City of Fruitland, Iowa

Sigma: A Profile of Iowa Small Towns 1994 to 2014

Iowa State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

A Profile of Fruitland from 1994 to 2014

Fruitland was one of 99 Iowa small towns randomly selected in 1994 for an Iowa State University study of life in small towns. The study was repeated in 2004 and again in 2014. 150 residents of Fruitland were randomly selected in each year to participate in the study. In 2014, 67 residents returned completed surveys.

Fruitland’s population increased 173% from 1990 to 2013, partly due to the safety of the area, low property taxes, and affordable housing.

Residents go out of town for shopping, entertainment and healthcare. 70% of residents rate most government services such as streets, parks, and garbage collection as good or very good. Fruitland leaders were perceived positively on all dimensions, especially trustworthiness and effectiveness. Community services such as senior programs, child care, and medical services received low ratings.

Overall, residents rated Fruitland as safe and friendly. Residents feel at home in Fruitland and would be sorry to leave town. They were not likely to know a large number of other residents, but felt that even strangers would help them in the event of an emergency. There has been a decrease in community involvement over the years.

To see the entire report, along with reports from the other 98 cities and the comprehensive report, go to http://www.soc.iastate.edu/rdi/99communitystudy.