Cerro Gordo County is located in northern Iowa and is home to an estimated population of 43,000 people according to the US Census. The county seat is Mason City which has an estimated population of 28,000 people. Cerro Gordo County has a diverse population with 91% of its residents being white, 4% African American, 2% Hispanic/Latino and 1% Native American. See top counties in Iowa.
The county covers a total area of 562 square miles which includes several cities and towns such as Clear Lake, Rockwell, Mason City and Nora Springs. Other than Mason City, the largest city in Cerro Gordo County is Clear Lake which has an estimated population of about 8,000 people. The county also contains numerous rural areas which are sparsely populated but offer residents plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing or hunting on one of its many nearby lakes or rivers.
Cerro Gordo County is known for its rich agricultural heritage which dates back to the mid-1800s when the first settlers arrived in the area. Today, the county produces a variety of crops including corn, soybeans and hay as well as livestock such as cattle and hogs. Additionally, Cerro Gordo County also offers visitors plenty to explore including numerous parks and trails as well as cultural attractions like historic homes and museums.
Cerro Gordo County also boasts affordable housing prices and low cost of living which makes it attractive for many residents looking for an affordable place to live in Iowa. In addition to its diverse population and strong agricultural heritage, Cerro Gordo County also offers access to quality healthcare facilities including MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center located in Mason City along with several nearby clinics that specialize in different medical fields.
History of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Cerro Gordo County is located in northern Iowa and has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s when the first settlers arrived in the area. The county was officially established in 1851 and was named after a battle that took place during the Mexican-American War. The county seat is Mason City which was founded in 1853 and soon became an important trading center for the region.
The early settlers of Cerro Gordo County were primarily farmers and ranchers who utilized the fertile soil to grow crops such as corn, soybeans, hay, and other vegetables. The county also had several livestock operations which helped to make it an important agricultural hub for Iowa. In addition to farming, settlers also began to establish small businesses such as sawmills, brickyards, and blacksmith shops which helped to further develop Cerro Gordo County into an economic powerhouse.
Throughout its history, Cerro Gordo County has been home to several notable figures including author Paul Engle who wrote many of his works while living in Mason City. Additionally, Cerro Gordo County is also home to several historic sites including the Charles H. MacNider Museum located in Mason City which houses a variety of artifacts from both local and national history as well as art works from around the world.
Today, Cerro Gordo County is still known for its strong agricultural heritage but has also become an attractive destination for those looking for affordable housing prices and low cost of living options. In addition to its diverse population and access to quality healthcare facilities like MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center located in Mason City, Cerro Gordo County also offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing or hunting on one of its many nearby lakes or rivers as well as numerous parks and trails which make it a great place for families looking for a fun getaway.
Major cities and towns in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Cerro Gordo County is home to several major towns and cities, each with its own unique character and charm. The county seat of Mason City is the largest city in the county and offers visitors an array of entertainment options including museums, theaters, restaurants, and shopping centers. Other notable cities in Cerro Gordo County include Clear Lake which is known for its historical sites such as the Surf Ballroom, Rockwell which was once a bustling railroad hub, and Nora Springs which was once a popular resort destination.
The small towns of Cerro Gordo County also offer visitors plenty to explore. Rock Falls is home to the historic Rock Falls Opera House while Dougherty features a variety of unique shops and galleries located inside its historic buildings. Ventura is another small town that still maintains its rural charm with several local businesses located along Main Street while Swaledale offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Iowa’s landscape with numerous parks located nearby.
In addition to these larger towns and cities, Cerro Gordo County also has numerous unincorporated communities such as Thornton which features several historic buildings including a former schoolhouse dating back to 1879 as well as numerous churches throughout the area. The county also has several lakes such as Clear Lake which provides visitors with opportunities for fishing or swimming during the summer months or ice-fishing during the winter season.
No matter where you visit in Cerro Gordo County you will be sure to find something that appeals to your interests whether it’s exploring local history or taking advantage of outdoor activities like camping or hiking on one of its many trails. With so much to offer visitors from all walks of life, Cerro Gordo County has something for everyone looking for an enjoyable getaway experience.
Population in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
According to Iamaccepted, Cerro Gordo County is home to a population of 44,151 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2018. The majority of the population is white (90.2%), with other racial identities including African American (4.6%), Native American (0.9%), Asian (1.7%), and Hispanic/Latino (3.3%). The median age of the population is 40 years, with 24% of the population under 18 years old and 15% over 65 years old. Cerro Gordo County also has a higher percentage of residents with college degrees than the national average at 30%.
The county’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism industries, as well as healthcare and education services. Agriculture remains an important part of Cerro Gordo County’s economy with corn, soybeans, and hay being some of its main crops. Manufacturing is also an important part of the county’s economy with many companies located in Mason City such as John Deere and 3M among others providing jobs for local residents. Tourism has also become an increasingly important part of Cerro Gordo County’s economy as well with Clear Lake serving as a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike offering numerous attractions such as fishing charters or boat rides on its picturesque lakefronts or exploring its historic sites like Rockwell’s railroad depot or Nora Springs’ former resort area.
Cerro Gordo County offers a great quality of life for its residents due to its low cost living options, excellent public schools, plentiful recreational activities such as fishing or hiking on one of its many trails, and close proximity to major cities such as Minneapolis/St Paul or Des Moines making it an ideal place to live or visit.