West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma

West Siloam Springs is a town in Delaware County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 846 at the 2010 census, a 3.5 percent decrease from 877 at the 2000 census.[5] A bedroom community for Siloam Springs, Arkansas, it is notable for its Cherokee casino,[6] and is the closest town to Natural Falls State Park.[7]

West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma
Town
Location of West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma
Coordinates: 36°10′41″N 94°35′45″W
Country	United States
State	Oklahoma
County	Delaware
Area [1]
• Total	3.52 sq mi (9.12 km^2)
• Land	3.52 sq mi (9.12 km^2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km^2)
Elevation	1,142 ft (348 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	846
• Estimate  (2019)[2]	859
• Density	244.03/sq mi (94.23/km^2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
FIPS code	40-80350[3]
GNIS feature ID	1099609[4]

History

In the mid twentieth century, the population of Siloam Springs, Arkansas spilled across the Oklahoma - Arkansas state line, creating the need for Oklahoma-based town government. The population of the community had grown to 142 by July 10, 1969, when 35 out of 49 eligible voters approved incorporation.[7]

Geography

West Siloam Springs is located at 36°10′41″N 94°35′45″W (36.178147, -94.595751).[8] It is immediately west of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km²), all of it land.

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1970	210		—
1980	431		105.2%
1990	539		25.1%
2000	877		62.7%
2010	846		−3.5%
Est. 2019	859	[2]	1.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 877 people, 306 households, and 205 families residing in the town. The population density was 253.9 people per square mile (98.1/km²). There were 349 housing units at an average density of 101.1 per square mile (39.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 76.40% White, 0.11% African American, 11.74% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 1.14% from other races, and 10.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.56% of the population.

There were 306 households out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the town, the population was spread out with 22.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $31,953. Males had a median income of $22,243 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,858. About 13.4% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 26.2% of those age 65 or over.

Natural Falls State Park

Nearby is Natural Falls State Park, off Hwy 412 west of town.[10] one of the most beautiful scenic wonders in the state of Oklahoma. The natural setting and scenic beauty of the waterfall is known to millions of movie lovers. The popular 1974 film Where the Red Fern Grows was filmed in part at Natural Falls (then called Dripping Springs). The movie tells the story of a young boy growing up in rural Oklahoma during the hard times of the Great Depression and is considered an American classic.

Hildebrand Mill

To the west of town about 10 miles is Hildebrand Mill, a 1907 water-powered grain mill, later used up to 1967 as a gas-powered lumber mill. It is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Delaware County, Oklahoma.

References

1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
2. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
5. CensusViewer: Population of the City of West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma
6. "New Okla. casino to also benefit Arkansas town", Associated Press in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, November 15, 2008.
7. Sharon Koons, "West Siloam Springs" Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Accessed July 19, 2012.
8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
9. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
10. "Natural Falls State Park". TravelOK.com. Retrieved September 26, 2019.