Marshalltown | USA Iowa

Marshalltown is the administrative seat of Marshall County and serves as a major regional center for manufacturing and agricultural services. It is located in central Iowa along the Iowa River, approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Des Moines.

Historical Timeline

The city was founded in 1853 by Henry Anson, who named it Marshall after his former home in Michigan. It was formally incorporated in 1863 and renamed Marshalltown to avoid confusion with another Iowa village. The city underwent significant growth as a railroad hub for the Chicago and North Western Railway in the late 19th century. The most significant architectural and political reconstruction followed the catastrophic EF-3 tornado on July 19, 2018, which heavily damaged the historic downtown and the courthouse. The primary event shaping the current urban form was this 2018 tornado, which initiated a multi-year revitalization of the central business district.

Demographics & Population

The total population within city limits is 27,491. The top three ethnic demographics are White (56.0%), Hispanic or Latino (33.1%), and Asian (5.1%). The median age of the population is 35.8 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized on a grid system with the Iowa River forming the northern boundary. The Downtown Historic District (Central) is the civic core focused on the Marshall County Courthouse; the Industrial District (East) houses major manufacturing plants like MARSHALLTOWN Trowel and Lennox; the South Center Street Corridor (South) serves as the primary retail and hospitality hub connecting to US-30.

Top City Landmarks

Marshall County Courthouse

Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse

Glick-Sower Historical House

Fisher Community Center (Art collection)

Binford House

Transportation Network

Movement within the city is facilitated by the Marshalltown Municipal Transit (MMT), which operates fixed bus routes. There is no metro or tram. Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft is available but limited. Official taxis are typically unmarked or use local company magnetic signs. Traffic density is low to moderate, with the highest volume on South Center Street (Hwy 14).

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is moderate. Neighborhoods in the "North End" and certain segments immediately east of the downtown core report higher property crime rates. Travelers should avoid poorly lit areas of Riverview Park at night. Common scams are infrequent, usually restricted to standard phone-based phishing.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 150 Mbps, with EarthLink and Metronet providing fiber options up to 5 Gbps in select areas. Main mobile carriers are Verizon, UScellular, and T-Mobile. Card acceptance is high across all major retailers. ATMs are widely available at local bank branches and Casey’s convenience stores.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -12°C to -2°C in winter (January) and 18°C to 29°C in summer (July). Specific weather risks include high-velocity windstorms (derechos) and tornadoes in spring and summer, and heavy snowfall in winter. Air quality is high, though seasonal agricultural burning can briefly increase particulate matter.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 15-20%. Greetings are direct and typically involve a handshake. Dress code is highly casual, dominated by industrial and agricultural workwear. Smoking is prohibited in all public indoor spaces; public alcohol consumption is restricted to private property and licensed commercial zones.

Accommodation Zones

South Center Street: Stay here for logistics, as it provides direct access to major hotel chains and the US-30 bypass.

Downtown / Main Street: Stay here for walking access to historic sites, local dining, and the Tremont Inn.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.25 (¥640)

1 Standard Lunch: $14.00 (¥2,100)

1 Metro/Bus Ticket: $1.00 (¥150)

Nearby Day Trips

Des Moines (80 km)

Tama / Meskwaki Settlement (30 km)

Ames / Iowa State University (60 km)

Grinnell (45 km)

Facts & Legends

Marshalltown is the birthplace of the modern "Marshalltown Trowel," a tool so ubiquitous in the masonry trade that it became a standard item in military toolkits during both World Wars. A local urban legend involves the "Ghost of the courthouse," where residents have claimed to see lights moving in the clock tower at night during the years the building sat vacant for repairs after the 2018 tornado.