Bolivar, Missouri

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Bolivar is a town in Polk County, Missouri, USA. The population was 9,143 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Polk County^GR6. The town was named for Bolivar, Tennessee, home to many of the original settlers. [1]

[edit] Geography

Bolivar is located at 37°36′41″N, 93°24′47″W (37.611356, -93.412966)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 16.2 km² (6.3 mi²), all land.

Bolivar public Square

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 9,143 people, 3,318 households, and 2,067 families residing in the town. The population density was 563.0/km² (1,458.8/mi²). There were 3,636 housing units at an average density of 223.9/km² (580.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.50% White, 0.86% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.40% of the population.

There were 3,318 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the town the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 23.9% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 14.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,609, and the median income for a family was $35,716. Males had a median income of $25,731 versus $18,618 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,654. About 11.0% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

The historic Polk County Courthouse on the public square in Bolivar. Completed in 1907, this is the second courthouse on this lot, the first, completed in 1842, having been damaged by fire and subsequently razed.

North Main Avenue looking away from the square	Shops along Main Avenue on the west end of the Square. Though the city's square is still very much used, this photo illustrates the need for historic renovation.	South Main Avenue looking at the intersection with Jackson Street. The building obscured by the tree on the far left was recently renovated.	An alley between north Main Avenue and north Springfield Avenue. Many people miss the alleys; despite the city's small size they create a sense of urban-ness.
Architecture remaining from archaic Bolivar in an alley.