text:
Isanti County, Minnesota

Isanti County is a county in the east-central part of the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 41,135. Its county seat is Cambridge.

History
The county was formed on February 13, 1857. Its name came from the Izaty Indians, the ancient name for the Santee Indians, members of the Dakota alliance. Isanti is derived from the Dakota word for "knife" and refers to the Santee tribe.

Isanti County is included in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
The Rum River flows south through the county's central part. The county's terrain is hilly and etched with drainages and gullies, and dotted with lakes and ponds. The terrain generally slopes to the south and east; its highest point is near its northwest corner, at 1,020 ft ASL. The county has an area of 452 sqmi, of which 436 sqmi is land and 16 sqmi (3.5%) is water.

Major highways

 * [[Image:MN-47.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 47
 * [[Image:MN-65.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 65
 * [[Image:MN-95.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 95
 * [[Image:MN-107.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 107
 * List of county roads

Adjacent counties

 * Kanabec County - north
 * Pine County - northeast
 * Chisago County - east
 * Anoka County - south
 * Sherburne County - southwest
 * Mille Lacs County - northwest

Protected areas
Source:

 * Cranberry Wildlife Management Area
 * Crooked Road State Wildlife Management Area
 * Marget Lake State Wildlife Management Area
 * Marvin W. Schubring Memorial Wildlife Management Area
 * Maywood County Park
 * Spectacle Lake Wildlife Management Area
 * Springvale County Park
 * Twin Lake Scientific and Natural Area

2020 census
''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.''

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 37,816 people, 14,331 households, and 8,415 families in the county. The population density was 86.7 /mi2. There were 12,062 housing units at an average density of 27.7 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.0% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. 1.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 30.3% were of German, 21.3% Swedish, 12.7% Norwegian and 5.1% Irish ancestry.

There were 11,236 households, of which 38.1% had children under 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.15.

The county population contained 28.7% under 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 or older. The median age was 36. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $50,127, and the median income for a family was $55,996. Males had a median income of $39,381 versus $26,427 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,348. About 4.0% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under 18 and 8.6% of those 65 or older.

Cities

 * Braham (partially in Kanabec County)
 * Cambridge (county seat)
 * Isanti
 * St. Francis (mostly in Anoka County)

Census-designated place

 * Stanchfield

Unincorporated communities

 * Andree
 * Bodum (ghost town)
 * Athens
 * Blomford
 * Bradford
 * Carmody
 * Crown
 * Dalbo
 * Day
 * Edgewood
 * Elm Park
 * Grandy
 * Oxlip
 * Pine Brook
 * Spencer Brook
 * Spring Lake
 * Springvale
 * Stanchfield Corner
 * Stanford
 * Stanley
 * Walbo
 * Weber
 * West Point
 * Wyanett

Townships

 * Athens Township
 * Bradford Township
 * Cambridge Township
 * Dalbo Township
 * Isanti Township
 * Maple Ridge Township
 * North Branch Township
 * Oxford Township
 * Spencer Brook Township
 * Springvale Township
 * Stanchfield Township
 * Stanford Township
 * Wyanett Township

Politics
This rural turned exurban county is more conservative than the state as a whole. In 2008, John McCain won this county with almost 57% of the vote, while losing the state with 44% of the vote. Norm Coleman also did well, obtaining 48% of the vote while losing the state with 42%. Both George W. Bush and Tim Pawlenty won this county twice, winning a majority of the county each time.

Democrats tend to do poorly here. In 2008, Barack Obama obtained just 41% while he won the state with 54% of the vote. Al Franken received just 33% of Isanti County's votes. Since 1992, no Democrat has won this county with over 50% of the vote. In 2016, Donald Trump won almost 65% of the vote here while narrowly losing the state to Hillary Clinton. In 2020, Trump increased his vote share to just over 68%.

Independents also do well in this county. In 1998, the county's results were Jesse Ventura's best performance in the state, winning the county with over 50% of the vote. Ross Perot came in a close third place with 29% of the vote while getting 24% statewide.

title: Isanti County, Minnesota


text:
Daramulum

In Aboriginal cultures of south-east Australia, Daramulum (variations: Darhumulan, Daramulan, Dhurramoolun or Dharramaalan) (“one legged”, from dharra 'leg, thigh' + maal 'one' + -an suffix) is a sky hero associated with Baiame, and an emu-wife. He is a shapeshifter.

Engravings of Daramulum are sometimes accompanied by indentations that may represent star groups.

Daramulum is depicted on rock art off Elvina Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, near to a carving of his emu-wife. He is depicted in semi-profile, with one arm, an emu-back (i.e. pointed buttocks), and a large foot.

His voice can be heard through the medium of the bullroarer which is whirled through the air during initiation ceremonies. He now lives in the trees of the bush, particularly in the burls or growths which are found on the trunks of trees, and only leaves them for initiation ceremonies. The bullroarer must be cut from a tree which contains his spirit for it to work.

For the Guringai, Daramulum is represented by the Alpha Crucis of the Southern Cross, with the remainder of the Cross representing the head of his emu wife (of the emu in the sky constellation).

A religion centred on Darhumulan is an identifying feature of the Yuin nation.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Daramulum


text:
Hubbard County, Minnesota

Hubbard County is a county in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,344. Its county seat is Park Rapids.

Part of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation is in the county.

History
The county was created on February 26, 1883, with territory partitioned from Cass County. It was named for Lucius Frederick Hubbard, a prominent Territory editor, Civil War participant, and businessman who was governor of Minnesota from 1882 to 1887. The county's boundaries have remained unchanged since its creation.

The new county's courthouse was destroyed by fire around 1890, but the public records were salvaged.

Geography
The county's terrain is hilly, largely wooded, and dotted with lakes and ponds. It generally slopes to the east, with the northern part sloping to the north and the southern part sloping to the south. Its highest point is near the lower middle of its western border, at 1,549 ft ASL. The county has an area of 1000 sqmi, of which 926 sqmi is land and 74 sqmi (7.4%) is water. There may be such a high point on the border but the accepted high point for this county is the Thorpe Lookout at 1844 feet which is why the forest service maintains a tower there the US Geodetic Survey agrees.47.0962°N, -94.8539° W

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 2.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 2
 * [[Image:US 71.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 71
 * [[Image:MN-34.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 34
 * [[Image:MN-64.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 64
 * [[Image:MN-87.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 87
 * [[Image:MN-113.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 113
 * [[Image:MN-200.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 200
 * [[Image:MN-226.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 226

Adjacent counties

 * Beltrami County - north
 * Cass County - east
 * Wadena County - south
 * Becker County - southwest
 * Clearwater County - northwest

Protected areas
Source:

 * Badoura Jack Pine Woodland Scientific and Natural Area
 * Huntersville State Forest (part)
 * Itasca State Park (part)
 * Mississippi Headwaters (part)
 * Paul Bunyan State Forest (part)

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 18,376 people, 7,435 households, and 5,345 families in the county. The population density was 19.9 /mi2. There were 12,229 housing units at an average density of 13.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.31% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 2.13% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 35.0% were of German, 20.5% Norwegian, 6.0% English and 5.8% Swedish ancestry.

There were 7,435 households, out of which 29.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.10% were married couples living together, 7.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.88.

