Falcon Heights, Minnesota

Falcon Heights, Minnesota
City
Falcon Heights City Hall
Nickname:  "The City That Soars"
Motto(s):  "Families, Fields and Fair"
Location of Falcon Heights in Ramsey County, Minnesota
Falcon Heights on The National Map
Coordinates: 44°59′24″N93°10′37″W / 44.99000°N 93.17694°W / 44.99000; -93.17694
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Ramsey
Settled	1843
Incorporated (village)	April 1, 1949
Incorporated (city)	1973
Government [1]
•  Mayor	Randy Gustafson
•  City manager	Jack Linehan
•  Councilmembers	Melanie Leehy Eric Meyer Jim Wassenberg Paula Mielke
Area [2]
• Total	2.240 sq mi (5.802 km2)
• Land	2.233 sq mi (5.783 km2)
• Water	0.007 sq mi (0.019 km2)
Elevation [3]	961 ft (293 m)
Population  (2020) [4]
• Total	5,369
• Estimate  (2023) [5]	4,984
• Density	2,232/sq mi (861.8/km2)
Time zone	UTC–6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC–5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes	55108, 55113
Area code(s)	651 612 (U of M campus only)
FIPS code	27-20420
GNIS feature ID	2394738 [3]
Sales tax	8.375% [6]
Website	falconheights.org

Falcon Heights is a suburb of Saint Paul and a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 5,369 at the 2020 census. ^[4] It became a village on April 1, 1949, and a city in 1973. ^[7]

Falcon Heights is the home of the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus, including its Goldstein Museum of Design, Gabbert Raptor Center, and Les Bolstad Golf Course. It is also home to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and the Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life. Its University Grove neighborhood is known for its modern architecture. ^[8]

History

Heman Gibbs settled in the 1850s near the modern intersection of Cleveland and Larpenteur Avenues. His homestead is on the National Register of Historic Places and his home is a county museum. ^[7]

On September 2, 1901, then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt first publicly used the African proverb "Speak softly and carry a big stick" in a speech at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, which was still a part of St. Paul at the time. Roosevelt became president just two weeks later, upon the assassination of William McKinley, and built the phrase into his concept of Big Stick Diplomacy. ^[9]

Snelling and Larpenteur Avenues in 1920

Between the 1910s and 1930s, Curtiss Northwest Airport was located at the intersection of Snelling and Larpenteur Avenues. The airfield was important in Minnesota aviation history, hosting Charles Lindbergh, Speed Holman, and Phoebe Fairgrave. ^[10] Part of the land is now a city park named Curtiss Field. ^[7]

In the 1930s, a real estate agent named Faulkner developed land owned by a 3M executive and named this development—Falcon Heights—after himself. The first house arose in 1937.

In 1949 residents rejected annexation by Roseville or St. Paul, and voted to incorporate themselves. ^[11] The expanded Falcon Heights included the University of Minnesota Golf Course and Test Fields as well as the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Two-thirds of Falcon Heights is public land, chiefly the university and state fair (Minnesota State Fair). ^[7]

Parks

Falcon Heights Community Park and Curtiss Field have recreational sports in the summer for kids and an ice rink and warming house in the winter. The community park also has a soccer field and a fitness course. Grove Park, in University Grove, also has a temporary warming house and ice rink in the winter. ^[12]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.240 square miles (5.80 km²), of which 2.233 square miles (5.78 km²) is land and 0.007 square miles (0.02 km²) is water. ^[2]

Minnesota Highway 51 / Snelling Avenue serves as a main route in the community.

Falcon Heights is bordered by Lauderdale to the west, St. Paul to the south and east and Roseville to the north and east.

