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{{short description|County in Iowa, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = O'Brien County
| county = O'Brien County
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| ex image cap = [[O'Brien County Courthouse]]
| ex image cap = [[O'Brien County Courthouse]]
| seal =
| seal =
| founded = 15 January 1851<ref name=DATE/>
| founded = January 15, 1851<ref name=DATE/>
| seat wl = Primghar
| seat wl = Primghar
| largest city wl = Sheldon
| largest city wl = Sheldon
Line 17: Line 19:
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
| time zone = Central
| time zone = Central
| web = http://www.obriencounty.org/
| web = https://obriencounty.iowa.gov/
| district = 4th
| district = 4th
| named for = [[William Smith O'Brien]]
| named for = [[William Smith O'Brien]]
}}
}}

'''O'Brien County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Iowa]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census]], the population was 14,182.<ref name=cen2020>{{cite web |title=2020 Census State Redistricting Data |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Iowa/ |website=census.gov |publisher=United states Census Bureau |access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> The county seat is [[Primghar, Iowa|Primghar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>
'''O'Brien County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Iowa]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census]], the population was 14,182.<ref name=cen2020>{{cite web |title=2020 Census State Redistricting Data |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Iowa/ |website=census.gov |publisher=United states Census Bureau |access-date=August 12, 2021}}</ref> The county seat is [[Primghar, Iowa|Primghar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
By the time Iowa attained statehood (28 December 1848), its Territorial Legislature had created 44 counties. On 15 January 1851 the new State Legislature created another 49 counties, defining them by lines of survey. O'Brien was among the 49 units thus created.<ref name=DATE>''Columbia-Lippincott Gazetteer,'' (New York:Columbia University Press, 1952), p. 1363</ref> It consists of four survey townships, each formed by 36 square miles arranged in a 6x6 layout, for a nominal 576 square miles total area. The county was named for [[William Smith O'Brien]], a leader for Irish independence in 1848.<ref>{{cite book|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA162|year=1908|page=162}}</ref>
By the time Iowa attained statehood (December 28, 1848), its Territorial Legislature had created 44 counties. On January 15, 1851, the new State Legislature created another 49 counties, defining them by lines of survey. O'Brien was among the 49 units thus created.<ref name=DATE>''Columbia-Lippincott Gazetteer,'' (New York:Columbia University Press, 1952), p. 1363</ref> It consists of four survey townships, each formed by 36 square miles arranged in a 6x6 layout, for a nominal 576 square miles total area. The county was named for [[William Smith O'Brien]], a leader for Irish independence in 1848.<ref>{{cite book|author=Chicago and North Western Railway Company|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OspBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA162|year=1908|page=162}}</ref>


The new county's first settler arrived in 1856; Hannibal H. Waterman brought his wife and a daughter to the southeast portion (present [[Waterman Township, O'Brien County, Iowa|Waterman Township]]). His homestead formed the nucleus of the county's first community, and a small building was erected there to function as a courthouse.
The new county's first settler arrived in 1856; Hannibal H. Waterman brought his wife and a daughter to the southeast portion (present [[Waterman Township, O'Brien County, Iowa|Waterman Township]]). His homestead formed the nucleus of the county's first community, and a small building was erected there to function as a courthouse.


By 1872 the county comprised several small communities, and residents of those groups felt the county's business should be conducted in a more central location. An election was held, the outcome of which was to create a new county seat at its midpoint. A 40-acre (16.2 hectare) tract at the center of the county was surveyed and platted; its name ([[Primghar, Iowa|Primghar]]) was created from the initials of eight persons involved with the platting. The previous courthouse building was transported to this new location.<ref>[https://www.obriencounty.org/about/ ''About O'Brien County'' (O'Brien County website; accessed 1 June 2020)]</ref>
By 1872 the county comprised several small communities, and residents of those groups felt the county's business should be conducted in a more central location. An election was held, the outcome of which was to create a new county seat at its midpoint. A {{convert|40|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} tract at the center of the county was surveyed and platted; its name ([[Primghar, Iowa|Primghar]]) was created from the initials of eight persons involved with the platting. The previous courthouse building was transported to this new location.<ref>[https://www.obriencounty.org/about/ ''About O'Brien County'' (O'Brien County website; accessed 1 June 2020)]</ref>


