Polk County, Minnesota

Last updated

Polk County
County
Polk County Government Center.jpg
The Polk County Government Center in Crookston
Map of Minnesota highlighting Polk County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Minnesota
Minnesota in United States.svg
Minnesota's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 47°46′27″N96°24′00″W / 47.774254°N 96.400027°W / 47.774254; -96.400027
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Minnesota.svg Minnesota
FoundedJuly 20, 1858 (created)
February 27, 1879 (organized)
Named after James Knox Polk
Seat Crookston
Largest city East Grand Forks
Area
 • Total
1,997.791 sq mi (5,174.25 km2)
 • Land1,970.999 sq mi (5,104.86 km2)
 • Water26.792 sq mi (69.39 km2)  1.34%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
31,192
 • Estimate 
(2024)
30,413 Decrease2.svg
 • Density15.431/sq mi (5.958/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Area code 218
Congressional district 7th
Website polkcountymn.gov

Polk County is a county in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Minnesota. The population was 31,192 at the 2020 census, [1] and was estimated to be 30,413 in 2024. [2] The county seat is Crookston and the largest city is East Grand Forks. [3]

Contents

Polk County is part of the Grand Forks, ND-MN metropolitan statistical area.

History

In one of its early acts as a state entity, the Minnesota Legislature created the county on July 20, 1858, but did not organize it at that time. [4] The county was named for the 11th president of the United States, James Knox Polk, who signed the congressional act that organized the Minnesota Territory. The county was organized in 1872 and 1873, with the newly settled community of Crookston as the county seat. [5]

Geography

Polk County lies on Minnesota's border with North Dakota (across the Red River). The Red Lake River flows west through the upper central part of the county, discharging into the Red at Grand Forks. The county terrain consists of low, rolling hills, devoted to agriculture. [6] The county slopes to the west and north, with its highest point near its southeast corner, at 1,519 ft (463 m) above sea level. [7]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,997.791 square miles (5,174.25 km2), of which 1,970.999 square miles (5,104.86 km2) is land and 26.792 square miles (69.39 km2) (1.34%) is water. [8] It is the 8th largest county in Minnesota by total area. [9]

Soils of Polk County Polk Co Pie Chart No Text Version.pdf
Soils of Polk County

USGS surveys show the county's high point to be 1,575 ft (0.480 km) south of U.S. 2, about 2 km east of Spring Lake, at 47.5197°N, 95.5906°W.

Transit

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Protected areas

Source: [6]

  • Agassiz Dunes Scientific and Natural Area (part)
  • Belgium State Wildlife Management Area
  • Brandsvold State Wildlife Management Area
  • Castor State Wildlife Management Area
  • Enerson State Wildlife Management Area
  • Erskine State Wildlife Management Area
  • Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
  • Gully Fen Scientific and Natural Area
  • Hangaard State Wildlife Management Area
  • Hasselton State Wildlife Management Area (part)
  • Hill River State Wildlife Management Area
  • Kroening State Wildlife Management Area
  • Lavoi State Wildlife Management Area
  • Lessor State Wildlife Management Area
  • Mahgre State Wildlife Management Area
  • Malmberg Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
  • Pembina State Wildlife Management Area
  • Polk State Wildlife Management Area
  • Red River State Recreation Area (part)
  • Red River Valley Natural History Area
  • Rindahl State Wildlife Management Area
  • Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
  • Sand Hill Recreation Area
  • Shypoke State Wildlife Management Area
  • Stipa State Wildlife Management Area

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1860 240—
1880 11,433—
1890 30,192164.1%
1900 35,42917.3%
1910 36,0011.6%
1920 37,0903.0%
1930 36,019−2.9%
1940 37,7344.8%
1950 35,900−4.9%
1960 36,1820.8%
1970 34,435−4.8%
1980 34,8441.2%
1990 32,498−6.7%
2000 31,369−3.5%
2010 31,6000.7%
2020 31,192−1.3%
2024 (est.)30,413 [11] −2.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [12]
1790–1960 [13] 1900–1990 [14]
1990–2000 [15] 2010–2020 [2]

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, the median home value in Polk County was $227,076. [16]

As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 12,448 estimated households in Polk County with an average of 2.38 persons per household. The county has a median household income of $69,136. Approximately 10.7% of the county's population lives at or below the poverty line. Polk County has an estimated 66.0% employment rate, with 28.1% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 93.2% holding a high school diploma. [2]

The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (93.7%), Spanish (2.6%), Indo-European (2.2%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.2%), and Other (1.4%).