The county population contained 24.60% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 24.10% from 25 to 44, 26.90% from 45 to 64, and 18.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 99.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,321, and the median income for a family was $41,177. Males had a median income of $30,030 versus $21,616 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,115. 9.70% of the population and 7.50% of families were below the poverty line. 12.50% of those under the age of 18 and 9.30% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Cities

 * Akeley
 * Laporte
 * Nevis
 * Park Rapids

Census-designated places

 * Hubbard
 * Lake George

Unincorporated communities
Source:

 * Badoura
 * Becida
 * Benedict
 * Chamberlain
 * Dorset
 * Emmaville
 * Kabekona
 * Nary

Townships

 * Akeley Township
 * Arago Township
 * Badoura Township
 * Clay Township
 * Clover Township
 * Crow Wing Lake Township
 * Farden Township
 * Fern Township
 * Guthrie Township
 * Hart Lake Township
 * Helga Township
 * Hendrickson Township
 * Henrietta Township
 * Hubbard Township
 * Lake Alice Township
 * Lake Emma Township
 * Lake George Township
 * Lake Hattie Township
 * Lakeport Township
 * Mantrap Township
 * Nevis Township
 * Rockwood Township
 * Schoolcraft Township
 * Steamboat River Township
 * Straight River Township
 * Thorpe Township
 * Todd Township
 * White Oak Township

Government and politics
Hubbard County voters have leaned toward the Republican Party for several decades. As of 2020 the county has selected the Republican candidate in 78% of presidential elections since 1980.

title: Hubbard County, Minnesota


text:
Houston County, Minnesota

Houston County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. At the 2020 census, the population was 18,843. Its county seat is Caledonia.

Houston County is included in the La Crosse–Onalaska metropolitan statistical area.

History
The area covered by today's Houston County was first organized as St. Croix County, of the Wisconsin Territory, in 1839. On October 27, 1849, part of that county was partitioned off to create Wabashaw County of the Minnesota Territory. On February 23, 1854, the territorial legislature authorized the partitioning of sections of Wabashaw to create Fillmore County and Houston County. An election on April 4, 1854, allowed the county government to be completed. The county was named for Sam Houston, who had been president of the Republic of Texas and a US senator from Texas. The village of Houston was the first county seat. Then a land speculator made an effort to move the seat to Caledonia, and in 1855 the county board moved the county records to Caledonia, which became the de facto seat, and eventually the legal seat after several county votes. In 1855 the records were stored in the cabin of Commissioner Samuel McPhail; the first court hearings were held in that cabin, and a one-story courthouse and jail was built in Caledonia in 1857. A two-story building was built in Caledonia in 1867, and several referendums made Caledonia the county seat by 1874. From that point on, Caledonia prospered and Houston slowly declined. The only other area of prominence was La Crescent, which benefited from its connection to La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Geography
Houston County is at Minnesota's southeast corner. Its eastern border abuts Wisconsin (across the Mississippi River) and its southern border abuts Iowa. The Mississippi flows south-southeast along its eastern border. The Root River flows east through the northern part of the county, discharging into the Mississippi. Pine Creek flows east-southeast through the northeastern part of the county to discharge into the Mississippi, while Crooked Creek flows east across the southern part of the county to discharge into the Mississippi. The county's terrain consists of low rolling hills on its western end, transitioning to hills carved with drainages toward the east. The central and western portion of the county is a plateau with its highest point at 1,273 ft ASL, near its southwest corner. The county has a total area of 569 sqmi, of which 552 sqmi is land and 17 sqmi (2.9%) is water.

The county is in the Driftless Zone, marked by the absence of glacial drift and presence of bedrock cut by streams into steep hills. The plateau that surrounds Caledonia includes flat, fertile farm land and hilly, verdant pasture land.

Lakes
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge runs along the county's eastern border. Four lakes in the refuge fall within the county:

 * Blue Lake
 * Hayshore Lake
 * Lawrence Lake
 * Target Lake

Adjacent counties

 * Winona County - north
 * La Crosse County, Wisconsin - northeast
 * Vernon County, Wisconsin - east
 * Allamakee County, Iowa - south
 * Winneshiek County, Iowa - southwest
 * Fillmore County - west

Protected areas

 * Beaver Creek Valley State Park
 * Mound Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
 * Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (part)

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,718 people, 7,633 households and 5,411 families in the county. The population density was 35.7 /mi2. There were 8,168 housing units at an average density of 14.8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.47% White, 0.31% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 0.51% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 43.1% were of German, 29.6% Norwegian and 7.5% Irish ancestry.

There were 7,633 households, of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.05.

The county population contained 27.2% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median household income was $40,680 and the median family income was $49,196. Males had a median income of $32,557 and females $22,158. The per capita income was $18,826. About 4.2% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Transit

 * La Crosse MTU

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 14.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 14
 * [[Image:US 61.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 61
 * [[Image:MN-16.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 16
 * [[Image:MN-26.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 26
 * [[Image:MN-44.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 44
 * [[Image:MN-76.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 76

Airport

 * Houston County Airport

Cities

 * Brownsville
 * Caledonia (county seat)
 * Eitzen
 * Hokah
 * Houston
 * La Crescent (partly in Winona County)
 * Spring Grove

Unincorporated communities

 * Bee
 * Black Hammer
 * Freeburg
 * Jefferson
 * Mayville
 * Money Creek
 * Newhouse
 * Pine Creek (partial)
 * Reno
 * River Junction
 * Willington Grove
 * Wilmington
 * Yucatan

 * Sheldon

Townships

 * Black Hammer Township
 * Brownsville Township
 * Caledonia Township
 * Crooked Creek Township
 * Hokah Township
 * Houston Township
 * Jefferson Township
 * La Crescent Township
 * Mayville Township
 * Money Creek Township
 * Mound Prairie Township
 * Sheldon Township
 * Spring Grove Township
 * Union Township
 * Wilmington Township
 * Winnebago Township
 * Yucatan Township

Government and politics
Houston County voters have tended to vote Republican in the 21st century. As of 2020 the county had selected the Republican candidate in 67% of presidential elections since 1980.

Education
School districts include:
 * Caledonia Public School District
 * Houston Public School District
 * La Crescent-Hokah School District
 * Mabel-Canton Public School District
 * Rushford-Peterson Public Schools
 * Spring Grove School District

title: Houston County, Minnesota


text:
Hennepin County, Minnesota

Hennepin County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Its county seat is Minneapolis, the state's most populous city. The county is named for the 17th-century explorer Louis Hennepin. It extends from Minneapolis to the suburbs and outlying cities in the western part of the county. Its natural areas are covered by extensive woods, hills, and lakes.

As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,281,565. It is Minnesota's most populous county and the 34th-most populous county in the U.S.; more than one in five Minnesotans live in Hennepin County. It is included in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul–Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The Territorial Legislature of Minnesota established Hennepin County on March 6, 1852, and two years later Minneapolis was named the county seat. Louis Hennepin's name was chosen because he originally named Saint Anthony Falls and recorded some of the earliest accounts of the area for the Western world. In January 1855, the first bridge over the Mississippi River was built over St. Anthony Falls.

Water power built the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County. The water of streams and rivers provided power to grist mills and sawmills throughout the county. By the late 1860s, more than a dozen mills were churning out lumber near St. Anthony Falls and the county's population had surpassed 12,000.

In many ways, the falls' power was the vital link between the central city and the farmsteads throughout the county. Farms produced vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products for city dwellers, while Minneapolis industries produced lumber, furniture, farm implements and clothing.

By 1883, railroads united Minneapolis with both the East and West coasts, and technical developments, especially in flour milling, brought rapid progress to the area. The major Minneapolis millers were Washburn, Pillsbury, Bell, Dunwoody and Crosby. For a decade, the "Mill City" was the flour-milling capital of the world and one of the largest lumber producers. Minneapolis, with a population of 165,000 by 1890, had become a major American city, and by 1900, was firmly established as the hub of the Upper Midwest's industry and commerce.