In 1874 a 35-foot square building was erected on the present location at a cost of $2,000, to replace the first structure. It was replaced in 1887 by a larger structure. The County Board of Supervisors authorized its construction, at a cost not to exceed $5,000 (the maximum amount the County was authorized to commit). To keep within this limit, members of the new community agreed to haul the building materials without charge from railroad stops at [[Sanborn, Iowa|Sanbor]] and [[Paullina, Iowa|Paullina]]. The present [[O'Brien County Courthouse|courthouse]] was completed in 1917,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iowacourtsonline.org/wfdata/frame1759-1464/pressrel99.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401005445/http://www.iowacourtsonline.org/wfdata/frame1759-1464/pressrel99.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 April 2012|title=O'Brien County Courthouse|publisher=Iowa Judicial Branch|access-date=7 March 2011}}</ref> and is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].
In 1874 a 35-foot square building was erected on the present location at a cost of $2,000, to replace the first structure. It was replaced in 1887 by a larger structure. The County Board of Supervisors authorized its construction, at a cost not to exceed $5,000 (the maximum amount the county was authorized to commit). To keep within this limit, members of the new community agreed to haul the building materials without charge from railroad stops at [[Sanborn, Iowa|Sanborn]] and [[Paullina, Iowa|Paullina]]. The present [[O'Brien County Courthouse|courthouse]] was completed in 1917,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iowacourtsonline.org/wfdata/frame1759-1464/pressrel99.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401005445/http://www.iowacourtsonline.org/wfdata/frame1759-1464/pressrel99.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 1, 2012|title=O'Brien County Courthouse|publisher=Iowa Judicial Branch|access-date=March 7, 2011}}</ref> and is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|573|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|573|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.2|sqmi}} (0.03%) is water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=23 April 2011|date=12 February 2011|title=US Gazetteer files}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|573|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|573|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|0.2|sqmi}} (0.03%) is water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files}}</ref>


===Major highways===
===Major highways===
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
* [[Image:US 18.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 18 in Iowa|U.S. Route 18]]
* [[Image:US 18.svg|x20px]] [[U.S. Route 18 in Iowa|U.S. Highway 18]]
* [[Image:US 59.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 59 in Iowa|U.S. Route 59]]
* [[Image:US 59.svg|x20px]] [[U.S. Route 59 in Iowa|U.S. Highway 59]]
* [[Image:Iowa 10.svg|20px]] [[Iowa Highway 10]]
* [[Image:Elongated circle 10.svg|x20px]] [[Iowa Highway 10]]
* [[Image:Iowa 60.svg|20px]] [[Iowa Highway 60]]
* [[Image:Elongated circle 60.svg|x20px]] [[Iowa Highway 60]]
* [[Image:Iowa 143.svg|20px]] [[Iowa Highway 143]]
* [[Image:Elongated circle 143.svg|x20px]] [[Iowa Highway 143]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}

===Adjacent counties===
===Adjacent counties===
* [[Osceola County, Iowa|Osceola County]] - north
* [[Osceola County, Iowa|Osceola County]] - north
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|2010= 14398
|2010= 14398
|2020= 14182
|2020= 14182
|estyear=2023
|estimate=14012
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 2, 2024}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=US Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=US Decennial Census|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref><br/>1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ia190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref><br/>1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2018<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19141.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607071950/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19141.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref>
|footnote=US Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=US Decennial Census|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref><br/>1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ia190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref><br/>1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2018<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19141.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=July 20, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607071950/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19141.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref>
}}
}}
[[File:OBrienCountyIowaPop2020.png|thumb|right|Population of O'Brien County from US census data]]
[[File:OBrienCountyIowaPop2020.png|thumb|right|Population of O'Brien County from US census data]]

