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Decorah, IA


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Decorah, Iowa

Introduction to Decorah, Iowa

Decorah, Iowa, in Winneshiek county, is located 44 miles SW of La Crosse, Wisconsin (center to center) and 131 miles SE of St. Paul, Minnesota. Approximately 8,172 people live in Decorah.

Decorah History

Day Family was the first settler in Decorah in 1849. A large number of Norwegian settlements in the past years made Decorah famous as a Norwegian - American culture center. The city was named in the honor of Chief Waukon Decorah, who was a Winnebago and cooperated with the American settlers during the Black Hawk War.

Decorah and nearby Attractions

  • Vesterheim Norwegian - American Museum
  • Mary Christopher Park
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum
  • Winneshiek County Fairground
  • Olson Hall

Things To Do In Decorah

Tourists can visit several parks including the Mary Christopher Park, Will Baker Park, and Dunnings Spring Park. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum is also a popular tourist destination. You can visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Farm Park at Decorah, and the Porter House Museum if you area interested in the area's history. Fort Atkinson State Preserve offers a number of recreational facilities. Every year various festivals like the Winneshiek County Fair and the Nordic Fest are hosted by Decorah.

Decorah Transportation

La Crosse Municipal Airport provides facilities for air transportation.

Decorah Higher Education

Luther College is located in Decorah. The other colleges and universities that provide higher educational facilities include Northeast Iowa Community College - Calmar, Upper Iowa University, and Winona State University.

High Points

Decorah strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Iowa):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 1%trophyDecorah Short Commute Times
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyDecorah Well-Paid Single Women
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 1%trophyDecorah Walking and Biking to Work
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)
Top 6%Decorah College Educated Adults
Low Property Crime
(vs. Peers)
Top 14%Decorah Low Property Crime
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 15%Decorah Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 17%Decorah Well-Paid Single Men
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 17%Decorah Affordability of Rents

Comparative Profile of Decorah, IA

Comparing Decorah to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Iowa (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population1010
Well-Paid Single Women910
Senior Citizens95
Well-Paid Single Men69
Racial Diversity39
Age of the Population11
Male Share of the Population11
Children Under 5 Years Old11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married41
Average Household Size11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults810
People in Middle Class or Better68
People Above Poverty65
Median Family Income68

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times1010
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Working at Home76
Public Transportation Use26

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People Living Alone1010
Affordability of Rents94
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals710
Seasonal and Vacation Housing78
Affordability of Property Taxes62
Housing Recently Built37

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Property Crime98
Low Violent Crime64
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