Belmond, Iowa

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Belmond is a city in Wright County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,560 at the 2000 census. According to 2005 population estimates population has decreased to 2,451.

On October 14, 1966 a tornado ripped apart the community of Belmond where about 600 homes and 75 businesses were destroyed or damaged. 6 people were killed and the town was left in ruins. The town rebuilt and has since been very successful.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Population Trend
4 Education
5 Economic Growth
6 Economic Loss
7 Healthcare
8 Housing
9 Retail Businesses
10 Community
11 Churches
12 Notables:

[edit] Geography

Belmond is located at 42°50′50″N, 93°36′44″W (42.847242, -93.612335)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.4 km² (2.8 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,560 people, 1,119 households, and 675 families residing in the city. The population density was 346.8/km² (896.9/mi²). There were 1,202 housing units at an average density of 162.8/km² (421.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.84% White, 0.23% African-American, 0.12% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 3.95% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.62% of the population.

There were 1,119 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 36.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,841, and the median income for a family was $43,393. Males had a median income of $30,270 versus $20,664 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,317. About 2.6% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Population Trend

The population of Belmond increased from 2,500 in 1990 to 2,560 in 2000. Although the population has remained at about 2,500 since the 1960's recent population estimates show that in 2005 the population had declined to 2,451. School enrollment has also declined significantly in recent years.

[edit] Education

Belmond-Klemme Community School serve the communities of Belmond, Klemme, Goodell, and Rowan and have an enrollment of over 600 students. In October 2006 the school district passed a $6.27 million bond issue by 61.62% of voters to build a new P/K-6 elementary school and make improvements to the Jr./Sr. high school building including geothermal heating and cooling. The bond issue that passed in October 2006 was the 5th attempt to pass a similar bond issue since Spring 2004. Along with the planned new elementary school, other facilities include the high school which houses grades 7-12. Belmond-Klemme also operates an alternative school to ensure that ALL students succeed. Belmond-Klemme Community School

[edit] Economic Growth

Global Ethanol, in cooperation with MaxYield Cooperative and Midwest Grain Processors, announced it's plans to build a 100 million-gallons-per-year ethanol plant at the MaxYield Co-op in Belmond. The $100 million project will bring 50 new jobs to the community. There is an industrial park near the site of the proposed ethanol plant with a 10,000 sq. ft. spec building. There are plans to build a truck station to suit the needs of the additional traffic from the ethanol plant. The Belmond Industrial Park is located on US Highway 69.

[edit] Economic Loss

In November 2006, Eaton Corporation, Belmond's leading employer (500 employees), announced plans to cut 150-175 jobs (35%) at it's Belmond location.

[edit] Healthcare

Belmond Medical Center will meet your healthcare needs in the Belmond community. The hospital built a new medical clinic in 2000. In February 2007 the hospital began an agreement with Wright Medical Center of nearby Clarion. The agreement includes Wright Medical Center providing administration and medical physicians. The agreement between Clarion and Belmond is the first such in the state. Belmond Medical Center Wright Medical Center

[edit] Housing

The Belmond Housing Council and the City of Belmond established the Dumond Estates 40-lot housing subdivision in 1997. There are two housing incentive programs available in Belmond, which emphasize building in Dumond Estates.

[edit] Retail Businesses

Belmond has a viable main street with an arcade. The community is identifying ways to make main street more viable including the possibility of joining the Main Street Iowa program. Belmond is proud to be able to offer you several quality dining establishments, a caterer, ten figt shops, florist, cleaners, shoe repair, dance studios, and a can redemption center. Besides eating and figt shopping, there are computer services available including repair, tanning, TVs, and automobile services. Belmond has two grocery stores, hardware store, retail lumberyard, nrewpapser, satellite euipment, discount variety store, video store, aor any of three convenience stores. Belmond's fine businesses offer a unique shopping experience.

[edit] Community

Belmond maintains several beautiful city parks and an arcade along Main Street. In recent years the Belmond community has built a new fire station, city hall, walking trail, and a new clinic. There are now plans to build a new water treatment facility. The Iowa River flows through Belmond and there is a nice river park. Belmond has a country club and golf course. Luick Memorial Swimming Pool features a giant water slide. There are plans to improve and expand the pool to become a more modern aquatic center. Belmond Area Chamber of Commerce

[edit] Churches

Christian churches in Belmond include; Belmond Evangelical Lutheran Church, Belmond United Church of Christ (Congregational), Bethany Reformed Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Dayspring Assembly of God, Immanual Reformed Church, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St. John's Lutheran Church, Belmond United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and St. Olaf Lutheran Church (located between Belmond and Clarion). Belmond as an active ministerial association.

[edit] Notables:

Sean McLaughlin : Hometown of former MSNBC meteorologist and "TODAY" show weather anchor. Currently, Sean is the weather anchor for the CBS affiliate KPHO in Phoenix, AZ.

Elvis Presley : Elvis once had a "Bronco" burger at the old drive in formerly known as Max's Dairy Sweet, AKA Maxie's Pad.

Jim Morrison : Jim Morrison was also spotted at Maxies Pad, after a night on the midwest town, Jim "ate more chicken than any man ever seen" then went out the back door.