Becker County, Minnesota

Becker County is a county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 32,504.[2] Its county seat is Detroit Lakes.[3] A portion of the White Earth Indian Reservation extends into the county. The county was created in 1858 and organized in 1871.

Not to be confused with Becker, Minnesota.

Becker County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of Minnesota
Minnesota's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°56′N 95°40′W
Country United States
State Minnesota
FoundedMarch 18, 1858 (created)
1871 (organized)[1]
Named forGeorge Loomis Becker
SeatDetroit Lakes
Largest cityDetroit Lakes
Area
 • Total1,445 sq mi (3,740 km2)
 • Land1,315 sq mi (3,410 km2)
 • Water130 sq mi (300 km2)  9.0%%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total32,504
 • Estimate 
(2019)
34,423
 • Density25.9/sq mi (10.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitewww.co.becker.mn.us

History

Becker County became a county on March 18, 1858. It was named for George Loomis Becker,[4] one of three men elected to Congress when Minnesota became a state. Since Minnesota could only send two, Becker elected to stay behind, and he was promised to have a county named after him.

The city of Detroit Lakes was founded by Colonel George Johnston in 1871. It grew quickly with the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Johnston had led settlers hailing from New England to settle in this region.[5] An 1877 election decided that Detroit Lakes, then known as Detroit, would become the county seat. Detroit won the election by a 90% majority. Frazee, Lake Park, and Audubon were also in the running.

Soils of Becker County[6]
Soils of Callaway WMA area
A country road in Becker County in summer

In 1884, Detroit Lakes had many businesses, including two hotels, a bank, a newspaper, and an opera house. The first courthouse was built that year. In 1885, the first County Fire Department was constructed. In 1903, the Soo Line Railroad built a line through the county.

Detroit Lakes hosts a park dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic. The City of Detroit Lakes rededicated the GAR Park on April 15, 2015, marking the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and the death of President Lincoln. The rededication was sponsored by Colonel Tom Mortenson and his wife, Pam, representing the Women's Relief Corps who spearheaded community support for the effort that included new signage for the Park and a time capsule to be opened on the 200th anniversary.[7]

Geography

The county terrain consists of low rolling hills, tree-covered and dotted with lakes and ponds.[8] The terrain slopes to the west and north. Its highest point is a hill 2.1 miles (3.4 km) northeast of Wolf Lake, the site of the USFS Wolf Lake lookout tower, at 1,861' (567m) ASL.[9] The next highest point is near its northwest corner, at 1,631' (497m) ASL.[10] The county has a total area of 1,445 square miles (3,740 km2), of which 1,315 square miles (3,410 km2) is land and 130 square miles (340 km2) (9.0%) is water.[11]

Becker County has much diversity in its topographical features. It is home to several hundred lakes, many acres of fertile farm land, and forested areas. Much of the land consists of hills and deciduous trees.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Protected areas[8]
  • Atlanta State Wildlife Management Area
  • Becker State Wildlife Management Area
  • Callaway State Wildlife Management Area
  • Frank State Wildlife Management Area
  • Greenwater Lake Scientific and Natural Area
  • Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
  • Hasca State Park (part)
  • Lunde State Wildlife Management Area
  • Melbye State Wildlife Management Area
  • Ogema Springs State Wildlife Management Area
  • Pednor State Wildlife Management Area
  • Riparia State Wildlife Management Area
  • Smoky Hills State Forest
  • Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
  • Teiken-Dalve State Wildlife Management Area
  • Two Inlets State Forest
  • White Earth State Wildlife Management Area

Climate and weather
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
0.8
 
 
19
−2
 
 
0.5
 
 
26
3
 
 
1.1
 
 
37
17
 
 
1.9
 
 
56
32
 
 
3.5
 
 
69
45
 
 
4.4
 
 
78
55
 
 
3.8
 
 
82
60
 
 
3
 
 
81
58
 
 
3.6
 
 
71
47
 
 
3.1
 
 
56
35
 
 
1.2
 
 
38
21
 
 
0.7
 
 
23
5
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Source: The Weather Channel[12]