[[Image:USA O'Brien County, Iowa age pyramid.svg|thumb|left|2010 Census Age Pyramid for O'Brien County]]


===2020 census===
===2020 census===
[[File:OBrienCountyIA2022PopPyr.png|thumb|left|2022 US Census [[population pyramid]] for O'Brien County from [[American Community Survey|ACS]] 5-year estimates]]
The 2020 census recorded a population of 14,182 in the county, with a population density of {{Pop density|14182|571.430778|sqmi|km2}}. 95.42% of the population reported being of one race. 83.49% were non-Hispanic White, 1.14% were Black, 6.95% were Hispanic, 0.56% were Native American, 0.56% were Asian, 0.08% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 7.23% were some other race or more than one race. There were 6,524 housing units, of which 5,861 were occupied.<ref name=cen2020/>
The 2020 census recorded a population of 14,182 in the county, with a population density of {{Pop density|14182|571.430778|sqmi|km2}}. 95.42% of the population reported being of one race. There were 6,524 housing units, of which 5,861 were occupied.<ref name=cen2020/>
{| class="wikitable"
|+O'Brien County Racial Composition<ref>{{Cite web|title =P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – O'Brien County, Iowa|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=O%27Brien%20County,%20Iowa&t=Race%20and%20Ethnicity&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2}}</ref>
!Race
!Num.
!Perc.
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (NH)
|12,609
|89%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (NH)
|159
|1.12%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] (NH)
|39
|0.3%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]] (NH)
|79
|0.6%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] (NH)
|11
|0.07%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]] (NH)
|300
|2.12%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|985
|7%
|}


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States Census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Census website}}</ref> there were 14,398 people, 6,069 households, and 3,927 families in the county. The [[population density]] was {{Pop density|14398|573.08|sqmi|km2}}. There were 6,649 housing units at an average density of 11 per square&nbsp;mile (4/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the county was 96.0% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.5% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|American Indian]], 0.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 2.0% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.8% from two or more races. The county has a 3.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] background.
As of the [[2010 United States Census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Census website}}</ref> there were 14,398 people, 6,069 households, and 3,927 families in the county. The [[population density]] was {{Pop density|14398|573.08|sqmi|km2}}. There were 6,649 housing units at an average density of {{convert|11|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the county was 96.0% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.5% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|American Indian]], 0.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 2.0% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.8% from two or more races. The county has a 3.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] background.


There were 6,069 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 33.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.89.
There were 6,069 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 33.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.89.
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The county population contained 25.7% under the age of 20, 4.6% from 20 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males.
The county population contained 25.7% under the age of 20, 4.6% from 20 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males.


The median income for a household in the county was $44,018, and the median income for a family was $58,127. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $24,771. About 6.3% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="USCB">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST05&prodType=table|title=Population and Housing Occupancy Status: 2010 - State -- County|publisher=US Census Bureau/American FactFinder|access-date=March 26, 2011}}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
The median income for a household in the county was $44,018, and the median income for a family was $58,127. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $24,771. About 6.3% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="USCB">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL2.ST05&prodType=table|title=Population and Housing Occupancy Status: 2010 - State &ndash; County|publisher=US Census Bureau/American FactFinder|access-date=March 26, 2011}}{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