Climate

Climate data for University of Minnesota St. Paul (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1963–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	55 (13)	62 (17)	82 (28)	91 (33)	100 (38)	101 (38)	105 (41)	105 (41)	95 (35)	90 (32)	77 (25)	67 (19)	105 (41)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	42.0 (5.6)	46.4 (8.0)	63.0 (17.2)	77.9 (25.5)	87.5 (30.8)	92.2 (33.4)	92.8 (33.8)	91.0 (32.8)	87.4 (30.8)	80.2 (26.8)	61.9 (16.6)	46.2 (7.9)	95.1 (35.1)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	21.2 (−6.0)	26.5 (−3.1)	39.4 (4.1)	54.7 (12.6)	67.1 (19.5)	77.2 (25.1)	81.4 (27.4)	79.1 (26.2)	71.3 (21.8)	57.3 (14.1)	40.1 (4.5)	26.4 (−3.1)	53.5 (11.9)
Daily mean °F (°C)	13.3 (−10.4)	17.9 (−7.8)	30.9 (−0.6)	45.2 (7.3)	57.7 (14.3)	67.9 (19.9)	72.1 (22.3)	69.8 (21.0)	61.8 (16.6)	48.1 (8.9)	32.6 (0.3)	19.5 (−6.9)	44.7 (7.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	5.5 (−14.7)	9.4 (−12.6)	22.3 (−5.4)	35.6 (2.0)	48.2 (9.0)	58.5 (14.7)	62.8 (17.1)	60.5 (15.8)	52.2 (11.2)	38.9 (3.8)	25.2 (−3.8)	12.5 (−10.8)	36.0 (2.2)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−15.4 (−26.3)	−10.2 (−23.4)	0.9 (−17.3)	20.9 (−6.2)	34.4 (1.3)	45.4 (7.4)	52.4 (11.3)	50.1 (10.1)	36.2 (2.3)	24.5 (−4.2)	8.9 (−12.8)	−8.2 (−22.3)	−17.8 (−27.7)
Record low °F (°C)	−30 (−34)	−32 (−36)	−18 (−28)	1 (−17)	23 (−5)	36 (2)	44 (7)	39 (4)	26 (−3)	15 (−9)	−15 (−26)	−27 (−33)	−32 (−36)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.68 (17)	0.75 (19)	1.61 (41)	3.02 (77)	4.23 (107)	4.60 (117)	4.55 (116)	4.52 (115)	3.29 (84)	2.89 (73)	1.53 (39)	1.06 (27)	32.73 (831)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	8.3 (21)	12.3 (31)	4.0 (10)	2.1 (5.3)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.5 (1.3)	3.0 (7.6)	10.2 (26)	40.4 (103)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	7.0	5.8	8.5	10.4	13.1	12.7	11.3	10.8	10.9	10.4	7.1	7.5	115.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	4.2	3.6	2.2	1.1	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.4	1.8	4.2	17.6
Source: NOAA [13] [14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1950	3,884		—
1960	5,927		52.6%
1970	5,530		−6.7%
1980	5,291		−4.3%
1990	5,380		1.7%
2000	5,572		3.6%
2010	5,321		−4.5%
2020	5,369		0.9%
2023 (est.)	4,984	[5]	−7.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [15] 2020 Census [4]

1951 map of Falcon Heights

2020 census

Falcon Heights, Minnesota – Racial and ethnic composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity	Pop 2000 [16]	Pop 2010 [17]	Pop 2020 [18]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White (NH)	4,223	3,806	3,637	75.79%	71.53%	67.74%
Black or African American (NH)	184	421	538	3.30%	7.91%	10.02%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)	22	15	23	0.40%	0.28%	0.43%
Asian (NH)	833	796	689	14.95%	14.96%	12.83%
Pacific Islander (NH)	7	1	0	0.13%	0.02%	0.00%
Some Other Race (NH)	24	5	25	0.43%	0.09%	0.47%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)	107	120	274	1.92%	2.26%	5.10%
Hispanic or Latino	172	157	183	3.09%	2.95%	3.41%
Total	5,572	5,321	5,369	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

As of the 2020 census, there were 5,369 people, 2,203 households, 1,290 families residing in the city. ^[19] The population density was 2,404.4 inhabitants per square mile (928.3/km²). There were 2,336 housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 68.4% White, 10.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 12.8% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from some other races and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population. ^[20]

