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Newton, IA

Frequently asked questions

Newton, IA

Newton is the county seat of, and most populous city in, Jasper County, Iowa, United States. Located 30 miles (48 km) east of Des Moines, Newton is in Central Iowa. As of the 2020 Census, the city population was 15,760. It is the home of Iowa Speedway and Maytag Dairy Farms.

Newton was founded in 1846 as Newton City, then shortened to Newton in 1847 and incorporated as a city in 1857. It was named to pair with Jasper County, following a common American naming scheme at the time in honor of Revolutionary War soldiers John Newton and William Jasper. In the late 19th century, Newton's growth was fueled by the development of coal mines in the region. The first significant mine in the area was the Couch mine of the Jasper County Coal and Railway Company, which opened in the 1870s. For a while, it was the largest mine in the county, producing 70 tons per day. William Snooks opened a mine near Newton in 1886. In the early 20th century, large-scale mining in the Newton area had declined, but there were still several mines in the area that were worked intermittently.

In the 20th century, Newton was a manufacturing community, and much of its growth derived from the washing machine industry. Its most distinctive landmark, the Jasper County Courthouse, was built in 1911.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.19 square miles (28.98 km²), all land. 

Newton is divided into four quadrants: 1st Avenue divides the north and south segments of Newton, and 1st Street divides the east and west segments. Roads labeled as avenues run east and west, while roads labeled as streets run north and south. Newton's street numbering system also extends into rural Jasper County.

A typical street name would appear as "E 5th St S". The east or west label comes first, followed by the street, then followed by the north or south label. This example indicates the street is in the southeast quadrant of Newton.

A typical avenue name would appear "N 5th Ave W". In the case of avenues, the north or south label comes first, followed by the avenue, and then followed by the east or west label. This example indicates the avenue is in the northwest quadrant of Newton.

Health and wellness are integral to the lifestyle in Newton. The Skiff Medical Center serves as a cornerstone for healthcare services, providing comprehensive medical care to residents. Additionally, the city promotes an active lifestyle with numerous parks and recreational areas. The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Maytag Park provides recreational facilities and green spaces for outdoor activities. The commitment to wellness is further evident in the various community programs and initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among residents. Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to modern exercise equipment and personalized fitness plans for all members. Newton YMCA offers a comprehensive fitness experience with swimming pools, group exercise classes, and youth programs. Magick Touch Massage delivers therapeutic massages aimed at stress relief and relaxation.  Yoga enthusiasts can visit Optimae LifeServices for wellness programs including yoga and meditation classes.

Top sites in Newton, IA are Iowa Speedway, Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and Jasper County Historical Museum.

Population: 15,645 (2023). ZIP code: 50208. Area code: 641. Elevation: 951 ft (290 m). Area: 11.34 sq mi (29.37 km²).

FAQs

What is Newton, IA famous for?

Over the years Newton has been home to cigar factories, the manufacturing of patent medicines and ant poison, the center of advertising specialty companies, manufacturing of farm equipment and home appliances. In the 20th century, Newton was a manufacturing community, and much of its growth derived from the washing machine industry. Newton became known as the Washing Machine Capital of the World and was home to a Fortune "500" Company - the Maytag Corporation. The community's most distinctive landmark, the Jasper County Courthouse, was built in 1911.

What is the crime rate in Newton, IA?

The crime rate in Newton is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 18 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Newton is 1 in 56. Based on FBI crime data, Newton is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Iowa, Newton has a crime rate that is higher than 90% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Newton, IA a good place to live?

Newton is in Jasper County. Living in Newton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Newton and residents tend to lean conservative.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Newton

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Iowa Speedway

Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Jasper County Historical Museum

Skiff Medical Center

Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Maytag Park

Anytime Fitness

Newton YMCA

Magick Touch Massage

Optimae LifeServices

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