Hennepin County's farm economy was also substantial. In 1910, farmland in the county totaled 284,000 acres, about 72% of its area. The principal crops were wheat, corn, garden vegetables, and apples. The number of acres in production remained high for the next 30 years. By 1950, the amount of land devoted to agriculture had declined to 132,000 acres as development progressed in the suburbs.

During the 1950s and 1960s, many suburbs grew rapidly as housing developments, shopping centers, large school systems and growing industrialization replaced much of the open farmland. By 1970, Hennepin County's suburban population outnumbered the city's for the first time. Minneapolis's population declined by 10 percent from 1960 to 1970, while the suburban population grew by nearly 50 percent.

Another wave of immigration—which began after the Vietnam War in the mid-1970s—marked a major change in the county's ethnic makeup. This wave peaked in the 1980s when hundreds of refugees from Southeast Asia, often aided by local churches, resettled in Hennepin County. Its population surpassed one million in 1989.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has an area of 607 sqmi, of which 554 sqmi is land and 53 sqmi (8.7%) is water. Hennepin is one of 17 Minnesota counties with more savanna soils than either prairie or forest soils, and one of two Minnesota counties with more than 75% of its area in savanna soils (the other is Wright County).

The highest waterfall on the Mississippi River, Saint Anthony Falls (discovered by Louis Hennepin), is in Hennepin County next to downtown Minneapolis, but in the 19th century, the falls were converted to a series of dams. Barges and boats now pass through locks to move between the parts of the river above and below the dams.

Adjacent counties

 * Anoka County (northeast)
 * Ramsey County (east)
 * Dakota County (southeast)
 * Scott County (south)
 * Carver County (southwest)
 * Wright County (northwest)
 * Sherburne County (north)

National protected areas

 * Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (part)
 * Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (part)

Race and ethnicity
Hennepin County's racial and ethnic composition has evolved significantly over time. Initially, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Dakota Sioux. Beginning in the early 19th century, European settlement brought a demographic shift, with a predominantly white population of Northern European descent. The county witnessed further diversification throughout the 20th century with the arrival of African Americans during the Great Migration, as well as Latino, Asian, and other immigrant groups in the latter half of the century.

Ancestry
The most common ancestries in Hennepin County are German, Irish, English, Norwegian and Swedish.

2020

As of the 2020 census, there were 1,281,565 people and 529,029 households living in the county, with 2.35 persons per household. The racial makeup was 65.61% White, 13.23% Black or African American, 7.67% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 0.63% Native American, 7.6% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 4.76% from two or more races. 18% of persons aged 5 years or older spoke a language other than English at home.

2010
As of the 2010 census, there were 1,152,425 people, 475,913 households, and 272,885 families living in the county. The racial makeup of the county was 74.4% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 6.2% Asian, 3.4% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. 6.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

According to the 2010–2015 American Community Survey, the largest ancestry groups were German (26.3%), Norwegian (12.6%), Irish (10.8%), and Swedish (8.3%).

2000
At the 2000 census, there were 1,116,200 people, 456,129 households, and 267,291 families living in the county. The population density was 774 /km2. There were 468,824 housing units at an average density of 325 /km2. The racial makeup of the county was 80.53% White, 8.95% Black or African American, 1.00% Native American, 4.80% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.06% from other races, and 2.60% from two or more races. 4.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 456,129 households, out of which 28.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.30% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.40% were non-families. 31.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the county 24.00% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.70% was between 18 and 24, 33.70% from 25 to 44, 21.70% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $51,711, and the median income for a family was $65,985 (these figures had risen to $60,115 and $79,970 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Accounting for inflation, these figures rise again to $76,202.87 for individuals, and $92,353.46 for households, adjusted for 2014 dollars. Males had a median income of $42,466 versus $32,400 for females. The per capita income for the county was $28,789. About 5.00% of families and 8.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.50% of those under age 18 and 5.90% of those age 65 or over.

Hennepin County is the wealthiest county in Minnesota and one of the 100 highest-income counties in the United States.

Besides English, languages with significant numbers of speakers in Hennepin County include Arabic, Hmong, Khmer, Lao, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Religious statistics
In 2010, Hennepin County's largest religious group was the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, with 215,205 Catholics worshipping at 73 parishes, followed by 124,732 ELCA Lutherans with 106 congregations, 59,811 non-denominational adherents with 103 congregations, 20,286 UMC Methodists with 42 congregations, 18,836 Missouri Synod Lutherans with 34 congregations, 16,941 PC-USA Presbyterians with 21 congregations, 16,230 Converge Baptists with 26 congregations, 16,128 AoG Pentecostals with 32 congregations, 12,307 UCC Christians with 20 congregations, and 8,608 Reform Jews with 3 congregations. Altogether, religious congregations claimed 54.3% of the population as members, though members of historically African-American denominations were underrepresented due to incomplete information. In 2014, Hennepin County had 708 religious organizations, the 16th-most of all U.S. counties.

Commissioners
Like all Minnesota counties, Hennepin is governed by an elected and nonpartisan board of commissioners. In Minnesota, county commissions usually have five members, but Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka and St. Louis counties have seven members. Each commissioner represents a district of approximately equal population. In Hennepin County, the commission appoints the medical examiner, the county auditor-treasurer, and the county recorder. The sheriff and county attorney are also elected on a nonpartisan ticket. The county government's headquarters are in downtown Minneapolis in the Hennepin County Government Center. The county oversees the Hennepin County Library system (which merged with the Minneapolis Public Library system in 2008) and Hennepin County Medical Center. The county commission also elects a chair who presides at meetings.

Key staff
Hennepin County's normal operations are coordinated by the County Administrator David Hough, Assistant County Administrator for Human Services Jodi Wentland, Assistant County Administrator for Operations Dan Rogan, Assistant County Administrator for Public Works Lisa Cerney, Assistant County Administrator for Disparity Reduction May Xiong, and Assistant County Administrator for Public Safety Chela Guzman-Wiegert.

County Sheriff
The Hennepin County Sheriff manages the county jail, patrols waterways, provides security for the District Court, handles home foreclosures, participates in homeland security activities and in law enforcement, and by state law is responsible for handling applications for permits to carry a firearm for county residents. The current county sheriff is Dawanna Witt, who was elected in 2022.

Medical examiner's office
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office is responsible for investigating all unexpected deaths in Hennepin County as well as neighboring Dakota and Scott counties. The office determines who and why a person died, which may lead to criminal charges being filed by prosecutors. Upon request, the office may provide services for other jurisdictions.

County Attorney
The Hennepin County Attorney sets policies and priorities for prosecuting criminal cases, oversees child protection and child support cases, and provides legal advice and representation to county government. The current County Attorney is Mary Moriarty, who was elected in 2022.

Politics
Like most urban counties nationwide, Hennepin County is a Democratic stronghold. It has voted Democratic in every election since 1964, except for 1972, when Richard Nixon won the county as part of a national landslide. It is also a state bellwether county, having voted for Minnesota's statewide winner in every election since 1964, the longest such streak in the state. In 2020, Joe Biden won 70% of the vote in the county, the largest percentage for any candidate since 1904. At the state level, the county is no less Democratic. For governor and U.S. Senate, the last Republicans to win the county were Arne Carlson in 1994 and David Durenberger in 1988, respectively.