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 5,321 people, 2,131 households, and 1,259 families living in the city. The population density was 2,386.1 inhabitants per square mile (921.3/km²). There were 2,254 housing units at an average density of 1,010.8 per square mile (390.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.3% White, 8.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, 15.0% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 2,131 households, of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.9% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 31.8 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 16.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.7% were from 25 to 44; 21.8% were from 45 to 64; and 12.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 5,572 people, 2,103 households, and 1,434 families living in the city. The population density was 2,487.9 inhabitants per square mile (960.6/km²). There were 2,136 housing units at an average density of 953.7 inhabitants per square mile (368.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 77.66% White, 3.36% African American, 0.43% Native American, 14.95% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 1.33% from other races, and 2.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.09% of the population.

There were 2,103 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 17.0% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 17.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,382, and the median income for a family was $59,415. Males had a median income of $43,693 versus $34,757 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,370. About 8.8% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

Presidential election results 1960–2020

Precinct General Election Results ^[21]

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third parties
2020	16.9% 517	80.6%2,468	2.5% 78
2016	17.6% 524	73.4%2,181	9.0% 266
2012	25.9% 800	70.9%2,188	3.2% 99
2008	27.7% 870	70.7%2,219	1.6% 49
2004	32.0% 953	66.5%1,981	1.5% 44
2000	34.9% 1,008	55.9%1,617	9.2% 266
1996	34.7% 901	58.7%1,524	6.6% 173
1992	29.8% 834	52.9%1,481	17.3% 486
1988	42.6% 1,193	57.4%1,608	0.0% 0
1984	48.8% 1,355	51.2%1,420	0.0% 0
1980	40.0% 1,193	42.0%1,253	18.0% 539
1976	50.6%1,508	45.9% 1,369	3.5% 106
1972	55.9%1,598	42.7% 1,219	1.4% 41
1968	52.9%1,423	45.3% 1,221	1.8% 49
1964	52.2%1,370	47.7% 1,250	0.1% 2
1960	65.7%1,831	34.2% 954	0.1% 1

Education

Falcon Heights is served by the Roseville Area School District. Falcon Heights Elementary is the only school within the city boundary. The elementary school features a park with two playgrounds, one of them built in 2006.

In popular culture

The 2001 film Sugar & Spice was partly filmed in Falcon Heights. ^[22]

A small part of the 1996 film Jingle All the Way starring Arnold Schwarzenegger was filmed at Falcon Heights Elementary. ^[23]

References

1. "Falcon Heights City Council". City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
2. "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
3. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Falcon Heights, Minnesota
4. "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved August 26, 2024.
5. "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023". United States Census Bureau. August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
6. "Falcon Heights (MN) sales tax rate" . Retrieved August 26, 2024.
7. "History of Falcon Heights". City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
8. Lee, Linda (January 5, 1989). "St. Paul's Architectural Time Capsule". The New York Times . Retrieved February 27, 2016.
9. "Sept. 3, 1901: Roosevelt 'Big Stick' speech at State Fair". Star Tribune.
10. Bergerson, Roger (2008). Winging It at a Country Crossroads: The Ups and Downs of Minnesota's First Real Airport: Snelling & Larpenteur, Rose Township 1919-1930. Bergerson & Cunningham. ISBN   978-0615225494. Archived from the original on April 28, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
11. Prather, Shannon (June 19, 2010). "Why do tiny cities like Lauderdale, Landfall and Falcon Heights exist?". Minneapolis Star Tribune . Retrieved June 19, 2010.
12. "Park and Facility Reservations". City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
13. "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
14. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
15. "Census of Population and Housing". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
16. "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Falcon Heights city, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau.
17. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Falcon Heights city, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau.
18. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Falcon Heights city, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau.
19. "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
20. "How many people live in Falcon Heights city, Minnesota". USA Today. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
21. "Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State - Election Results". Archived from the original on February 22, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
22. "Sugar & Spice (2001)" – via www.imdb.com.
23. "Jingle All the Way (1996)" – via www.imdb.com.

External links

• City of Falcon Heights – Official Website
• Falcon Heights, Minnesota Community Guide