The median age in the county was 39.5 years.

Polk County, Minnesota – racial and ethnic composition
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 may be of any race.

Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic)Pop. 1980 [17] Pop. 1990 [18] Pop. 2000 [19] Pop. 2010 [20] Pop. 2020 [21]
White alone (NH)33,869
(97.20%)		30,824
(94.85%)		28,994
(92.43%)		28,497
(90.18%)		26,538
(85.08%)
Black or African American alone (NH)64
(0.18%)		53
(0.16%)		86
(0.27%)		248
(0.78%)		958
(3.07%)
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)268
(0.77%)		376
(1.16%)		381
(1.21%)		413
(1.31%)		376
(1.21%)
Asian alone (NH)83
(0.24%)		89
(0.27%)		91
(0.29%)		210
(0.66%)		156
(0.50%)
Pacific Islander alone (NH)——2
(0.01%)		2
(0.01%)		4
(0.01%)
Other race alone (NH)0
(0.00%)		10
(0.03%)		0
(0.00%)		9
(0.03%)		71
(0.23%)
Mixed race or multiracial (NH)——313
(1.00%)		501
(1.59%)		1,090
(3.49%)
Hispanic or Latino (any race)560
(1.61%)		1,146
(3.53%)		1,502
(4.79%)		1,720
(5.44%)		1,999
(6.41%)
Total34,844
(100.00%)		32,498
(100.00%)		31,369
(100.00%)		31,600
(100.00%)		31,192
(100.00%)

2024 estimate

2022 US Census population pyramid for Polk County, from ACS 5-year estimates PolkCountyMn2022PopPyr.png
2022 US Census population pyramid for Polk County, from ACS 5-year estimates

As of the 2024 estimate, there were 30,413 people and 12,448 households residing in the county. There were 14,785 housing units at an average density of 0.0 per square mile (0.0/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.5% White (85.8% NH White), 2.8% African American, 2.1% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, _% from some other races and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.0% of the population. [22]

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 31,192 people, 12,534 households, and 7,852 families residing in the county. [23] The population density was 15.8 inhabitants per square mile (6.1/km2). There were 14,623 housing units at an average density of 7.42 inhabitants per square mile (2.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 87.29% White, 3.13% African American, 1.46% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.97% from some other races and 5.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 6.41% of the population. [24] 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18, 5.8% were under 5 years of age, and 19.8% were 65 and older.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 31,600 people, 12,704 households, and 8,196 families residing in the county. The population density was 16.0 inhabitants per square mile (6.2/km2). There were 14,610 housing units at an average density of 7.41 inhabitants per square mile (2.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.34% White, 0.85% African American, 1.43% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.57% from some other races and 2.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.44% of the population.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 31,369 people, 12,070 households, and 8,050 families residing in the county. The population density was 15.9 inhabitants per square mile (6.1/km2). There were 14,008 housing units at an average density of 7.11 inhabitants per square mile (2.7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.18% White, 0.33% African American, 1.30% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.30% from some other races and 2.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.79% of the population.

In terms of ancestry, 41.7% were Norwegians, 19.7% were Germans, and 5.8% were French.

There were 12,070 households, 32.3% had children under 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were not families. About 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.47, and the average family size was 3.07.

The county's age distribution was 25.9% under 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 38. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 95.5 males.

The median income for a household was $35,105, and for a family was $44,310. Males had a median income of $31,472 versus $21,535 for females. The per capita income was $17,279. About 7.3% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Townships

Government and politics

Polk County was a swing county for several decades, before shifting solidly Republican as of lately. As of 2020, it has selected the Republican nominee in presidential elections in 56% of elections since 1980.

