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Pella, IA

Frequently asked questions

Pella, IA

Pella is a city in Marion County, Iowa, with a population of 10,464 at the time of the 2020 U.S. Census. Founded by immigrants from the Netherlands, it is forty miles southeast of Des Moines. Pella is the home of Central College, as well as several manufacturing companies, including Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing Company.

In 1847, 800 Dutch immigrants led by Dominee (Minister) Hendrik "Henry" P. Scholte settled the area known as Pella. The name "Pella" is a reference to Pella of the Decapolis, where the Christians of Jerusalem had found refuge during the Roman–Jewish war of 70; the name was selected because the Dominee and his followers sought religious freedom as well. Pella was the childhood home of Wyatt Earp, whose father Nicholas Porter Earp had settled on a farm near Pella. His brothers Warren and Morgan were born in Pella. On July 19, 2018, a destructive EF3 tornado struck the Vermeer manufacturing plant in the city. Due to early warning, only seven of the thousands of people on-site were injured.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.73 square miles (22.61 km²), all land. Since 2013, it has been located in Iowa's 2nd congressional district. Before that year, it was part of Iowa's 3rd congressional district. 

As of the census of 2010, 10,352 people, 3,735 households, and 2,500 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,185.8 inhabitants per square mile (457.8/km²). The 4,086 housing units averaged 468.0 per square mile (180.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% White, 0.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanics of any race were 1.7% of the population.

Pella is home to a number of local events and architectural sites. The Vermeer Mill is a fully functional 1850s-style windmill, reaching 134 ft (41 m) high. The Vermeer Mill grinds wheat into flour using only wind power and is the tallest working windmill in the United States.

The Pella Opera House, built in 1900, was renovated in 1990 and is a popular entertainment destination, featuring stained-glass windows and ornate tin ceilings. A canal winds through nearby Molengracht Plaza, home to shops, restaurants, a hostelry, a movie theatre, and a full-size working drawbridge. On June 28, 2011, Sarah Palin visited the opera house for the premiere of The Undefeated, a documentary about her role in Alaska politics and rise to national attention.

The annual Tulip Time Festival is a celebration of Pella's Dutch heritage. It features tulip gardens, performances, crafters, music, food, Dutch costumes, and daily parades. The festival is held for three days (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) during the first weekend in May. A queen and court are selected from the two high schools in the town to represent Pella and advertise the Festival. During the 2010 Festival, a world record was set for the most people dancing in wooden shoes. Over 2,600 people danced for more than six minutes to set the new standard.

A few miles to the west is Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest reservoir, a popular destination for biking, hiking, boating, and fishing. The Bos Landen golf club is also in the town. The Pella Tulip Festival is held annually, honoring Pella's Dutch heritage.

Pella, IA offers a diverse range of health and wellness activities that cater to the community's varied interests. Pella Recreation Center provides extensive fitness facilities, group exercise classes, and personal training sessions. Anytime Fitness in Pella ensures 24/7 access to a modern gym with personalized fitness plans and coaching. Vitality Health and Wellness Clinic focuses on holistic health services, including chiropractic care and wellness programs. The Well Resource Center promotes physical and mental health through fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and mental health services. Thrive Chiropractic Cedar Falls offers chiropractic care, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. Pella Pilates & Wellness offers a serene environment for yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes. Pella Regional Health Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs.

Top sites in Pella, IA are Pella Opera House, Scholte House Museum & Gardens, Vermeer Mill, and The Klokkenspel.

Population: 10,965 (2024). ZIP code: 50219. Area code: 641. Elevation: 876 ft (267 m). Area: 9.35 sq mi (24.20 km²).

FAQs

What is Pella, IA is known for?

Settled by Dutch immigrants in 1847, the town of Pella is a veritable “Little Holland.” It's home to the largest working grain windmill in the country and has a replica of a Dutch square named Molengracht, complete with a canal, which sits right off Main Street. Visit in May for the annual Tulip Time Festival.

What is the ethnicity of Pella, IA?

In 2022, there were 62.1 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (9.81k people) in Pella, IA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 158 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) and 157 Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups. 3.15% of the people in Pella, IA are hispanic (332 people).

What is the crime rate in Pella, IA?

Pella has an overall crime rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Pella is 1 in 118. How does Pella fare compared to other communities in Iowa of all population sizes? Pella's crime rate is lower than approximately 30% of Iowa communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Pella

Pella

Data USA

Neighborhood Scout

Pella Opera House

Scholte House Museum & Gardens

Vermeer Mill

The Klokkenspel

Pella Recreation Center

Anytime Fitness

Vitality Health and Wellness Clinic

The Well Resource Center

Thrive Chiropractic Cedar Falls

Pella Pilates & Wellness

Pella Regional Health Center

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