A recent report has named Onawa, a small town in Iowa, the poorest in the state. Known for its wide main street and its connection to the invention of the Eskimo Pie ice cream treat, Onawa is facing financial struggles that affect many of its residents.
This article breaks down the reasons behind the town’s ranking and highlights some interesting facts about Onawa.
Onawa: Iowa’s Poorest Town
Onawa, with a population of 2,849, has been named the poorest town in Iowa. According to a report by 24/7 Wall Street, more than one in every four people in Onawa live below the poverty line. The town’s poverty rate is 25.3%, which is more than double the state average of 12%.
In addition to high poverty rates, Onawa also has a higher than average rate of residents receiving SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). With 24.9% of the town’s residents using SNAP, this is significantly higher than the state’s average of 11.2%.
Economic Facts About Onawa
- Median household income: $31,089 (State: $56,570)
- Median home value: $93,500 (State: $137,200)
- Poverty rate: 25.3% (State: 12%)
Onawa’s economic struggles are clear when you compare these statistics to the state averages. The town’s median household income is much lower, and its homes have a much lower median value than the state overall. These numbers reflect the financial challenges faced by the town’s residents.
Notable Features of Onawa
Onawa is known for a few unique features:
- The widest main street in America: The town boasts a main street that is 150 feet wide, making it a notable part of its identity.
- Eskimo Pie invention: Onawa is also proud to be the birthplace of the Eskimo Pie, a frozen treat invented by Chris K. Nelsen in 1919. This ice cream treat, covered in chocolate, remains a popular dessert to this day.
- Blackbird Bend Casino: The town is home to the Blackbird Bend Casino, which has faced challenges over the years, including flooding in 2011 and investigations into misused federal funds after the flood. The casino, owned by the Omaha Tribe, is a key part of Onawa’s economy.
History and Disputed Land Ownership
Onawa is located near Blackbird Bend, a disputed area of land that was settled by white farmers but was later awarded to the Omaha Tribe by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1979. The area has been the subject of legal battles for years, and today it is part of the land claimed by the Omaha Tribe.
Onawa may be known for its wide main street and Eskimo Pie, but it also faces serious economic challenges, making it the poorest town in Iowa. With a high poverty rate and low median income, Onawa’s residents continue to struggle.
The town’s history and interesting landmarks give it a unique identity, but financial recovery remains a challenge for its community.