Transit

 * Maple Grove Transit
 * Metro Transit
 * Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
 * Plymouth Metrolink
 * Southwest Transit
 * Hawthorne Transportation Center
 * Flixbus
 * Greyhound Lines
 * Jefferson Lines

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-35W.svg|23px]] Interstate 35W
 * [[Image:I-94.svg|20px]] Interstate 94
 * [[Image:I-394.svg|23px]] Interstate 394
 * [[Image:I-494.svg|23px]] Interstate 494
 * [[Image:I-694.svg|23px]] Interstate 694
 * [[Image:US 12.svg|20px]] US Highway 12
 * [[Image:US 52.svg|20px]] US Highway 52
 * [[Image:US 169 (MN).svg|20px]] US Highway 169
 * [[Image:US 212 (MN).svg|20px]] US Highway 212
 * [[Image:MN-5.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 5
 * [[Image:MN-7.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 7
 * [[Image:MN-41.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 41
 * [[Image:MN-47.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 47
 * [[Image:MN-55.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 55
 * [[Image:MN-62.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 62
 * [[Image:MN-65.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 65
 * [[Image:MN-77.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 77
 * [[Image:MN-100.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 100
 * [[Image:MN-101.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 101
 * [[Image:MN-121.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 121
 * [[Image:MN-252.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 252
 * [[Image:MN-610.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 610
 * [[Image:Hennepin County Route 17.svg|20px]] Hennepin County Road 17 (France Avenue)
 * [[Image:Hennepin County 61.svg|20px]] Hennepin County Road 61
 * [[Image:Hennepin County 81.svg|20px]] Hennepin County Road 81
 * [[Image:Hennepin County 122.svg|20px]] Hennepin County Road 122
 * Other county roads

Airports

 * Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) serves the Twin Cities area. It is the 17th-busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic and serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines.
 * Crystal Airport (MIC) is a public airport in Crystal.
 * Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) is a public airport in Eden Prairie.

Major companies and employers
As the economic center of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, Hennepin County is home to many major companies in a diverse section of industries. As of the 2018 estimate, there are twelve Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Hennepin County, five of which are located in Minneapolis. Hennepin County is also home to several major private companies such as Carlson and Cargill, both located in Minnetonka, the latter of which is the largest privately owned company in the United States.

Along with these major companies, Hennepin County also contains several large employers, as listed below. According to the 2016 American Community Survey, the largest overall industries in Hennepin County are healthcare and social assistance (96,511 workers), manufacturing (80,324), and retail trade (75,861).

Economic indicators
According to the 2016 American Community Survey, the average household income in Hennepin County is $71,200. The GINI Index for 2016 was 0.461, lower than the national average of 0.485. As of 2016, nearly 132,000 residents of Hennepin County were living under the poverty line, 10.9% of the county population. This figure is lower than the national average of 14%.

Tertiary education
Colleges and universities in the county include:
 * Augsburg University in Minneapolis
 * Dunwoody College of Technology in downtown Minneapolis
 * Hamline University – Minneapolis campus in St. Louis Park
 * Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
 * Metropolitan State University in downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park
 * Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis
 * Minneapolis Community and Technical College in downtown Minneapolis
 * Minnesota State University, Mankato – Twin Cities campus in Edina
 * Normandale Community College in Bloomington
 * North Central University in downtown Minneapolis
 * North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park
 * Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington
 * St. Cloud State University – Twin Cities campus in Plymouth
 * Saint Mary's University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis
 * University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis
 * University of St. Thomas – Minneapolis campus in downtown Minneapolis

K–12 education
School districts include:

 * Anoka-Hennepin Public School District
 * Bloomington Public School District
 * Brooklyn Center School District
 * Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Public Schools
 * Delano Public School District
 * Edina Public School District
 * Elk River School District
 * Eden Prairie Public School District
 * Hopkins Public School District
 * Minneapolis Public School District
 * Minnetonka Public School District
 * Orono Public School District
 * Osseo Public School District
 * Richfield Public School District
 * Robbinsdale Public School District
 * Rockford Public School District
 * St. Anthony-New Brighton Schools
 * St. Louis Park Public School District
 * Waconia Public School District
 * Watertown-Mayer Public School District
 * Wayzata Public School District
 * Westonka Public School District

Public libraries
Hennepin County Library (which Minneapolis Public Library merged into)

Parks
Hennepin County, and particularly the city of Minneapolis, is renowned for its expansive and high-quality park system. The Minneapolis park system has been called the best-designed, best-financed, and best-maintained in America. It has been named the top park system in the country by the Trust for Public Land for five consecutive years as of 2017. Many of Minneapolis's parks are linked by the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a series of interconnected parks and paths that extends for 51 miles. The byway is divided into seven districts: Downtown Riverfront, Mississippi River, Minnehaha, Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth, Victory Memorial, and Northeast. The byway includes many major destinations in Minneapolis, including Nicollet Island, St. Anthony Falls, Stone Arch Bridge, Mill Ruins Park, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnehaha Creek, Minnehaha Park, Lake Hiawatha, Lake Nokomis, Lake Harriet, Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Theodore Wirth Park.

Outside Minneapolis, Hennepin County is part of the Three Rivers Park District, a park system containing 20 parks and 10 trails spanning the Twin Cities metro area.

Culture
Numerous art institutions in Minneapolis make Hennepin County a national center for the arts. It contains some of the country's largest and best-known centers for art, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, Weisman Art Museum, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Major art centers include Northeast Minneapolis and the Minneapolis neighborhood of North Loop. Minneapolis is home to many important artist organizations, such as the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art, the Handicraft Guild, and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association.

Hennepin County is also home to a thriving theater scene, highlighted by the Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis. It is home to many theater companies, such as Mixed Blood, Skewed Visions, Brave New Workshop, and Children's Theatre Company. Other notable theaters include the Orpheum Theatre, the State Theatre, and the Pantages Theatre. Additionally, many other cities in the county are home to local community theaters, such as Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Orono, Osseo, and Plymouth.

Sports
Of the "Big Four" sports leagues in the US, three are located in Minneapolis: the Minnesota Twins play in Target Field, the Minnesota Timberwolves play in Target Center, and the Minnesota Vikings play in U.S. Bank Stadium. Additionally, among major sports leagues, the Minnesota Lynx also play in Target Center.

Cities

 * Bloomington
 * Brooklyn Center
 * Brooklyn Park
 * Champlin
 * Chanhassen (partial)
 * Corcoran
 * Crystal
 * Dayton (partial)
 * Deephaven
 * Eden Prairie
 * Edina
 * Excelsior
 * Golden Valley
 * Greenfield
 * Greenwood
 * Hanover (partial)
 * Hopkins
 * Independence
 * Long Lake
 * Loretto
 * Maple Grove
 * Maple Plain
 * Medicine Lake
 * Medina
 * Minneapolis (county seat and largest municipality)
 * Minnetonka
 * Minnetonka Beach
 * Minnetrista
 * Mound
 * New Hope
 * Orono
 * Osseo
 * Plymouth
 * Richfield
 * Robbinsdale
 * Rockford (partial)
 * Rogers
 * Shorewood
 * Spring Park
 * St. Anthony (partial)
 * St. Bonifacius
 * St. Louis Park
 * Tonka Bay
 * Wayzata
 * Woodland

Unorganized territory

 * Fort Snelling

title: Hennepin County, Minnesota


text:
Grant County, Minnesota

Grant County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,074. Its county seat is Elbow Lake.

History
The county was created on March 6, 1868. It was named for Civil War General and US President Ulysses S. Grant. Its government was organized in 1874.

