Atwater, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Atwater, California
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Water tower in the city
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| Motto(s):
Community Pride, City Wide
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Location in Merced County, California
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 Atwater, California
Location in California
Atwater, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | California | |
| County | Merced | |
| Incorporated | August 16, 1922 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 6.57 sq mi (17.0 km2) | |
| • Land | 6.57 sq mi (17.0 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) 0.08% | |
| Elevation | 151 ft (46 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 31,970 | |
| • Density | 4,868.28/sq mi (1,879.65/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (Pacific) | |
| ZIP codes |
95301, 95342
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| Area code(s) | 209 | |
| FIPS code | 06-03162 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 277600 | |
Atwater is a city in Merced County, California, United States. It is located on State Route 99. Atwater is about 8 miles (13 km) west-northwest of Merced. The city sits at an elevation of 151 feet (46 m).
In 2020, the population of Atwater was 31,970 people. This was an increase from 28,168 people in 2010.
Contents
Geography of Atwater
Atwater is located in the northern part of Merced County. It is situated between the city of Merced to the southeast and Livingston to the northwest.
The United States Census Bureau says the city covers a total area of about 6.6 square miles (17.1 km²). Almost all of this area is land. Only a tiny part is water.
The city is home to the Castle Air Museum. This museum displays old aircraft. It is located near the former Castle Air Force Base. That base is now called Castle Airport.
History of Atwater
The city of Atwater began to grow in the 1870s. This happened when the railroad arrived in the area. The first post office in Atwater opened in 1880.
Atwater officially became a city in 1922. The city was named after Marshall D. Atwater. He was a wheat farmer. The railroad used his land for its station.
North of the city is the site of Castle Air Force Base. This was once a military airfield during World War II. It was known as Merced Army Airfield. Castle Air Force Base closed on September 30, 1995. Today, the site is a public airport.
Population Changes
Atwater has grown quite a bit over the years. Here's how its population has changed:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 917 | — | |
| 1940 | 1,235 | 34.7% | |
| 1950 | 2,856 | 131.3% | |
| 1960 | 7,318 | 156.2% | |
| 1970 | 11,640 | 59.1% | |
| 1980 | 17,530 | 50.6% | |
| 1990 | 22,282 | 27.1% | |
| 2000 | 23,113 | 3.7% | |
| 2010 | 28,168 | 21.9% | |
| 2020 | 31,970 | 13.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, Atwater had a population of 28,168 people. Most people lived in homes. A small number lived in group housing.
Education in Atwater
Atwater has several schools for students.
Public Schools
Most of Atwater is part of the Atwater Elementary School District. These schools are located in Atwater:
Elementary Schools (Grades K-6)
- Aileen Colburn Elementary School
- Shaffer Elementary School
- Thomas Olaeta Elementary School
- Elmer Wood Elementary School
- Mitchell K-6 Elementary School
- Peggy Heller Elementary School
- Bellevue Elementary School
Junior High Schools (Grades 7-8)
- Mitchell Senior Elementary School
- Bellevue Senior Elementary School
- Peggy Heller Junior High School
High Schools
The Merced Union High School District runs two high schools in Atwater:
- Atwater High School
- Buhach Colony High School
Other Public Schools
- Atwater Valley Community Day School
- Atwater Senior Academy
A small part of eastern Atwater is in the Merced City School District. Students there attend Rudolph Rivera Middle School. Franklin Elementary School is also nearby.
Private Schools
Atwater also has private schools:
| School | Grades |
|---|---|
| Ariel Dear Academy | 2-12 |
| Fruitland Christian Preschool | PK-K |
| Landmark Christian School | PK-12 |
| St. Anthony School | PK-8 |
Local News
Atwater does not have its own daily newspaper. Many residents read the Merced Sun-Star. This paper is published in nearby Merced. People in Atwater also use local Facebook pages for news.
Atwater has two weekly newspapers. They are called The Atwater Signal and The Atwater Times. The Atwater Signal started in 1911. The Atwater Times is published once a week.
Notable People from Atwater
Many interesting people have come from Atwater:
- Bernard Berrian: A wide receiver for NFL teams like the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.
- Chuck Compton: A defensive back for the NFL's Green Bay Packers.
- Jamill Kelly: Won a silver medal in wrestling at the 2004 Olympics.
- Sheryl Underwood: An actress and comedian.
- Willow Wisp: An experimental Gothic/metal band.
Sports Teams
Atwater is home to a few sports teams:
- Atwater Aviators: A baseball team in the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League.
- Atwater Falcons: Teams for football and baseball.
- Buhach Colony Thunder: Teams for football and basketball.
See also
In Spanish: Atwater (California) para niños
