Pine County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2010 census, the population was 29,750. Its county seat is Pine City. The county was formed in 1856 and organized in 1872.
A portion of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is in the county.
History
Historic Minnesota 10th Judicial District Town Hall - September 29, 2010 - MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (September 24, 2010) -- North Star Tea Party Patriots, a recently announced coalition of Tea Party groups in Minnesota, will hold a Judicial Town Hall in Monticello...
Pine County was organized on March 1, 1856, with Chisago County being its primary parent county. Other portions of the original Pine County originated from Ramsey County. The original county seat was Chengwatana.
In 1857, Buchanan County in full and southern portions of Aitkin and Carlton counties were formed from the original Pine County, with Kanabec County organized a year later. In 1861, Buchanan County was dissolved and folded into Pine County. Pine County was re-organized in 1872, with Pine City becoming the new county seat. Pine County has been featured in a series of Mysteries written by Dean Hovey. The titles include: Where Evil Hides, Hooker, Unforgettable, and Undeveloped. Each of the Hovey books has been nominated for a Northeastern Minnesota Book Award (NEMBA) for their depiction of life in the area.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,435 square miles (3,720Â km2), of which 1,411 square miles (3,650Â km2) is land and 23 square miles (60Â km2) (1.6%) is water.
Major highways
Adjacent counties
- Carlton County (north)
- Douglas County, Wisconsin (northeast)
- Burnett County, Wisconsin (east)
- Chisago County (south)
- Isanti County (southwest)
- Kanabec County (west)
- Aitkin County (northwest)
National protected area
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (part)
Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 26,530 people, 9,939 households, and 6,917 families residing in the county. The population density was 19 people per square mile (7/km²). There were 15,353 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.9% White, 2.0% Black or African American, 3.1% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. 2.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 32.3% were of German, 11.6% Swedish, 11.1% Norwegian and 5.5% American ancestry.
There were 17,276 households out of which 31.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.50% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.40% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.90% 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 3.02.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 23.90% 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 108.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,379, and the median income for a family was $44,058. Males had a median income of $31,600 versus $22,675 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,445. About 7.80% of families and 11.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.60% of those under age 18 and 10.00% of those age 65 or over.
Communities
Cities
Townships
Unincorporated communities
Ghost towns
Politics
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Pine County, Minnesota
References
External links
- Pine County Government's Website
- Mn/DOT Official Map of Southern Pine County
- Mn/DOT Official Map of Northern Pine County
