Anoka, Minnesota
|
|
Anoka is a city located in Anoka County, Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 18,076. It is the county seat of Anoka County6. Anoka is also the self-proclaimed "Halloween Capital of the World", with a large parade celebrating the holiday.
| Contents |
Geography
MNMap-doton-Anoka.png
Location of Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka lies at the confluence of the Rum and Mississippi Rivers, about 20 miles (30 km) northwest of Minneapolis. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.6 km² (7.2 mi²). 17.3 km² (6.7 mi²) of it is land and 1.3 km² (0.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.97% water. Adjacent communities include Dayton, Andover, Coon Rapids, and Champlin.
History
The site which is now Anoka was first settled by whites in 1844. By the mid-1850s, a town had grown, including a school, store, and flour mill. The city was formally incorporated in 1878. The name Anoka comes from the language of the native Dakota people, meaning "on both sides", or "from both sides", referring to its location on the banks of the Rum River. In 2000, Anoka elected 22-year old Bjorn Skogquist as mayor. Skogquist was re-elected in 2002 and 2004.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 18,076 people, 7,262 households, and 4,408 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,046.4/km² (2,709.0/mi²). There are 7,398 housing units at an average density of 428.2/km² (1,108.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 93.15% White, 2.47% African American, 1.05% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. 1.93% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 7,262 households out of which 30.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% are married couples living together, 12.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% are non-families. 31.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 3.03.
In the city the population is spread out with 24.6% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $42,659, and the median income for a family is $55,311. Males have a median income of $37,930 versus $27,753 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,367. 6.8% of the population and 4.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.2% of those under the age of 18 and 5.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Notable Anokans
- Gretchen Carlson, CBS News reporter and 1989's Miss America
- While serving in the U.S. Congress from 1993 to 2000, Senator Rod Grams kept an office in downtown Anoka
- Garrison Keillor, radio host of A Prairie Home Companion and author, was born in Anoka and graduated from Anoka High School
- Brandon Paulson, U.S. Olympic wrestler, graduated from Anoka High School in 1992.
- Brianna Scurry, U.S. national women's soccer goalie, graduated from Anoka High School in 1989
External links
- City of Anoka municipal web site (http://www.ci.anoka.mn.us/)
- Anoka's Halloween celebration (http://www.anokahalloween.com/)