Cedar County, Iowa is located in the southeastern corner of the state and borders both Illinois and Missouri. The county seat is Tipton and its largest city is West Branch. Cedar County has a total area of 564 square miles, made up of mostly rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies. The northern part of the county is home to several small lakes and ponds while the southern part features more hilly terrain.
Cedar County has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures in July range from 81 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit while average low temperatures in January range from 11 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation levels tend to be moderate throughout the year with snowfall amounts ranging from 20 inches in the south to over 30 inches in the north.
As of 2019, Cedar County had a population of 17,724 people spread across its 24 townships. The median household income was $51,837 while the median age was 44 years old. The racial demographics were 93% White, 2% African American or Black, 4% Hispanic/Latino origin, 1% Asian/Pacific Islander origin, and less than 1% Native American or Alaskan Native origin.
Cedar County has an interesting combination of geography with rolling hills, woodlands and prairies coupled with a humid continental climate that provides four distinct seasons throughout the year. This makes it an ideal place for outdoor recreation such as hiking or fishing as well as other activities like golfing or visiting local attractions like museums or wineries. With its diverse population, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to get involved in their community whether it’s through volunteering or attending local events like parades or festivals.
Economy of Cedar County, Iowa
Cedar County, Iowa is home to a diverse economy with a variety of industries. The county’s largest employer is the University of Iowa, which employs over 3,000 people in Cedar Rapids alone. Other major employers include Rockwell Collins, Mercy Medical Center, and Quaker Oats. Agriculture also plays an important role in Cedar County’s economy, with over 3 million acres of farmland located within the county.
Cedar County’s unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, which is lower than both the state and national averages. The median household income stands at $51,837 while the poverty rate stands at 10%. The largest industry in Cedar County is manufacturing, which accounts for over 20% of all jobs in the county and includes a wide range of industries such as food processing and automotive parts manufacturing.
Tourism is another important industry for Cedar County with many attractions like museums, wineries and outdoor recreation areas located throughout the area. The county also has a thriving arts scene with several galleries and theater groups located in its larger cities. There are also numerous festivals throughout the year that attract both tourists and locals alike.
Cedar County has a diverse economy that provides many job opportunities for its residents while also being home to many attractions that draw visitors from around the state and beyond. It has something for everyone whether it’s working in one of its many factories or exploring one of its outdoor recreation areas or attending one of its festivals or events.
Libraries in Cedar County, Iowa
According to babyinger, Cedar County, Iowa is home to a number of libraries that offer its residents access to books, magazines, and other materials. The largest library in the county is the Cedar Rapids Public Library which has over 400,000 items in its collection. This library also offers a wide range of programs and events for both children and adults such as story time, book clubs, author visits, and more.
The Cedar Falls Public Library is another large library located in Cedar County with over 200,000 items in its collection. This library also offers a variety of programs such as book discussions, craft classes, computer classes, and more.
Smaller cities throughout Cedar County also have their own libraries with collections ranging from 10-50 thousand items each. These smaller libraries often offer similar services to their larger counterparts such as story time for children and book clubs for adults. They may also have specific collections related to their local history or culture.
In addition to these public libraries there are also several school libraries located throughout the county that offer students access to books and other materials related to their studies. These libraries often house special collections related to their schools’ curriculum or local history as well as providing students with access to computers and internet services.
Cedar County has an abundance of libraries that provide its residents with access to books, magazines, music CDs, DVDs, audiobooks and more while also offering various programs and events for both children and adults alike. Whether it’s visiting one of the large public libraries or exploring the collections at one of the smaller school or town libraries there is something for everyone in Cedar County’s library system.
Landmarks in Cedar County, Iowa
According to directoryaah, Cedar County, Iowa is home to a number of landmarks that attract visitors from near and far. The Cedar County Courthouse in Tipton is one of the most iconic landmarks in the county. This stately building was built in 1876 and features classic Italianate architecture with its large clock tower and arched windows. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for photography shoots or sightseeing.
The historic Black Hawk Bridge spans the Cedar River between Waterloo and Cedar Falls. This bridge dates back to 1892 and is one of only two remaining Wrought Iron Truss Bridges in Iowa. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and continues to be an iconic landmark for both locals and visitors alike.
The Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is located just outside Waterloo and offers visitors a chance to explore over 200 acres of gardens, trails, ponds, wetlands, woodlands, meadows, prairies, savannas, nature preserves, outdoor sculptures, fountains and more. It also features a variety of educational programs year-round such as workshops on gardening or nature hikes.
Cedar County also has several historic houses that have been preserved over time including the Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop which was built in 1862; the historic Octagon House which was built around 1850; as well as the White Pillars Mansion which dates back to 1869. All three are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are popular destinations for history buffs or anyone looking for a unique experience while visiting Cedar County.
Lastly, there are several monuments throughout Cedar County that commemorate important events or people such as the Veterans Memorial Park in Tipton which honors those who have served their country; The Freedom Rock located near Clarence which celebrates American patriotism; as well as monuments dedicated to famous Iowans such as John Wayne or Herbert Hoover who were both born in Cedar County.
Cedar County has an abundance of landmarks that provide locals and visitors alike with interesting places to explore while learning about its unique history or simply admiring its natural beauty.