Iron Gate is a town in eastern Alleghany County, Virginia, United States. The population was 324 at the 2020 census. The town is located along U.S. Route 220, near Clifton Forge.

History

The Town of Iron Gate was incorporated in 1889. The town's founding was a direct result of the Iron Age. During the 1880s, iron mines began opening in Alleghany County and the Alleghany Iron and Ore Company opened its blast furnace in the northern end of Iron Gate. The proximity to the railroad made the site of Iron Gate an optimal location. Many men were employed by the company until 1919 when operations ceased.

Geography

Iron Gate is located at (37.798484, -79.791219).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.3&nbsp;square mile (0.9&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), all land. Iron Gate is also where the headwaters of the James River arise.

Climate

The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Iron Gate has a marine west coast climate, abbreviated "Cfb" on climate maps.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 324 people residing in the town. There were 170 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 87.3% White, 5.2% African American or Black, 0.3% American Indian, 0.3% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 6.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 388 people residing in the town. There were 183 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 94.8% White, 3.9% Black or African American, 0.0% Native American, 0.0% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. 1.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census

At the 2000 census there were 404 people, 185 households, and 121 families living in the town. The population density was 1,170.6 people per square mile (445.7/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 197 housing units at an average density of 570.8 per square mile (217.3/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 94.55% White, 5.20% African American, and 0.25% from two or more races.