Palo Alto County
Palo Alto County, Iowa
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Phone: (712) 852-3603
Fax: (712) 852-2274
In north-central IA, northwest of Fort Dodge; established Jan 15, 1851 from Kossuth County. Name Origin: From Spanish palo 'stick,' and alto 'tall' or 'high.' For a small town in Texas, the scene of the first battle (1846) of the Mexican War.
Area (sq mi):: 569.40 (land 563.83; water 5.57) Population per square mile: 17.20
Population 2005: 9,697 State rank: 81 Population change: 2000-20005 -4.40%; 1990-2000 -4.90% Population 2000: 10,147 (White 98.10%; Black or African American 0.10%; Hispanic or Latino 0.80%; Asian 0.30%; Other 1.00%). Foreign born: 0.90%. Median age: 40.70
Income 2000: per capita $17,733; median household $32,409; Population below poverty level: 10.60% Personal per capita income (2000-2003): $22,885-$23,401
Unemployment (2004): 4.10% Unemployment change (from 2000): 0.20% Median travel time to work: 15.50 minutes Working outside county of residence: 24.70%
See other counties in Iowa.