Osceola, Nebraska

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Osceola is a city in Polk County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 921 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Polk County^GR6.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Ryan Hill Country Club
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Osceola is located at 41°10′41″N, 97°32′55″W (41.177957, -97.548732)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.3 km² (0.9 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 921 people, 381 households, and 235 families residing in the city. The population density was 399.6/km² (1,036.8/mi²). There were 417 housing units at an average density of 180.9/km² (469.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 99.57% White, 0.33% Native American, and 0.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 381 households out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 23.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 80.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,737, and the median income for a family was $46,354. Males had a median income of $33,906 versus $19,432 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,037. About 5.2% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Ryan Hill Country Club

Osceola's crown jewel is the world-renowned Ryan Hill Country Club. Known for its 9-hole championship golf course, state-of-the-art practice range, classically designed clubhouse and a trap shooting range, Ryan Hill attracts dedicated golfers from across the Great Plains.

The golf course itself is one that will test the mettle of even the most experienced player. Notable features on the course include meandering Davis Creek, which cuts through several holes and eagerly gobbles up errant shots; severely undulating greens that will leave you staring at your putter in disbelief; and the difficult par-3 4th that was voted one of the toughest holes in the area by the Columbus Telegram.

While the course itself is treacherous, the surrounding scenery is something to behold. Golfers are treated to the sights of native poplar and willow trees, nearby cornfields, a John Deere tractor dealership, a charcoal factory, the aforementioned trap shooting range and United States Highway 81.

While tee times are not required, it is recommended that you arrive several hours before you would like to begin playing as golfers line up throughout the day to put their abilities to the test. Play moves quickly, however, as Ryan Hill attracts a clientele of knowledgeable golfers who respect the integrity of the game.

Ryan Hill Country Club further cemented its position in American golf history in July of 1997 when three players scored holes-in-one on the par-3 8th within an hour of each other. Brad McCumber of Stromsburg, Ron Christensen of Osceola and Dick Shanahan of Shelby all aced the 8th in succession one afternoon. While appreciative of the attention brought by the three holes-in-one, the powers that be at Ryan Hill have since acted to make sure that such an event never happens again by moving the tee box behind Davis Creek. Players must now carry Davis Creek, a substantial drop-off, and a row of pine trees just to reach the green.