Aitkin, Minnesota
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| Aitkin, Minnesota | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Aitkin |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Mark Wedel |
| Area | |
| - Total | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| - Land | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| - Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²) |
| Elevation | 1,211 ft (369 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Total | 1,984 |
| - Density | 1,150.3/sq mi (444.1/km²) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| - Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 56431 |
| Area code(s) | 218 |
| FIPS code | 27-00460[1] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0639235[2] |
| Website: www.ci.aitkin.mn.us | |
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 County[3].
The Aitkin Municipal Airport is located at the northeast side of town.
U.S. Route 169 and Minnesota State Highways 47 and 210 are three of the main arterial routes in the city.
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.5 km²), all of it land.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 1,984 people, 892 households, and 434 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,150.3 people per square mile (445.4/km²). There were 969 housing units at an average density of 561.8/sq mi (217.5/km²). 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. 30.4% were of German, 16.6% Swedish, 12.3% Norwegian and 6.5% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
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 19th century.
- American film actress and singer Judy Garland performed at the opera house in Aitkin as a young child. A small display related to Ms. Garland can be found in the converted opera house, now Butler's store, in downtown Aitkin.
- Aitkin is home of the World Famous Fish House Parade, which occurs annually on the day after Thanksgiving. This event was noted in a 2003 documentary which aired on the Home and Garden Channel. An interview from Aitkin resident, Jason Kazar, was featured.
[edit] Festivals
The city's annual festivals include:
- Riverboat Heritage Days - in July.
- The Aitkin County Fair - annually at the beginning of August.
- Moonlight Madness - around Labor Day weekend.
- Festival of Adventures and the Mud River Music Fest - in September.
[edit] Notable natives
- Warren William was a Broadway and film actor born in Aitkin.
- Jean Keene, known nationwide as the "Eagle lady" of the Homer Spit, was born in Aitkin.
[edit] Education
Aitkin High School educates students in grades seven through twelve in the Aitkin School District.
[edit] References
- ^ a b American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
- ^ Find a County. National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
[edit] External links
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