Stanhope is a city in Hamilton County, in the U.S. state of Iowa. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 311 residents. It is part of the Des Moines‑West Des Moines, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
Stanhope is located at 42°16′15″ N latitude and 93°31′30″ W longitude. The city encompasses a total area of approximately 0.33 square miles (0.86 km²), all of which is land. The elevation is roughly 1,125 feet (343 m) above sea level. The surrounding region is characterized by gently rolling prairie and agricultural land typical of central Iowa.
History
The community was laid out in 1885 concurrent with the extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (commonly known as the Milwaukee Road) through the area. The settlement was incorporated as a city in 1900. The origin of the name “Stanhope” is not definitively documented; sources suggest it may have been named after a railroad official or after the English village of Stanhope, but this remains uncertain. Insufficient Encyclopedic Information regarding the precise naming rationale.
Demographics
- 2020 Census: 311 people; population density of about 943 persons per square mile.
- 2010 Census: 350 people; 96.0% White, 1.1% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 2.3% from two or more races; 1.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
- Household composition (2010): 136 households, with an average household size of 2.57 and an average family size of 3.02.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture and related services. Small businesses in the city include retail establishments, a post office, and service-oriented enterprises that serve the surrounding rural community.
Education
Stanhope is served by the Roland–Story Community School District, which provides public education for elementary through high school students in the area.
Infrastructure
- Postal code: 50237
- Area code: 515
- Transportation: County roads provide access to nearby towns such as Ames and Webster City. The city is situated near the former Milwaukee Road rail line, which is no longer in active freight service.
Government
Stanhope operates under a mayor‑council form of government, with elected officials responsible for municipal services, local ordinances, and community planning.
Climate
The city experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Average annual precipitation is approximately 34 inches (860 mm).
References
Data referenced from the United States Census Bureau and the Iowa State Historical Society.