==Communities==
==Communities==
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==Politics==
==Politics==
O'Brien County is one of the most consistently Republican counties in Iowa. It has backed the Republican nominee in all but five elections in its history; its inaugural election in 1860, a tie in 1864, backing former Republican turned [[Progressive Party (United States, 1912–1920)|Progressive]] [[Theodore Roosevelt]] in 1912, and supporting [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] during his two nationwide landslides in 1932 and 1936. Since 1952, the Republican candidate has carried O'Brien County by a margin of at least 20% in every election except for 1964, when Democrat [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] only lost the county by 41 votes amidst a nationwide Democratic landslide. In the 21st century, all Republican candidates have obtained over 65% of the county's vote, and beginning in 2012, at least 70% of the vote.
{{Hidden begin|titlestyle=background:#ccccff|title=Presidential Election Results}}
{{PresHead|place=O'Brien County, Iowa|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 27, 2018}}</ref>}}
{| align="center" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="float:right; margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
|+ '''Presidential Elections Results'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Atlas of US Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 27, 2018}}</ref>
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|5,998|1,428|99|Iowa}}
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|5,861|1,569|121|Iowa}}
! Year
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|5,752|1,315|339|Iowa}}
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|5,266|1,969|106|Iowa}}
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|4,894|2,338|101|Iowa}}
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third Parties]]
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|5,328|2,330|73|Iowa}}
|-
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|4,674|2,170|200|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]'''
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|3,877|2,236|622|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''77.6%''' ''5,861''
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|3,869|2,122|1,587|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|20.8% ''1,569''
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|4,241|2,768|63|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.6% ''121''
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|5,008|2,479|82|Iowa}}
|-
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|4,937|2,210|614|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]'''
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|4,643|2,732|131|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''77.7%''' ''5,752''
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|5,159|2,224|108|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|17.8% ''1,315''
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|5,594|2,146|328|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.6% ''339''
{{PresRow|1964|Republican|4,336|4,295|6|Iowa}}
|-
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|6,509|2,967|4|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2012 United States presidential election|2012]]'''
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|6,138|2,970|10|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''71.7%''' ''5,266''
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|7,130|2,192|38|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26.8% ''1,969''
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|3,697|3,421|208|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''106''
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|4,033|3,138|30|Iowa}}
|-
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|4,760|4,133|38|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2008 United States presidential election|2008]]'''
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|3,350|5,139|123|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.7%''' ''4,894''
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|3,213|4,503|132|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|31.9% ''2,338''
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|4,845|2,397|56|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''101''
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|4,172|756|2,207|Iowa}}
|-
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|5,137|1,468|109|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2004 United States presidential election|2004]]'''
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|2,021|1,787|39|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''68.9%''' ''5,328''
{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|620|1,506|1,744|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.1% ''2,330''
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,912|1,326|76|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.9% ''73''
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|2,279|885|142|Iowa}}
|-
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|2,386|1,461|54|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2000 United States presidential election|2000]]'''
{{PresFoot|1896|Republican|2,421|1,562|45|Iowa}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.4%''' ''4,674''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.8% ''2,170''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.8% ''200''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1996 United States presidential election|1996]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.6%''' ''3,877''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.2% ''2,236''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|9.2% ''622''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1992 United States presidential election|1992]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''51.1%''' ''3,869''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|28.0% ''2,122''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|21.0% ''1,587''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1988 United States presidential election|1988]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.0%''' ''4,241''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|39.1% ''2,768''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.9% ''63''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1984 United States presidential election|1984]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.2%''' ''5,008''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.8% ''2,479''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.1% ''82''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1980 United States presidential election|1980]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''63.6%''' ''4,937''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|28.5% ''2,210''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|7.9% ''614''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1976 United States presidential election|1976]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.9%''' ''4,643''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|36.4% ''2,732''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.8% ''131''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1972 United States presidential election|1972]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''68.9%''' ''5,159''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.7% ''2,224''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''108''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1968 United States presidential election|1968]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''69.3%''' ''5,594''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26.6% ''2,146''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.1% ''328''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1964 United States presidential election|1964]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''50.2%''' ''4,336''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|49.7% ''4,295''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''6''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1960 United States presidential election|1960]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''68.7%''' ''6,509''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|31.3% ''2,967''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.0% ''4''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1956 United States presidential election|1956]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''67.3%''' ''6,138''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.6% ''2,970''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''10''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1952 United States presidential election|1952]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''76.2%''' ''7,130''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|23.4% ''2,192''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.4% ''38''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1948 United States presidential election|1948]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''50.5%''' ''3,697''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.7% ''3,421''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.8% ''208''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1944 United States presidential election|1944]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.0%''' ''4,033''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.6% ''3,138''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.4% ''30''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1940 United States presidential election|1940]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.3%''' ''4,760''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.3% ''4,133''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.4% ''38''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1936 United States presidential election|1936]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|38.9% ''3,350''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.7%''' ''5,139''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''123''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1932 United States presidential election|1932]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.9% ''3,213''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.4%''' ''4,503''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''132''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1928 United States presidential election|1928]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.4%''' ''4,845''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.8% ''2,397''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''56''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1924 United States presidential election|1924]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''58.5%''' ''4,172''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|10.6% ''756''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|30.9% ''2,207''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1920 United States presidential election|1920]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''76.5%''' ''5,137''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|21.9% ''1,468''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.6% ''109''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1916 United States presidential election|1916]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.5%''' ''2,021''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.5% ''1,787''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.0% ''39''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Progressive}}|'''[[1912 United States presidential election|1912]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|16.0% ''620''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.9% ''1,506''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|'''45.1%''' ''1,744''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1908 United States presidential election|1908]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.7%''' ''1,912''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.0% ''1,326''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.3% ''76''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1904 United States presidential election|1904]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''68.9%''' ''2,279''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26.8% ''885''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.3% ''142''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1900 United States presidential election|1900]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.2%''' ''2,386''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|37.5% ''1,461''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.4% ''54''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1896 United States presidential election|1896]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.1%''' ''2,421''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.8% ''1,562''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.1% ''45''
|}
{{Hidden end}}


