Our Communities

John Gross filed a homestead in 1866 on the land where Bowlus is now located. After several property transfers it became the property of the Soo Line Railroad Company. The village was platted in 1907 and incorporated in 1910. Bowlus grew as a community sustained by agriculture. Farm products such as wheat, oats and potatoes were shipped out on the Soo Line Railway. Farm animals and poultry were also part of the livelihood of the residents. Merchants included a meat market, blacksmith shop, saloon, implement dealer, livery and feed store. Bowlus is still well-known for its meat market and butchering. A business unique to Bowlus, due to its beautiful groves of maple trees, has been the production of maple syrup.

Bowlus was settled by many families of Polish descent. The centerpiece of the community is the stately Polish Catholic Church. It speaks of the faith, dedication and hard work of the people of Bowlus. Bowlus is still a traditional small town with an area set aside for industrial development that the City Council hopes will grow many businesses.

Bowlus Industrial Park

Bowlus

Population

Total Population

274

Population
Growth Rate

-0.59%

Median Age

40

Diversity Index

7.100

Housing & Income

Households

111

Total Housing Units

115


Owner Occupied

99

Renter Occupied

12

Vacant

4

Median Home Value

$268,750


Average Home Value

$296,970

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.33%

Income Projection

Median Household

$73,448 $78,962


Average Household

$91,687 $104,539


Per Capita

$34,046 $38,201

Workforce

Total Businesses

10

Total Employed

43

Workers 16+

119

2022 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

11

2022 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

2

Employed

9

2022 Other Service excl Pub Admin

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

7

2022 Food Service/Drinking Estab

cp-industries

Businesses

2

Employed

7

2022 Accommodation/Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

2

Employed

7

2022 Wholesale Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

1

Employed

7

Some
High School

11

Graduated
High School

75

Associates
Degree

29

Bachelor's
Degree

23

Graduate
Degree

6

Average Commute Time

36 min.



Resident Commuters

49

Non-Resident Commuters

69

Drive Alone

103

Carpooled

4

Public

0

Work At Home

7