Communities

The communities in Poweshiek County enjoy many of the same qualities. People know their neighbors, children walk safely to and from school, front porches are a favorite sanctuary in the summertime, and there is a Norman Rockwell quality to life in general. 

 

 For detailed demographic information on each community click here.

Brooklyn - (pop. 1,468) is best known as the Community of Flags. Nestled between the Big and Little Bear Creeks and beyond, Brooklyn is a farming community with gently rolling hills, row crops and rich green pastures, which help accent a quality lifestyle. Brooklyn is also a proven sustainable agriculture community with variety of retail businesses, industry and services being provided. Its year-round flag display consists of a gigantic US flag surrounded by the flags from all 50 states, the armed services, and special interests. Main streets downtown is lined with thirty-five international flags.

Deep River - (pop. 473) is located in the southeast section of Poweshiek County on the Old Diamond Trail. Deep River boasts a strong corps of volunteers and their accomplishments are shown in their Community Center and their annual “Fun Days” celebration. Deep River has been recognized for several years as a Tree City USA community. It is also home to the 80-acre Deep River Wildlife Refuge.

Grinnell - (pop. 9,218) was listed in Norman Crampton’s book "The 100 Best Small Towns in America” . Home to Grinnell College, one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the country, Grinnell features a diverse, highly-educated population. At its core is a historic downtown, anchored by the world-renowned Merchants National Bank building designed by famed architect Louis Sullivan. Grinnellians who made a mark on the world include FDR confidant Harry Hopkins and integrated circuit co-inventor and Intel founder Robert Noyce.

Guernsey - (pop. 63) Located just off Hwy 21 in the eastern part of Poweshiek County, Guernsey is part of the BGM Community School District. A valuable asset for this community is its grain elevator that serves area farmers. Small businesses are based in Guernsey and it has a strong church congregation.

Hartwick - (pop. 86) is a small rural community located in a serene rolling topography north of Route 6 and Interstate 80. Hartwick is served by the local Hartwick State Bank, which was established in 1927. It also has a strong volunteer fire department and hosts satellite agriculture businesses.

Malcom - (pop. 580) is the home of the historic P. P. Raymond Mansion. A short drive east of Grinnell and just off of Interstate 80, Malcom also boasts the presence of BASF, a solutions oriented, full service provider to the urethane industry.

Montezuma - (pop. 1,462) was named by local veterans of the Mexican War for the last emperor of the Aztecs. The town was founded in 1848 and designated the county seat of Poweshiek County. Montezuma is a unique blend of people, living, working and playing together in an area that includes something for everyone and is as diverse as its people. It has fertile farms, lakefront, small-town and rural living, and recreational areas unsurpassed in quality and quantity by other communities its size.

Searsboro - (pop. 155) was founded in 1876 in the hills of the southwest corner of Poweshiek County in Sugar Creek Township. This community, centrally located between the cities of Grinnell, Lynnville, Montezuma, New Sharon and Sully, features a community building, community church, fire department, grain elevator, post office, restaurant and a telephone company.