Scranton, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Scranton, Iowa
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Location of Scranton, Iowa
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Iowa |
| County | Greene |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.86 sq mi (4.82 km2) |
| • Land | 1.86 sq mi (4.82 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 511 |
| • Density | 274.58/sq mi (106.00/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
51462
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| Area code(s) | 712 |
| FIPS code | 19-71310 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2396562 |
| Website | www.scrantoniowa.com |
Scranton is a small city located in Greene County, Iowa, in the United States. In 2020, about 511 people lived there. The city got its name from Scranton, Pennsylvania, a larger city.
Contents
History of Scranton, Iowa
Scranton was officially planned out in 1869. This happened soon after a railroad, the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad, was built through the area.
How Scranton Got Its Name
The city was named after Joseph H. Scranton. He was a person from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Joseph Scranton helped build the railroad by providing most of the iron rails. Scranton, Iowa, became an official city in 1880.
Scranton's Historic Water Tower
Scranton has a very old water tower. It was built in 1897. This water tower is the oldest one still working in Iowa. It is also the ninth oldest working water tower in the entire United States!
In 1907, a fire happened at the tower. It started because people were trying to melt ice that had frozen the town's water supply. Three men were hurt trying to put out the fire. Luckily, the water tower itself was not badly damaged.
Geography and Location
Scranton is found along U.S. Route 30. This road runs through the valley of the North Raccoon River.
Area of the City
The city covers a total area of about 1.88 square miles (4.82 square kilometers). All of this area is land, meaning there are no large lakes or rivers within the city limits.
Population Changes in Scranton
| Historical populations | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1890 | 715 | — |
| 1900 | 983 | +37.5% |
| 1910 | 845 | −14.0% |
| 1920 | 843 | −0.2% |
| 1930 | 1,058 | +25.5% |
| 1940 | 1,014 | −4.2% |
| 1950 | 891 | −12.1% |
| 1960 | 865 | −2.9% |
| 1970 | 751 | −13.2% |
| 1980 | 748 | −0.4% |
| 1990 | 583 | −22.1% |
| 2000 | 604 | +3.6% |
| 2010 | 557 | −7.8% |
| 2020 | 511 | −8.3% |
| Source: and Iowa Data Center Source: |
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The number of people living in Scranton has changed over the years. The city's population was highest in 1930, with 1,058 people. Since then, the population has slowly decreased.
Scranton's Population in 2020
In 2020, the census counted 511 people living in Scranton. There were 223 households and 140 families. Most people living in Scranton were White (93.5%). A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds. About 3.3% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Scranton in 2020 was about 39.5 years old. Many residents were under 20 (28.4%) or 65 and older (20.2%). The number of males and females was almost equal.
Scranton's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 557 people in Scranton. This was a bit more than in 2020. The population density was about 296 people per square mile. Most residents (96.4%) were White. About 2.9% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in 2010 was 43.2 years. About 23.2% of residents were under 18. The number of males and females was also very close.
Education in Scranton
Students in Scranton attend schools in the Greene County Community School District. This district operates Greene County Elementary, Greene County Middle, and Greene County High schools. These schools are located in Jefferson.
Changes in School Districts
Scranton used to have its own school district. In 1992, it joined with another district to form the Jefferson–Scranton Community School District. Then, in 2014, this district merged again to become the Greene County Community School District.
Scranton's Old School Building
Scranton once had its own public school building. A large part of it was built in 1915. The school closed in 2008. In 2010, the city bought the building for just $1. They turned it into a community center for everyone to use. Part of the old school building, built in 1913, was taken down in 2012 because it was too old to use. Today, the Greene County school district sometimes rents the old school gym for sports events.
Community Life in Scranton
Scranton has several fun events each year.
Annual Events
- The Mid-Summer Festival is held every July.
- There is also a special Christmas celebration.
School Reunions
Every five years, the town holds a big reunion for everyone who went to school in Scranton. The next one was planned for 2020.
Churches in Scranton
Scranton is home to three churches:
- St. Paul's Catholic Church
- The United Methodist Church
- The Church of Christ
Notable People from Scranton
Scranton has been home to some interesting people:
- Bryce Paup: A former player in the NFL.
- Ruth Jackson: Born near Scranton in 1902. She became the first female doctor in the United States to be officially certified in orthopedic surgery. This means she was an expert in treating bones and muscles.
See also
In Spanish: Scranton (Iowa) para niños