Geography
The Chippewa River flows generally southward through the eastern part of Grant County. The Mustinka River flows south and then west-southwest through the upper and central parts of western Grant County. The terrain consists of low rolling hills dotted with lakes, its usable areas devoted to agriculture. The terrain generally slopes to the south and east; its highest point is on its upper eastern border, at 1,375 ft ASL. The county has an area of 575 sqmi, of which 548 sqmi is land and 27 sqmi (4.7%) is water.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-94.svg|20px]] Interstate 94
 * [[Image:US 52.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 52
 * [[Image:US 59.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 59
 * [[Image:MN-9.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 9
 * [[Image:MN-27.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 27
 * [[Image:MN-55.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 55
 * [[Image:MN-78.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 78
 * [[Image:MN-79.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 79

Adjacent counties

 * Otter Tail County - north
 * Douglas County - east
 * Pope County - southeast
 * Stevens County - south
 * Traverse County - southwest
 * Wilkin County - northwest

Protected areas
Source:

 * Alvstad State Wildlife Management Area
 * Berksow State Wildlife Management Area
 * Chippewa State Wildlife Management Area
 * Helsene State Wildlife Management Area
 * Isaacson State Wildlife Management Area
 * Kube-Swift State Wildlife Management Area
 * Malsville State Wildlife Management Area
 * Marple State Wildlife Management Area
 * Mustinka State Wildlife Management Area
 * Storm-Bordson State Wildlife Management Area
 * Wilts State Wildlife Management Area

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,289 people, 2,534 households, and 1,740 families in the county. The population density was 11.6 /mi2. There were 3,098 housing units at an average density of 5.74 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.28% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 41.2% were of Norwegian, 30.0% German and 7.4% Swedish ancestry.

There were 2,534 households, out of which 29.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.00% were married couples living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.94.

The county population contained 23.90% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 23.10% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 22.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 94.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,775, and the median income for a family was $42,214. Males had a median income of $28,428 versus $20,240 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,131. About 6.00% of families and 8.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 9.90% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Ashby
 * Barrett
 * Elbow Lake (county seat)
 * Herman
 * Hoffman
 * Norcross
 * Wendell

Unincorporated communities

 * Charlesville (partial)
 * Erdahl

Ghost towns

 * Hereford
 * Pomme de Terre
 * Thorsborg

Townships

 * Delaware Township
 * Elbow Lake Township
 * Elk Lake Township
 * Erdahl Township
 * Gorton Township
 * Land Township
 * Lawrence Township
 * Lien Township
 * Logan Township
 * Macsville Township
 * North Ottawa Township
 * Pelican Lake Township
 * Pomme de Terre Township
 * Roseville Township
 * Sanford Township
 * Stony Brook Township

Government and politics
Grant County is a swing district that has leaned Republican in recent elections. As of 2016, the county has selected the Republican presidential candidate in 60% of national elections from 1980 inclusive.

title: Grant County, Minnesota


text:
Goodhue County, Minnesota

Goodhue County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 47,582. Its county seat is Red Wing. Nearly all of Prairie Island Indian Community is within the county.

Goodhue County comprises the Red Wing, MN Micropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI Combined Statistical Area.

History
The county was created on March 5, 1853, with territory partitioned from Wabasha County. It was named for James Madison Goodhue (1810–1852), who published the first newspaper in the territory, The Minnesota Pioneer.

The county was originally settled exclusively by "Yankee" settlers, meaning that they both came to Goodhue County either directly from the six New England states or from upstate New York, where they were born to parents who had moved to that region from the six New England states in the immediate aftermath of the American Revolution, and that they were descended from the English Puritans who emigrated to North America during the early 1600s. Because of the prevalence of New Englanders and New England transplants from upstate New York the county was said to have a "distinctly New England character". While this was true of many neighboring counties it was considered exceptionally true of Goodhue County. The New Englanders brought with them many of their New England values, including a love of education and fervent support of the abolitionist movement. When the New Englanders arrived, they laid out farms, established post routes, and built schools and government buildings out of locally available materials. The New Englanders and their descendants made up the great majority of Goodhue County's inhabitants until the late 19th and early 20th century, when immigrants from Germany and Norway began arriving in the Minnesota-Wisconsin border region in large numbers. There were small numbers of immigrants from Germany, Norway and Sweden during the first several decades of Goodhue County's history as well.

Hamline University, Minnesota's first college of higher learning, was started in Red Wing in 1854. It closed during the Civil War, and reopened in 1869 in Saint Paul.

The county was a leading producer of wheat during the mid-19th century, and for several years the county boasted the highest wheat production in the country. Fires at two of Red Wing's mills in the 1880s and developing railroad routes across Minnesota encouraged farmers from neighboring counties to begin sending their wheat to Minneapolis mills, reducing the county's importance in the wheat trade around the start of the 20th century.

The first municipal swimming pool in the state was built in Goodhue County.

In October 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited the county for a bridge dedication ceremony. The Hiawatha Bridge had been built to replace the Old High Bridge that spanned the Mississippi River since 1895. This visit drew 20,000 people. Eisenhower hoped his visit would help in the elections, swaying Minnesota voters to vote for Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election in the coming month. But John F. Kennedy carried the state on his way to being elected the next president.

Geography
Goodhue County lies on Minnesota's border with Wisconsin (across Lake Pepin). The Cannon River flows eastward through the northern part of the county on its way to discharge into Lake Pepin. The Little Cannon River flows northward through the west-central part of the county, discharging into the Cannon River at Cannon Falls. The North Fork of the Zumbro River flows eastward through the lower part of the county. The county terrain consists of rolling hills, etched with drainages and gullies, and with high bluffs against the river valleys. The terrain slopes to the east and north; its highest point is near its southwest corner at 1,260 ft ASL. The county has an area of 780 sqmi, of which 757 sqmi is land and 24 sqmi (3.0%) is water. Goodhue is one of 17 Minnesota counties with more savanna soils than either prairie or forest soils.

Lakes
Source:

 * Birch Lake
 * Brewer Lake
 * Cannon Lake
 * Clear Lake
 * Devils Lake
 * Espen Lakes
 * Goose Lake
 * Lake Byllesby
 * Larson Lake
 * Nelson Lake
 * North Lake
 * Rattling Springs Lake
 * Spring Banks Lake
 * Spring Creek Lake
 * Sturgeon Lake
 * Twin Lakes

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 52.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 52
 * [[Image:US 61.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 61
 * [[Image:US 63.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 63
 * [[Image:MN-19.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 19
 * [[Image:MN-20.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 20
 * [[Image:MN-56.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 56
 * [[Image:MN-57.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 57
 * [[Image:MN-58.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 58
 * [[Image:MN-60.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 60
 * [[Image:MN-246.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 246
 * [[Image:MN-292.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 292
 * [[Image:MN-316.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 316
 * List of county roads

Adjacent counties

 * Pierce County, Wisconsin - north
 * Pepin County, Wisconsin - northeast
 * Wabasha County - east
 * Olmsted County - southeast
 * Dodge County - south
 * Rice County - west
 * Dakota County - northwest

Protected areas
Source:

 * Cannon River Turtle Preserve Scientific and Natural Area
 * Frontenac State Park
 * Miesville Ravine Park Reserve (part)
 * North Fork Zumbro Woods Scientific and Natural Area
 * Spring Creek Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
 * Woodbury State Wildlife Management Area

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 44,127 people, 16,983 households, and 11,905 families in the county. The population density was 58.3 /mi2. There were 17,879 housing units at an average density of 23.6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.57% White, 0.63% Black or African American, 0.98% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. 1.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 16,983 households, out of which 33.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 7.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.90% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.

