The schools in West Bend are top notch and provide students with an excellent education that prepares them for success after high school graduation. There are two public elementary schools within the city limits as well as one private school that serves students from grades K-8. High school students have access to courses at nearby colleges or universities due to easy access to transportation options such as bus or train lines.
West Bend also has several landmarks that make it unique compared to other towns in Iowa. One of these landmarks is the historic St John’s Catholic Church which was built in 1876 and still stands today as a reminder of West Bend’s rich history. Another landmark is Miller’s Mill which used to be an important part of daily life for local farmers who relied on it to grind their grain into flour during harvest season each year. Finally, there is also a historic jailhouse that served as a holding place for criminals until they were transferred elsewhere for trial or imprisonment during times when justice was swift yet harsh!
Population: 834. Estimated population in July 2024: 817 (-2.0% change)
Males: 387 (46.4%), Females: 447 (53.6%)
Palo Alto County
Zip code: 50597
Demographics
Median resident age: 46.0 years
Median household income: $31,711
Median house value: $49,300
Population by Race
Races in West Bend:
- White Non-Hispanic (98.9%)
Ancestries: German (50.8%), Irish (9.2%), Swiss (8.5%), English (5.2%), Norwegian (4.6%), United States (3.7%).
Elevation: 1198 feet
Land area: 0.9 square miles
Population by Education
West Bend, Iowa is a small town located in the northeast corner of the state. It has a population of approximately 1,200 people and is situated on the banks of the Des Moines River. The town has a strong rural feel with plenty of open space and rolling hills. The median household income is around $52,000, making it one of the most affordable places to live in Iowa. The cost of living in West Bend is relatively low compared to other parts of the state with housing prices being significantly lower than nearby cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to call home. In addition to its affordability, West Bend offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking and golfing. There are also a number of local stores that offer unique items that can’t be found elsewhere in Iowa. All in all, West Bend is an ideal place for those looking to settle down and enjoy a slower pace of life at an affordable price.
For population 25 years and over in West Bend
- High school or higher: 73.9%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.1%
- Graduate or professional degree: 2.7%
- Unemployed: 2.3%
- Mean travel time to work: 18.0 minutes
For population 15 years and over in West Bend city
- Never married: 16.3%
- Now married: 61.3%
- Separated: 1.0%
- Widowed: 17.0%
- Divorced: 4.3%
1.3% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: -114 (-12.0%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near West Bend:
- KOSSUTH REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER (about 18 miles; ALGONA, IA)
- PALO ALTO COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 21 miles; EMMETSBURG, IA)
- HUMBOLDT COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; HUMBOLDT, IA)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to West Bend:
- FORT DODGE REGIONAL (about 34 miles; FORT DODGE, IA; Abbreviation: FOD)
- MASON CITY MUNI (about 80 miles; MASON CITY, IA; Abbreviation: MCW)
- DES MOINES INTL (about 113 miles; DES MOINES, IA; Abbreviation: DSM)
Other public-use airports nearest to West Bend:
- ALGONA MUNI (about 15 miles; ALGONA, IA; Abbreviation: AXA)
- EMMETSBURG MUNI (about 21 miles; EMMETSBURG, IA; Abbreviation: EGQ)
- POCAHONTAS MUNI (about 21 miles; POCAHONTAS, IA; Abbreviation: POH)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to West Bend:
- IOWA CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 37 miles; FT DODGE, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,807)
- BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY (about 56 miles; STORM LAKE, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,524)
- NORTH IOWA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 88 miles; MASON CITY, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,161)
- MINNESOTA STATE UNVERSITY-MANKATO (about 89 miles; MANKATO, MN; Full-time enrollment: 11,210)
- SOUTH CENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE-MANKATO (about 89 miles; NORTH MANKATO, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,186)
- IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 93 miles; AMES, IA; Full-time enrollment: 24,473)
- GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE (about 100 miles; ST PETER, MN; Full-time enrollment: 2,355)
Schools
Public high school in West Bend:
- WEST BEND-MALLARD HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 148; Location: 300 3RD AVE SW; Grades: 09 – 12)
Public primary/middle school in West Bend:
- WEST BEND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 70; Location: 300 3RD AVE SW; Grades: PK – 02)
Private primary/middle school in West Bend:
- SS PETER PAUL SCHOOL (Students: 77; Location: 15 SECOND ST N; Grades: KG – 8)
Libraries
Library in West Bend:
- WEST BEND PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $66,646; Location: 316 S. BROADWAY, BOX 46; 13,549 books; 1,085 audio materials; 899 video materials; 60 serial subscriptions)