Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Detroit Lakes is a city in Becker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 7,348 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Becker County6. The area is known for its many beautiful lakes (412 of them) and is referred to as the 412 lakes area; with 412 lakes within a 25 mile radius of the city. The city has been noted in the John Steinbeck book, Travels with Charley, as he and his dog Charley drove through the upper midwest.
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[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.9 km² (12.3 mi²). 19.4 km² (7.5 mi²) of it is land and 12.5 km² (4.8 mi²) of it (39.25%) is water.
[edit] Recreation
The city is best known as a resort destination; which includes a mile long city beach. Large events through out the year include one of the regions largest 4th of July Celebrations, The Northwest Water Carnival, and Concert Events held at the Soo Pass Ranch. Each July the town hosts the 10,000 Lakes Festival. A large festival with past acts including Widespread Panic, Phil Lesh, The String Cheese Incident, Trey Anastasio, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and numerous others. The three-day concert attracts around 25,000 people. Each August the town hosts WE Fest, one of the largest country music festivals. Campgrounds packed with tents surround a huge stage, and the three-day concert attracts around 50,000 music-lovers each summer. The 2006 lineup includes Josh Gracin, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brooks and Dunn, Big and Rich, Gary Allan, Terri Clark, Martina McBride, and Rascal Flatts. WE Fest has helped spur economic growth within the town.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 7,348 people, 3,319 households, and 1,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 378.3/km² (980.4/mi²). There were 3,782 housing units at an average density of 194.7/km² (504.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.98% White, 0.42% African American, 4.50% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.
There were 3,319 households out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 40.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,264, and the median income for a family was $42,267. Males had a median income of $28,939 versus $21,439 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,509. About 9.9% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.