The county population contained 26.50% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $46,972, and the median income for a family was $55,689. Males had a median income of $36,282 versus $25,442 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,934. About 3.70% of families and 5.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.20% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Bellechester (part)
 * Cannon Falls
 * Dennison (part)
 * Goodhue
 * Kenyon
 * Lake City (part)
 * Pine Island (part)
 * Red Wing (county seat)
 * Wanamingo
 * Zumbrota

Census-designated place

 * Frontenac

Unincorporated communities

 * Belle Creek
 * Belvidere Mills
 * Bombay
 * Claybank
 * Forest Mills
 * Hader
 * Hay Creek
 * Roscoe
 * Ryan
 * Skyberg
 * Sogn
 * Stanton
 * Vasa
 * Wacouta
 * Wangs
 * Wastedo
 * Welch
 * White Rock

Ghost towns

 * Central Point Township
 * Fairpoint
 * Florence
 * Thoten/Belvidere

Townships

 * Belle Creek Township
 * Belvidere Township
 * Cannon Falls Township
 * Cherry Grove Township
 * Featherstone Township
 * Florence Township
 * Goodhue Township
 * Hay Creek Township
 * Holden Township
 * Kenyon Township
 * Leon Township
 * Minneola Township
 * Pine Island Township
 * Roscoe Township
 * Stanton Township
 * Vasa Township
 * Wacouta Township
 * Wanamingo Township
 * Warsaw Township
 * Welch Township
 * Zumbrota Township

Government and politics
Goodhue County usually leans Republican. It has selected the Republican nominee in all but two presidential elections since 1964, during both of Bill Clinton's successful runs in 1992 and 1996.

title: Goodhue County, Minnesota


text:
Dhakhan

In Gubbi Gubbi mythology, Dhakhan is an ancestral spirit. He is described as a giant serpent with the tail of a giant fish. He often appears as a rainbow, as this is his way of travelling between the watering holes which are his homes. He is also the creator of the snakes and serpents that live within the waterholes.

title: Dhakhan


text:
Freeborn County, Minnesota

Freeborn County is a county in the state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,895. Its county seat is Albert Lea. Freeborn County comprises the Albert Lea Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Freeborn County was created on February 20, 1855, the territory being separated from Blue Earth and Rice Counties. Twelve other Minnesota counties were created the same day by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature. Freeborn County was named for William Freeborn, an early Minnesota pioneer, merchant, and territorial legislator.

Geography
Freeborn County lies on Minnesota's border with Iowa. The Shell Rock River flows southward from Albert Lea Lake in central Freeborn County, crossing into Iowa. Turtle Creek flows eastward through the upper eastern part of the county, crossing into Mower County. The terrain is hilly and etched with drainages and gullies. The Le Sueur River, a tributary of the Minnesota River, begins in the northern part of the county and flows northward into Waseca County. The Cobb River and the Maple River, two other small rivers, begin in the extreme northwest corner of the county, the Cobb from Freeborn Lake and the Maple from Penny Lake. Both run generally northwest, emptying into the LeSueur River, just upstream from where the LeSueur empties into the Minnesota River, on the western edge of Mankato. Most of the available land is devoted to agriculture. The terrain generally slopes to the south and east, although the highest point is near the northeast corner, at 1,296 ft ASL. The county has an area of 722 sqmi, of which 707 sqmi is land and 15 sqmi (2.1%) is water.

Lakes
Source:

 * Albert Lea Lake
 * Bear Lake
 * Church Lake
 * Everhart Lake
 * Fountain Lake
 * Freeborn Lake
 * Geneva Lake
 * Goose Lake
 * Halls Lake
 * Hickory Lake
 * Lower Twin Lake
 * Penny Lake
 * Pickerel Lake
 * School Section Lake
 * State Line Lake
 * Sugar Lake
 * Trenton Lake (part)
 * Upper Twin Lake
 * White Lake

Protected areas
Source:

 * Bear Lake State Wildlife Management Area
 * Carex State Wildlife Management Area
 * Halls Lake State Wildlife Area
 * Moscow State Game Refuge
 * Myre-Big Island State Park
 * White Woods County Park

Transit

 * Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-35.svg|20px]] Interstate 35
 * [[Image:I-90.svg|20px]] Interstate 90
 * [[Image:US 65.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 65
 * [[Image:US 69.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 69
 * [[Image:MN-13.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 13
 * [[Image:MN-109.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 109
 * [[Image:MN-251.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 251

Adjacent counties

 * Steele County - northeast
 * Mower County - east
 * Worth County, Iowa - south
 * Winnebago County, Iowa - southwest
 * Faribault County - west
 * Waseca County - northwest

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 32,584 people, 13,356 households, and 9,015 families in the county. The population density was 46.1 /mi2. There were 13,996 housing units at an average density of 19.8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 95.22% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.92% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. 6.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 34.8% were of Norwegian, 26.2% German and 5.8% Danish ancestry.

There were 13,356 households, of which 29.1% had children under age 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.92.

The county population contained 24.0% under 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 or older. The median age was 40. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females 18 and older, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,964, and the median income for a family was $45,142. Males had a median income of $31,491 versus $21,799 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,325. About 5.6% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under 18 and 9.1% of those over 64.

Cities

 * Albert Lea (county seat)
 * Alden
 * Clarks Grove
 * Conger
 * Emmons
 * Freeborn
 * Geneva
 * Glenville
 * Hartland
 * Hayward
 * Hollandale
 * Manchester
 * Myrtle
 * Twin Lakes

Unincorporated communities

 * Armstrong
 * Corning (partial)
 * Gordonsville
 * Mansfield
 * Maple Island
 * Moscow
 * Oakland
 * Petran

Townships

 * Albert Lea Township
 * Alden Township
 * Bancroft Township
 * Bath Township
 * Carlston Township
 * Freeborn Township
 * Freeman Township
 * Geneva Township
 * Hartland Township
 * Hayward Township
 * London Township
 * Manchester Township
 * Mansfield Township
 * Moscow Township
 * Newry Township
 * Nunda Township
 * Oakland Township
 * Pickerel Lake Township
 * Riceland Township
 * Shell Rock Township

Government and politics
From 1932 to 2012, Freeborn County voted for the Democratic candidate in all but five elections, four of which were nationwide Republican landslides (1952, 1956, 1972, and 1980), and the fifth was in 1960 in one of the closest elections in American history. After voting for Bill Clinton by at least 15% in both 1992 and 1996, against George W. Bush by at least 10% in both 2000 and 2004, and for Barack Obama by at least 14% in both 2008 and 2012, the 2016 election saw a dramatic swing to the right, as Donald Trump won the county by more than 17%. Though his margin of victory slightly shrank to 16% in 2020, his vote share of nearly 57% was the best for a Republican in the county since 1928.

title: Freeborn County, Minnesota


text:
Fillmore County, Minnesota

Fillmore County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,228. Its county seat is Preston. Fillmore County is included in the Rochester metropolitan area.

History
Fillmore County was created on March 5, 1853. It is named for Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States. Fillmore County was an early destination for Euro-American settlement following the United States' 1851 treaties with the Dakota nations. Norwegian immigrants were particularly numerous. In 1860 Fillmore was Minnesota's most populous county.

Geography
Fillmore County is on Minnesota's border with Iowa. The Root River drains the county, flowing eastward. The North Branch and the Middle Branch combine east of Shady Creek, while the South Branch meets their combined flow at Preston. Bear Creek drains the lower part of the county, discharging into the Root in the eastern part of the county. Willow Creek also drains a portion of the lower county, discharging into the Root at Preston. The Upper Iowa River flows eastward, mostly in adjoining Iowa counties, but briefly enters Fillmore County near the midpoint of its southern border.

The county's terrain consists of rolling hills, carved by gullies and drainages, with the available area dedicated to agriculture. The terrain slopes to the east; its highest point is on the lower western border, at 1,378 ft ASL. The county has a total area of 862 sqmi, of which 861 sqmi is land and 0.8 sqmi (0.09%) is water.

The county is part of the Driftless Area or Paleozoic plateau. This part of Minnesota was ice-free during the last ice age. Fillmore County also displays a karst topography.