==See also==
==See also==
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* [http://www.city-data.com/county/O-Brien_County-IA.html City-Data] Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about O'Brien County
* [http://www.city-data.com/county/O-Brien_County-IA.html City-Data] Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about O'Brien County


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{{Geographic Location
{{Geographic Location
|Centre = O'Brien County, Iowa
|Centre = O'Brien County, Iowa
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|West = [[Sioux County, Iowa|Sioux County]]
|West = [[Sioux County, Iowa|Sioux County]]
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{{O'Brien County, Iowa}}
{{O'Brien County, Iowa}}
{{Iowa}}
{{Iowa}}
{{authority control}}

{{coord|43|04|53|N|95|37|34|W|region:US-IA_type:adm2nd_source:dewiki|display=title}}
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{{authority control}}


[[Category:O'Brien County, Iowa| ]]
[[Category:O'Brien County, Iowa| ]]

Latest revision as of 17:11, 3 December 2024

O'Brien County
County
O'Brien County Courthouse
O'Brien County Courthouse
Map of Iowa highlighting O'Brien County
Location within the U.S. state of Iowa
Map of the United States highlighting Iowa
Iowa's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 43°04′53″N 95°37′34″W / 43.081388888889°N 95.626111111111°W / 43.081388888889; -95.626111111111
Country United States
State Iowa
FoundedJanuary 15, 1851[1]
Named forWilliam Smith O'Brien
SeatPrimghar
Largest citySheldon
Area
 • Total
573 sq mi (1,480 km2)
 • Land573 sq mi (1,480 km2)
 • Water0.2 sq mi (0.5 km2)  0.03%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
14,182
 • Density25/sq mi (9.6/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district4th
Websiteobriencounty.iowa.gov

O'Brien County is a county in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 14,182.[2] The county seat is Primghar.[3]

History

[edit]

By the time Iowa attained statehood (December 28, 1848), its Territorial Legislature had created 44 counties. On January 15, 1851, the new State Legislature created another 49 counties, defining them by lines of survey. O'Brien was among the 49 units thus created.[1] It consists of four survey townships, each formed by 36 square miles arranged in a 6x6 layout, for a nominal 576 square miles total area. The county was named for William Smith O'Brien, a leader for Irish independence in 1848.[4]

The new county's first settler arrived in 1856; Hannibal H. Waterman brought his wife and a daughter to the southeast portion (present Waterman Township). His homestead formed the nucleus of the county's first community, and a small building was erected there to function as a courthouse.

