Who Are the Amish and How Many Live in Iowa?

The Amish have a long history in the Hawkeye State and are part of what makes Iowa such a unique and special place to live.

Amish communities receive a steady amount of tourism in the state yearly, and many of their colonies are open to the public.

According to the latest census data, nearly 400,000 individuals who identify as Amish, currently live in the U.S., and the state of Iowa has one of the highest populations of Amish in the entire country.

Get our free mobile app

How Many Amish Colonies Are in Iowa and Where Are Its Colonies?

According to the Wise Voter Website, Iowa currently has an estimated population of over 10,000 Amish people living within the state's boundaries.

There are a number of Amish Colonies in the state of Iowa, these include Kolona (near Iowa City), two spots near the town of Bloomfield (Southeast Iowa), one location in Buchanan County, and one in McIntire County.

When Did the Amish First Arrive in Iowa?

While arriving in the United States in the 1700s, it was in the 1840s when the Amish first made settlements in Iowa. They prefer to be isolated from other communities and enjoy a straightforward, uninvolved life. They dress in plain clothing, travel by horse and buggy, and still practice farming practices that most farmers abandoned over a century ago.

To learn more about the Amish in Iowa and to watch videos, check out their page on Iowa PBS. You can also learn more about shopping and tourism in the Amana Colonies at its website.

Story Sources: Only in Your State Iowa Website, Wise Voter Website, Amana Colonies Website, Iowa PBS Website