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 52.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 52
 * [[Image:US 63.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 63
 * [[Image:MN-16.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 16
 * [[Image:MN-30.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 30
 * [[Image:MN-43.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 43
 * [[Image:MN-44.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 44
 * [[Image:MN-56.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 56
 * [[Image:MN-74.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 74
 * [[Image:MN-80.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 80
 * [[Image:MN-139.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 139
 * [[Image:MN-250.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 250
 * List of county roads

Adjacent counties

 * Winona County - northeast
 * Houston County - east
 * Winneshiek County, Iowa - southeast
 * Howard County, Iowa - southwest
 * Mower County - west
 * Olmsted County - northwest

Protected areas
Source:

 * Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
 * Mystery Cave State Park
 * Pin Oak Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
 * Rushford Sand Barrens Scientific and Natural Area
 * Wycoff Balsam Fir Scientific and Natural Area

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 20,866 people, 8,545 households, and 5,763 families in the county. The population density was 24.2 /mi2. There were 9,732 housing units at an average density of 11.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.2% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. 1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 8,545 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.60% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.32% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.94.

The county population contained 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 28.20% from 45 to 64, and 17.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 97.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.80 males.

In 2010, the median income for a household in the county was $45,888, and the median income for a family was $59,034. Males had a median income of $39,239 versus $33,571 for females. 2015 estimates state the per capita income for the county was $26,348. In 2015, about 7.4% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.50% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Canton
 * Chatfield (part)
 * Fountain
 * Harmony
 * Lanesboro
 * Mabel
 * Ostrander
 * Peterson
 * Preston (county seat)
 * Rushford
 * Rushford Village
 * Spring Valley
 * Whalan
 * Wykoff

Unincorporated communities

 * Bratsberg
 * Carimona
 * Cherry Grove
 * Clear Grit
 * Elliota
 * Etna
 * Fillmore
 * Forestville
 * Granger
 * Greenleafton
 * Hamilton
 * Henrytown
 * Highland
 * Lenora
 * Newburg
 * Prosper
 * York

Townships

 * Amherst Township
 * Arendahl Township
 * Beaver Township
 * Bloomfield Township
 * Bristol Township
 * Canton Township
 * Carimona Township
 * Carrolton Township
 * Chatfield Township
 * Fillmore Township
 * Forestville Township
 * Fountain Township
 * Harmony Township
 * Holt Township
 * Jordan Township
 * Newburg Township
 * Norway Township
 * Pilot Mound Township
 * Preble Township
 * Preston Township
 * Spring Valley Township
 * Sumner Township
 * York Township

Government and politics
Fillmore County was a swing county until the 2016 presidential election. From 1980 to 2016, the county predicted the president 67% of the time. Since 2016, Fillmore County has shifted rightward and has voted for the Republican nominee by more than 20% each time.

Education
School districts include:
 * Chatfield Public Schools
 * Fillmore Central School District
 * Kingsland Public School District
 * Lanesboro Public School District
 * LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools
 * Mabel-Canton Public School District
 * Rushford-Peterson Public Schools
 * St. Charles Public School District
 * Stewartville Public School District

title: Fillmore County, Minnesota


text:
Faribault County, Minnesota

Faribault County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,921. Its county seat is Blue Earth.

History
The county was founded in 1855. It was named for Jean-Baptiste Faribault, a settler and French fur trader among the Sioux Indians.

Geography
Faribault County lies on the south side of Minnesota. Its southern border abuts the north border of the state of Iowa. The Blue Earth River flows northerly through the west-central part of the county; it enters from Iowa as two branches, West Branch and Middle Branch, merging at 5 mi into the county. It is joined by East Branch near the city of Blue Earth, thence flows northward into Blue Earth County. The Maple River flows west-northwestward through the upper central part of the county, entering from Freeborn County and exiting to Blue Earth County. The Cobb River also flows through the NE part of the county, from Freeborn to Blue Earth county.

The county terrain consists of semi-arid rolling hills, devoted to agriculture. The SE portion is a glacial moraine near Kiester, and is known as the Kiester Moraine. The county has an area of 722 sqmi, of which 712 sqmi is land and 9.4 sqmi (1.3%) is water.

Lakes
Source:

 * Bass Lake (Delavan Twp)
 * Hart Lake
 * Minnesota Lake
 * Rice Lake (Delavan Twp)
 * Rice Lake (Foster Twp)
 * South Walnut Lake
 * Walnut Lake

Airports
Source:
 * Blue Earth Municipal Airport
 * Wells Municipal Airport

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-90.svg|20px]] Interstate 90
 * [[Image:US 169 (MN).svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 169
 * [[Image:MN-22.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 22
 * [[Image:MN-109.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 109

Adjacent counties

 * Blue Earth County - north
 * Waseca County - northeast
 * Freeborn County - east
 * Winnebago County, Iowa - southeast
 * Kossuth County, Iowa - southwest
 * Martin County - west

Protected areas
Source:
 * Walnut Lake State Wildlife Management Area

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,181 people, 6,652 households, and 4,476 families in the county. The population density was 22.7 /mi2. There were 7,247 housing units at an average density of 10.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.11% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. 3.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 45.5% were of German, 21.2% Norwegian and 5.1% Irish ancestry.

There were 6,652 households, out of which 28.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.80% were married couples living together, 6.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.70% were non-families. 29.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93.

The county population contained 24.40% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 22.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,440, and the median income for a family was $41,793. Males had a median income of $28,990 versus $20,224 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,193. About 5.50% of families and 8.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.40% of those under age 18 and 10.20% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Blue Earth (county seat)
 * Bricelyn
 * Delavan
 * Easton
 * Elmore
 * Frost
 * Kiester
 * Minnesota Lake (Partly in Blue Earth County)
 * Walters
 * Wells
 * Winnebago

Unincorporated communities

 * Baroda
 * Brush Creek
 * Clayton (Ghost Town)
 * Dell
 * Guckeen
 * Homedahl (Ghost Town)
 * Huntley
 * Marna
 * Pilot Grove

Townships

 * Barber Township
 * Blue Earth City Township
 * Brush Creek Township
 * Clark Township
 * Delavan Township
 * Dunbar Township
 * Elmore Township
 * Emerald Township
 * Foster Township
 * Jo Daviess Township
 * Kiester Township
 * Lura Township
 * Minnesota Lake Township
 * Pilot Grove Township
 * Prescott Township
 * Rome Township
 * Seely Township
 * Verona Township
 * Walnut Lake Township
 * Winnebago City Township

Government and politics
Faribault County has primarily supported Republican Party candidates in presidential elections throughout its history. Only six times since 1892 has a Republican candidate failed to win the county in a presidential election, most recently Bob Dole in 1996.

Education
School districts include:
 * Alden-Conger Public School District
 * Blue Earth Area Public Schools
 * Granada-Huntley-East Chain School District
 * Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School District
 * Maple River School District
 * United South Central School District

It also has the following state-operated schools:
 * Minnesota State Academy for the Blind
 * Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf

title: Faribault County, Minnesota


text:
Douglas County, Minnesota

Douglas County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2020 census, the population was 39,006. Its county seat is Alexandria.

Douglas County comprises the Alexandria, Minnesota, Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Douglas County is the home of Minnesota's only wine-grape appellation, the 10,880 acre Alexandria Lakes AVA.

History
The territorial legislature created Douglas County on March 8, 1858, shortly before Minnesota attained statehood. It was named for political figure Stephen A. Douglas, who was serving as a US Senator from Illinois at the time of the county's creation. The county organization was completed in 1866.

