Wakarusa, Indiana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wakarusa, Indiana | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Elkhart |
| Township | Harrison, Olive |
| Area | |
| - Total | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| - Land | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| - Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²) |
| Elevation | 840 ft (256 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Total | 1,618 |
| - Density | 716.0/sq mi (276.4/km²) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 46573 |
| Area code(s) | 574 |
| FIPS code | 18-79478[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0452499[2] |
Wakarusa is a town in Harrison and Olive townships, Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 1,618.
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[edit] Geography
Wakarusa is located at (41.534490, -86.016223)[3].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.3 square miles (5.9 km²), all of it land.
The name "Wakarusa" is derived from the Potawatomi language for "knee deep in mud."
[edit] Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 1,618 people, 595 households, and 427 families residing in the town. The population density was 716.0 people per square mile (276.4/km²). There were 618 housing units at an average density of 273.5/sq mi (105.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.34% White, 0.49% African American, 0.19% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.
There were 595 households out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 84.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $41,515, and the median income for a family was $50,833. Males had a median income of $36,014 versus $25,300 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,615. About 3.2% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Economy
At its origin, Wakarusa was a major stop for the railroad and 3 separate lumber mills operated within its limits. Though the lumber industry is no longer present, there are two grain mills in town with large amounts of farming done close by.
Wakarusa's location in Elkhart County places it within a very strong industrial area. Multiple manufacturers are located in the area making RVs, modular housing, and custom truck production.
[edit] Notable Natives
- Ryan Burkhart, current placekicker for the University of Notre Dame Football Team. Burkhart attended NorthWood High School.
- Gayle Sayers, world class running back for the Chicago Bears, is a part time resident of Wakarusa.
[edit] Festivals
Once a year, the town hosts the Maple Syrup Festival and holds a parade as well as other activities associated with small-town celebrations. The festival was started in 1969 by the then Chamber of Progress. Originally held in March, the festival now occurs during the middle of April.
During the festival the world famous Wakarusa Dime Store Jumbo Jellybeans are sold. The Wakarusa Dime Store was founded in 1907 and sells over 45 tons of the biggest jellybeans you will ever see,each year. www.jumbojellybeans.com
[edit] References
- ^ a b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
[edit] External links
- Wakarusa, Indiana is at coordinates Coordinates:
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