Aitkin, Minnesota
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aitkin is a city in Aitkin County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,984 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Aitkin County6. The mayor is Mark Wedel. The Chief of Police is Terry Thompson.
There is an airport called Aitkin Municipal Airport
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.5 km² (1.7 mi²), all land.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 1,984 people, 892 households, and 434 families residing in the city. The population density was 445.4/km² (1,150.3/mi²). There were 969 housing units at an average density of 217.5/km² (561.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.33% White, 0.15% African American, 1.31% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.
There were 892 households out of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.5% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.3% were non-families. 46.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 30.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 32.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 76.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 69.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $24,574, and the median income for a family was $38,071. Males had a median income of $30,577 versus $21,641 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,471. About 13.1% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] History and culture
- The city and county were named for "William Alexander Aitkin", a partner of the American Fur Company and chief factor of the company's regional operations in the early 1800s.
- Aitkin is home of the "World Famous Fish House Parade" which occurs annually on the day after Thanksgiving.
- The city's annual festivals includeRiverboat Heritage Days, which occurs in July, and "Festival of Adventures and Mud River Music Fest" in September. "Moonlight Madness" occurs around Labor Day weekend.
- Judy Garland performed at the opera house in Aitkin as a young child. A small display related to Judy can be found in the converted opera house, now Butler's store, in downtown Aitkin.
[edit] Notable natives and trivia
- Warren William was a Broadway and film actor born "Warren William Krech" in Aitkin.