By 1872 the county comprised several small communities, and residents of those groups felt the county's business should be conducted in a more central location. An election was held, the outcome of which was to create a new county seat at its midpoint. A 40-acre (16-hectare) tract at the center of the county was surveyed and platted; its name (Primghar) was created from the initials of eight persons involved with the platting. The previous courthouse building was transported to this new location.[5]

In 1874 a 35-foot square building was erected on the present location at a cost of $2,000, to replace the first structure. It was replaced in 1887 by a larger structure. The County Board of Supervisors authorized its construction, at a cost not to exceed $5,000 (the maximum amount the county was authorized to commit). To keep within this limit, members of the new community agreed to haul the building materials without charge from railroad stops at Sanborn and Paullina. The present courthouse was completed in 1917,[6] and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 573 square miles (1,480 km2), of which 573 square miles (1,480 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) (0.03%) is water.[7]

Major highways

[edit]

Adjacent counties

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1860383—
187071586.7%
18804,155481.1%
189013,060214.3%
190016,98530.1%
191017,2621.6%
192019,05110.4%
193018,409−3.4%
194019,2934.8%
195018,970−1.7%
196018,840−0.7%
197017,522−7.0%
198016,972−3.1%
199015,444−9.0%
200015,102−2.2%
201014,398−4.7%
202014,182−1.5%
2023 (est.)14,012[8]−1.2%
US Decennial Census[9]
1790-1960[10] 1900-1990[11]
1990-2000[12] 2010-2018[13]
Population of O'Brien County from US census data

2020 census

[edit]
2022 US Census population pyramid for O'Brien County from ACS 5-year estimates

The 2020 census recorded a population of 14,182 in the county, with a population density of 24.8184/sq mi (9.5824/km2). 95.42% of the population reported being of one race. There were 6,524 housing units, of which 5,861 were occupied.[2]

O'Brien County Racial Composition[14]
Race Num. Perc.
White (NH) 12,609 89%
Black or African American (NH) 159 1.12%
Native American (NH) 39 0.3%
Asian (NH) 79 0.6%
Pacific Islander (NH) 11 0.07%
Other/Mixed (NH) 300 2.12%
Hispanic or Latino 985 7%

2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 United States Census,[15] there were 14,398 people, 6,069 households, and 3,927 families in the county. The population density was 25.1239/sq mi (9.7004/km2). There were 6,649 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile (4.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.0% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian, 0.6% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. The county has a 3.8% Hispanic or Latino background.

There were 6,069 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 33.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.89.

The county population contained 25.7% under the age of 20, 4.6% from 20 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $44,018, and the median income for a family was $58,127. The per capita income for the county was $24,771. About 6.3% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.[16]

Communities

[edit]

Cities

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Townships

[edit]

Population ranking

[edit]

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of O'Brien County.[2]

† county seat

Rank City/Town/etc. Municipal type Population (2020 Census)
1 Sheldon (partially in Sioux County) City 5,251 (5,512 total)
2 Hartley City 1,605
3 Sanborn City 1,392
4 Paullina City 982
5 † Primghar City 896
6 Sutherland City 629
7 Calumet City 146
8 Archer City 117

Politics

[edit]

O'Brien County is one of the most consistently Republican counties in Iowa. It has backed the Republican nominee in all but five elections in its history; its inaugural election in 1860, a tie in 1864, backing former Republican turned Progressive Theodore Roosevelt in 1912, and supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt during his two nationwide landslides in 1932 and 1936. Since 1952, the Republican candidate has carried O'Brien County by a margin of at least 20% in every election except for 1964, when Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson only lost the county by 41 votes amidst a nationwide Democratic landslide. In the 21st century, all Republican candidates have obtained over 65% of the county's vote, and beginning in 2012, at least 70% of the vote.