Geography
Spruce Creek flows southeast through northeastern Douglas county. The county consists of rolling hills, heavily dotted with lakes and ponds, especially in its north-to-south central portion. The hilly terrain generally slopes to the south and west; its highest point is near the northeast corner, at 1,483 ft ASL. The county has an area of 720 sqmi, of which 637 sqmi is land and 83 sqmi (11%) is water. It contains more than 250 lakes.

The county includes two of Minnesota's biomes: prairie grassland in the west and southeast, savannas (also prairie ecosystems) in the middle, and temperate deciduous forest in the south-central, north, and east. Douglas is one of 17 Minnesota counties where savanna soils predominate.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-94.svg|20px]] Interstate 94
 * [[Image:US 52.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 52
 * [[Image:MN-27.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 27
 * [[Image:MN-29.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 29
 * [[Image:MN-55.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 55
 * [[Image:MN-79.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 79
 * [[Image:MN-114.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 114

Airports

 * Alexandria Municipal Airport ("Chandler Field"), city-owned public-use airport

Adjacent counties

 * Otter Tail County - north
 * Todd County - east
 * Stearns County - southeast
 * Pope County - south
 * Stevens County - southwest
 * Grant County - west

Protected areas

 * Anderson State Wildlife Management Area
 * Balgaard State Wildlife Management Area
 * Chermak State Wildlife Management Area
 * Herberger Lake State Wildlife Management Area
 * Kensington State Wildlife Management Area
 * La Grand State Wildlife Management Area
 * Lake Carlos State Park
 * Osakis State Wildlife Management Area North Unit (part)
 * Red Rock Wildlife Management Area
 * Roger M. Holmes State Wildlife Management Area
 * Schnepf State Wildlife Management Area
 * Thornberg State Wildlife Management Area
 * Urness State Wildlife Management Area

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 32,821 people, 13,276 households, and 9,027 families in the county. The population density was 51.5 /mi2. There were 16,694 housing units at an average density of 26.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.49% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. 0.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 38.5% were of German, 24.6% Norwegian and 8.1% Swedish ancestry.

There were 13,276 households, out of which 29.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.00% were married couples living together, 6.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.93.

The county population contained 24.00% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 25.00% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 99.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $37,703, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $30,968 versus $21,240 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,850. About 5.60% of families and 8.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.30% of those under age 18 and 11.00% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Alexandria (county seat)
 * Brandon
 * Carlos
 * Evansville
 * Forada
 * Garfield
 * Kensington
 * Millerville
 * Miltona
 * Nelson
 * Osakis (part)

Unincorporated communities

 * Belle River
 * Holmes City
 * Leaf Valley
 * Rose City

Townships

 * Alexandria Township
 * Belle River Township
 * Brandon Township
 * Carlos Township
 * Evansville Township
 * Holmes City Township
 * Hudson Township
 * Ida Township
 * La Grand Township
 * Lake Mary Township
 * Leaf Valley Township
 * Lund Township
 * Millerville Township
 * Miltona Township
 * Moe Township
 * Orange Township
 * Osakis Township
 * Solem Township
 * Spruce Hill Township
 * Urness Township

Government and politics
Douglas County traditionally votes Republican. In only one presidential election since 1964 has it selected the Democratic candidate.

title: Douglas County, Minnesota


text:
Dodge County, Minnesota

Dodge County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The population was 20,867 as of the 2020 census. Its county seat is Mantorville.

Dodge County is part of the Rochester, MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The area of present Dodge County was a hunting and battle ground for the Mdewakanton Sioux, often fighting Sauk and Fox Indians who wandered into their territory. Possibly the first non-indigenous person to enter the territory was a French fur trader from Canada in 1655. After the fur trappers and early explorers, the area was populated by settlers from New England. The 1820s and 1830s saw significant emigration, eased by completion of the Erie Canal (1825) and the end of the Black Hawk War (1831). They brought a passion for education, establishing many schools, as well as staunch support for abolitionism. They were members of the Congregational or Episcopal church. Culturally Dodge County was similar to colonial New England during the nineteenth century. In 1853 government surveyors set lines for the townships. In 1854, two Mantor brothers and Eli P. Waterman established their claims in the area of present Mantorville. In early 1855, Dodge County was organized for local government. It was named for Henry Dodge, the first governor of Wisconsin (1836–1841).

The Minnesota State Constitution placed Dodge County in the Fifth Judicial District on May 11, 1858. The county courthouse was constructed in 1865; it is presently the oldest still-used courthouse in Minnesota. As the 20th century began, emigrants from Germany, Sweden and Norway flowed to Minnesota in increasing numbers. Their influence added Catholic and Lutheran influence to the cultural mix.

Geography
The South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River flows east-northeast through the upper central part of Dodge County. Salem Creek and Harkcom Creek drain the county to the east. The county terrain consists of rolling hills, devoted to agriculture where possible. The terrain slopes to the northeast; its highest point is on the eastern part of its southern border, at 1,352 ft ASL. The county has a total area of 440 sqmi, of which 439 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (0.07%) is water.

Dodge County is in southeastern Minnesota and is 24 mi long and 18 mi wide. The central and northern parts are hilly and thickly wooded with pebbly, loose soil that allows for wheat agriculture. The southern part, in contrast, is flat and wet, more suited to grazing livestock. The soil is very fertile, with heavy black loam. Dodge is one of seven southern Minnesota counties that have no forest ecosystems; only prairie and savanna soils exist here.

Dodge County's plentiful sand and rock also make the area a center for building. Quarries in Mantorville were once enterprises and consist of layers of thick stone that can be cut into any desired shape. Wasioja is known nationwide for its excellent "Wasioja stone."

Streams

 * Dodge Center Creek
 * Harkcom Creek
 * Henslin Creek
 * Little Cedar River
 * Masten Creek
 * Millikin Creek
 * Salem Creek
 * Tompkins Creek

Lakes

 * Rice Lake (part)
 * Zumbro River Reservoir

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 14.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 14
 * [[Image:US 218 (MN).svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 218
 * [[Image:MN-30.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 30
 * [[Image:MN-56.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 56
 * [[Image:MN-57.svg|20px]] Minnesota State Highway 57

Airport

 * Dodge Center Municipal Airport

Adjacent counties

 * Rice County - northwest
 * Goodhue County - northeast
 * Olmsted County - east
 * Mower County - south
 * Steele County -west

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,731 people, 6,420 households, and 4,853 families in the county. The population density was 40.4 /mi2. There were 6,642 housing units at an average density of 15.1 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.58% White, 0.20% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.89% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. 2.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 34.2% were of German, 26.9% Norwegian, 5.8% Irish, 5.8% American and 5.1% English ancestry.

There were 6,420 households, out of which 40.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.70% were married couples living together, 7.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.40% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.15.

The county population contained 30.20% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 20.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $47,437, and the median income for a family was $54,261. Males had a median income of $34,195 versus $25,903 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,259. About 4.40% of families and 5.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.80% of those under age 18 and 9.60% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

 * Blooming Prairie (partly in Steele County)
 * Claremont
 * Dodge Center
 * Hayfield
 * Kasson
 * Mantorville (county seat)
 * West Concord

Unincorporated communities

 * Berne
 * Concord
 * Danesville (partial)
 * Eden
 * Oslo
 * Rice Lake (ghost town)
 * Wasioja

Townships

 * Ashland Township
 * Canisteo Township
 * Claremont Township
 * Concord Township
 * Ellington Township
 * Hayfield Township
 * Mantorville Township
 * Milton Township
 * Ripley Township
 * Vernon Township
 * Wasioja Township
 * Westfield Township

Politics
Dodge County voters have been reliably Republican for decades. In only one national election since 1964 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2020).

title: Dodge County, Minnesota