Marshalltown is a city in Marshall County, Iowa, United States. It is the county seat of Marshall County and the home of Marshalltown Community College. The population was 26,009 at the 2000 census. The U.S. Geological Survey National Mapping Information locates Marshalltown at 42° 2' 30" N, 092° 54' 52" W.
Founded in 1853 by Henry Anson it was named after Marshall, Michigan. Because a Marshall, Iowa already existed; the town was named Marshalltown.
Marshalltown's crop of choice is corn. The main uses of the corn produced in Marshalltown are animal feed, export, corn sweeteners, and ethanol.
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,009 people, 10,175 households, and 6,593 families residing in the city. The population density was 557.0/km² (1,442.7/mi²). There were 10,857 housing units at an average density of 232.5/km² (602.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.79% White, 1.34% African American, 0.37% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 8.57% from other races, and 1.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.55% of the population.
There were 10,175 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,688, and the median income for a family was $45,315. Males had a median income of $32,800 versus $23,835 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,113. About 8.8% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.
Marshalltown has a relatively high Hispanic population compared to other towns in Iowa. This is largely due to the Swift meatpacking plant in Marshalltown, which employs many Hispanics who have moved to Marshalltown in recent years.