United States presidential election results for O'Brien County, Iowa[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 5,998 79.71% 1,428 18.98% 99 1.32%
2020 5,861 77.62% 1,569 20.78% 121 1.60%
2016 5,752 77.67% 1,315 17.76% 339 4.58%
2012 5,266 71.73% 1,969 26.82% 106 1.44%
2008 4,894 66.74% 2,338 31.88% 101 1.38%
2004 5,328 68.92% 2,330 30.14% 73 0.94%
2000 4,674 66.35% 2,170 30.81% 200 2.84%
1996 3,877 57.56% 2,236 33.20% 622 9.24%
1992 3,869 51.06% 2,122 28.00% 1,587 20.94%
1988 4,241 59.97% 2,768 39.14% 63 0.89%
1984 5,008 66.16% 2,479 32.75% 82 1.08%
1980 4,937 63.61% 2,210 28.48% 614 7.91%
1976 4,643 61.86% 2,732 36.40% 131 1.75%
1972 5,159 68.87% 2,224 29.69% 108 1.44%
1968 5,594 69.34% 2,146 26.60% 328 4.07%
1964 4,336 50.20% 4,295 49.73% 6 0.07%
1960 6,509 68.66% 2,967 31.30% 4 0.04%
1956 6,138 67.32% 2,970 32.57% 10 0.11%
1952 7,130 76.18% 2,192 23.42% 38 0.41%
1948 3,697 50.46% 3,421 46.70% 208 2.84%
1944 4,033 56.01% 3,138 43.58% 30 0.42%
1940 4,760 53.30% 4,133 46.28% 38 0.43%
1936 3,350 38.90% 5,139 59.67% 123 1.43%
1932 3,213 40.94% 4,503 57.38% 132 1.68%
1928 4,845 66.39% 2,397 32.84% 56 0.77%
1924 4,172 58.47% 756 10.60% 2,207 30.93%
1920 5,137 76.51% 1,468 21.86% 109 1.62%
1916 2,021 52.53% 1,787 46.45% 39 1.01%
1912 620 16.02% 1,506 38.91% 1,744 45.06%
1908 1,912 57.69% 1,326 40.01% 76 2.29%
1904 2,279 68.94% 885 26.77% 142 4.30%
1900 2,386 61.16% 1,461 37.45% 54 1.38%
1896 2,421 60.10% 1,562 38.78% 45 1.12%

See also

[edit]
Indian Village Site on the NRHP

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Columbia-Lippincott Gazetteer, (New York:Columbia University Press, 1952), p. 1363
  2. ^ a b c "2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United states Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ Chicago and North Western Railway Company (1908). A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways. p. 162.
  5. ^ About O'Brien County (O'Brien County website; accessed 1 June 2020)
  6. ^ "O'Brien County Courthouse". Iowa Judicial Branch. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2011.
  7. ^ "US Gazetteer files". US Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  9. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  11. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  12. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  13. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
  14. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – O'Brien County, Iowa".
  15. ^ "US Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  16. ^ "Population and Housing Occupancy Status: 2010 - State – County". US Census Bureau/American FactFinder. Retrieved March 26, 2011.[dead link‍]
  17. ^ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to O'Brien County, Iowa.
  • O'Brien County Portal style website, Government, Business, Tourism and more
  • IaGenWeb O'Brien county history, Biographies, and more
  • City-Data Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about O'Brien County

43°04′53″N 95°37′34″W / 43.08139°N 95.62611°W / 43.08139; -95.62611

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