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Burlington, IA

Frequently asked questions

Burlington, IA

Burlington is a city in, and the county seat of, Des Moines County, Iowa, United States. The population was 23,982 in the 2020 census, a decline from the 26,839 population in 2000. Burlington is the center of a micropolitan area, which includes West Burlington and Middletown, Iowa, and Gulfport, Illinois. Burlington is the home of Snake Alley, the crookedest street in the world.

Before European settlement, the area was neutral territory for the Sac and Fox Native American tribes, who called it Shoquoquon (Shok-ko-kon), meaning Flint Hills.

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson organized two parties of explorers to map the Louisiana Purchase. The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed the Missouri River, while Lt. Zebulon Pike followed the Mississippi River. In 1805, Pike landed at the bluffs below Burlington and raised the United States Flag for the first time on what would become Iowa soil and recommended the construction of a fort. The recommendation went unheeded.

The American Fur Company of John Jacob Astor established a post in the area in 1829. Settlement began in 1833, shortly after the Black Hawk Purchase, when Samuel (aka Simpson) White, Amzi Doolitle, and Morton M. McCarver crossed the Mississippi River from the Big Island and staked claims there. According to an account A.T. Andreas wrote in 1875, White erected a cabin in the area, later platted to be Front Street between Court and High Streets. Andreas called White and Doolittle the Romulus and Remus of their settlement, referring to the mythic heroes who founded Rome, a city surrounded by hills. A few weeks later, William R. Ross joined them and established a general store. In November and December, he surveyed the settlement for White and Doolittle.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.24 square miles (39.47 km²), of which 14.48 square miles (37.50 km²) is land and 0.76 square miles (1.97 km²) is water. 

Burlington places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Great River Health offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. The Burlington Area YMCA offers a comprehensive fitness experience with a gym, swimming pool, group exercise classes, and wellness programs for all ages. For those seeking relaxation, KS Massage Therapy provides massages, facials, and other spa treatments in a serene setting. Planet Fitness is open 24/7, offering modern workout equipment and personal training services. KS Massage & Wellness at The Spa provides a range of beauty and wellness treatments, including massages and skincare services. 

The top sites in Burlington, IA are Mosquito Park, FunCity Resort, and Dankwardt Memorial Park.

Population: 23,611 (2022). ZIP Code: 52601. Area code: 319. Elevation: 696 ft (185 m). Area: 15.17 sq mi (39.29 km²).

FAQs

What is Burlington, IA famous for?

Perhaps Burlington's most famous landmark, Snake Alley is located between Columbia and Washington Streets North 6th Street and consists of five half-curves and two quarter-curves. The street is reminiscent of vineyard paths in France and Germany. The alley is composed of limestone and blue clay bricks.

What are the demographics of Burlington, IA?

With 23,565 people, Burlington is the 24th most populated city in the state of Iowa out of 1,022 cities. The largest Burlington racial/ethnic groups are White (83.3%) followed by Black (5.7%) and Two or More (4.7%). In 2022, the median household income of Burlington households was $51,628. Burlington households made slightly more than Scranton households ($51,625) and Toledo households ($51,574) . However, 15.4% of Burlington families live in poverty. 

What is the crime rate in Burlington, IA?

With a crime rate of 43 per one thousand residents, Burlington has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 23. Within Iowa, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Burlington.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Burlington

Iowa Demographics

Neighborhood Scout

Mosquito Park

FunCity Resort

Dankwardt Memorial Park

Great River Health 

Anytime Fitness

Burlington Area YMCA

KS Massage Therapy

Planet Fitness

KS Massage & Wellness at The Spa

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