United States presidential election results for Polk County, Minnesota [25]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
1892 1,37623.35%1,51025.63%3,00651.02%
1896 2,85535.39%5,05462.65%1581.96%
1900 2,86349.62%2,53343.90%3746.48%
1904 3,54971.71%69614.06%70414.23%
1908 3,31155.21%1,92832.15%75812.64%
1912 73512.79%1,66228.92%3,35058.29%
1916 2,47137.93%3,49853.70%5458.37%
1920 8,19769.47%2,11117.89%1,49212.64%
1924 5,02743.94%6635.80%5,75050.26%
1928 7,21556.08%5,35741.64%2942.29%
1932 3,60427.32%8,75166.35%8356.33%
1936 3,75124.30%11,33773.44%3492.26%
1940 5,20032.53%10,65266.64%1330.83%
1944 4,40233.07%8,80866.18%1000.75%
1948 4,66231.98%9,27963.64%6394.38%
1952 8,32653.09%7,24446.19%1130.72%
1956 6,84746.10%7,98053.73%260.18%
1960 7,52844.52%9,34655.27%350.21%
1964 5,03931.28%11,05268.60%200.12%
1968 6,07440.04%8,38055.24%7154.71%
1972 8,13951.24%7,36646.37%3802.39%
1976 6,55240.86%9,07856.62%4042.52%
1980 9,03651.21%7,15140.53%1,4578.26%
1984 8,61754.60%7,03344.56%1320.84%
1988 7,03247.96%7,52351.31%1070.73%
1992 5,81738.95%5,85039.17%3,26721.88%
1996 5,56340.94%6,36946.88%1,65512.18%
2000 7,60953.81%5,76440.76%7675.42%
2004 8,72455.68%6,72942.95%2151.37%
2008 7,14846.62%7,85051.19%3362.19%
2012 7,61551.83%6,77346.10%3052.08%
2016 8,97960.69%4,71231.85%1,1057.47%
2020 9,86563.26%5,43934.88%2901.86%
2024 10,16265.91%4,96732.21%2901.88%
County Board of Commissioners [26]
PositionNameDistrictNext Election
CommissionerVacantDistrict 12024
Commissioner and ChairpersonWarren StrandellDistrict 22026
Commissioner and Vice ChairGary WillhiteDistrict 32024
CommissionerJoan LeeDistrict 42026
CommissionerMark HolyDistrict 52024
State Legislature (2023-2025)
PositionNameAffiliationDistrict
Senate Mark Johnson [27] Republican District 1
House of Representatives Deb Kiel [28] Republican District 1B
U.S Congress (2023-2025)
PositionNameAffiliationDistrict
House of Representatives Michelle Fischbach [29] Republican 7th
Senate Amy Klobuchar [30] Democrat N/A
Senate Tina Smith [31] Democrat N/A

Education

School districts include: [32]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Polk County, Minnesota". www.census.gov. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  4. ↑ "Minnesota: Individual County Chronologies". publications.newberry.org. The Newberry Library. 2008. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  5. ↑ Upham, Warren (1920). Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance. Minnesota Historical Society. pp.  42-28.
  6. 1 2 Polk County MN Google Maps (accessed March 16, 2019)
  7. ↑ ""Find an Altitude/Polk County MN" Google Maps (accessed March 16, 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  8. ↑ "2024 County Gazetteer Files – Minnesota". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  9. ↑ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Polk County, Minnesota". www.census.gov. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  10. ↑ Nelson, Steven (2011). Savanna Soils of Minnesota. Minnesota: Self. pp. 57-60. ISBN   978-0-615-50320-2.
  11. ↑ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024" . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  12. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. 2007. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  14. ↑ Forstall, Richard L. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 19, 1999. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  16. ↑ "County Median Home Price". National Association of Realtors . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Polk County, Minnesota — Population by Race". CensusScope. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  18. ↑ "1990 Census of Population: General Population Characteristics North Dakota" (PDF). www.census.gov. October 6, 2022. p. 20. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  19. ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Polk County, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  20. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Polk County, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  21. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Polk County, Minnesota". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  22. ↑ "County Population by Characteristics: 2020-2023". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  23. ↑ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 22, 2025.
  24. ↑ "How many people live in Polk County, Minnesota". USA Today. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  25. ↑ Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Board of Commissioners | Polk County, MN". www.co.polk.mn.us. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  27. ↑ "MN State Senate". www.senate.mn. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Rep. Debra Kiel (01B) - Minnesota House of Representatives". www.house.leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach". Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  30. ↑ "U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar". www.klobuchar.senate.gov. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Home". Senator Tina Smith. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  32. ↑ Geography Division (January 15, 2021). 2020 Census - School District Reference Map: Polk County, MN (PDF) (Map). United States Census Bureau . Retrieved June 19, 2025. - Text list

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