In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Detroit Lakes have ranged from a low of −2 °F (−19 °C) in January to a high of 82 °F (28 °C) in July, although a record low of −46 °F (−43 °C) was recorded in February 1936 and a record high of 107 °F (42 °C) was recorded in July 1936. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 0.53 inches (13 mm) in February to 4.44 inches (113 mm) in June.[12]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1860386—
1870308−20.2%
18805,2181,594.2%
18909,40180.2%
190014,37552.9%
191018,84031.1%
192022,85121.3%
193022,503−1.5%
194026,56218.0%
195024,836−6.5%
196023,959−3.5%
197024,3721.7%
198029,33620.4%
199027,881−5.0%
200030,0007.6%
201032,5048.3%
2019 (est.)34,423[13]5.9%
US Decennial Census[14]
1790-1960[15] 1900-1990[16]
1990-2000[17] 2010-2019[2]
Age pyramid of county residents based on 2000 US census data

As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 30,000 people, 11,844 households, and 8,184 families in the county. The population density was 22.8/sqmi (8.81/km2). There were 16,612 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.35% White, 0.19% Black or African American, 7.52% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 2.32% from two or more races. 0.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 32.2% were of German, 26.0% Norwegian and 5.2% Swedish ancestry.

There were 11,844 households, out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.10% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.02.

The county population contained 26.60% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 24.90% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 16.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 99.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,797, and the median income for a family was $41,807. Males had a median income of $29,641 versus $20,693 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,085. About 8.50% of families and 12.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.40% of those under age 18 and 11.80% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

Townships

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities[8]

Lakes
  • Big Cormorant Lake
  • Middle Cormorant Lake
  • Upper Cormorant Lake
  • Little Cormorant lake
  • Nelson lake
  • Erickson Lake
  • Lake Melissa
  • Detroit Lake
  • Lake Sallie
  • Lake Maud

[18]

Government and Politics

Becker County voters have voted solidly Republican in recent decades. In only one national election since 1980 has the county selected the Democratic Party candidate (as of 2016).

Presidential election results
Presidential elections results[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 63.2% 10,880 30.2% 5,208 6.6% 1,134
2012 56.2% 9,204 41.7% 6,829 2.1% 349
2008 52.2% 8,851 45.3% 7,687 2.5% 427
2004 58.3% 9,795 40.2% 6,756 1.5% 250
2000 56.9% 8,152 36.7% 5,253 6.5% 928
1996 40.8% 5,461 44.2% 5,911 15.0% 2,002
1992 39.6% 5,430 36.2% 4,958 24.2% 3,314
1988 53.3% 6,738 45.7% 5,787 1.0% 126
1984 57.7% 7,553 41.7% 5,456 0.7% 92
1980 52.1% 6,848 39.8% 5,221 8.1% 1,065
1976 44.7% 5,611 52.5% 6,597 2.9% 358
1972 55.4% 6,033 43.1% 4,695 1.4% 156
1968 46.4% 4,728 47.8% 4,875 5.8% 593
1964 36.7% 3,751 63.1% 6,453 0.2% 16
1960 49.0% 5,090 50.6% 5,257 0.4% 42
1956 49.8% 4,608 49.9% 4,619 0.3% 24
1952 55.8% 5,815 43.6% 4,539 0.6% 60
1948 35.9% 3,495 60.5% 5,885 3.6% 347
1944 43.5% 3,803 55.9% 4,889 0.7% 58
1940 39.7% 4,292 59.5% 6,432 0.9% 92
1936 28.3% 2,683 68.4% 6,473 3.3% 310
1932 28.0% 2,299 67.6% 5,547 4.4% 364
1928 55.5% 4,273 42.2% 3,253 2.3% 177
1924 45.5% 2,936 6.7% 429 47.8% 3,087
1920 75.8% 4,811 14.2% 901 10.0% 637
1916 50.4% 1,761 41.6% 1,453 7.9% 277
1912 16.8% 509 24.1% 732 59.1% 1,796
1908 64.4% 2,058 22.8% 728 12.8% 410
1904 79.5% 1,872 13.2% 310 7.4% 173
1900 64.6% 1,790 27.8% 771 7.6% 209
1896 58.8% 1,479 39.2% 985 2.0% 51
1892 55.4% 853 17.3% 266 27.3% 420
County Board of Commissioners[20]
Position Name District Term Ends
Commissioner Larry Knutson District 1 2022
Commissioner and Chairperson Ben Grimsley District 2 2022
Commissioner John Okeson District 3 2020
Commissioner Donald Skarie District 4 2020
Commissioner Barry Nelson District 5 2020
State Legislature (2018-2020)
Position Name Affiliation District
  Senate Paul Utke[21] Republican District 2
  Senate Kent Eken[22] Democrat District 4
  House of Representatives Steve Green[23] Republican District 2B
  House of Representatives Paul Marquart[24] Democrat District 4B
U.S Congress (2018-2020)
Position Name Affiliation District
  House of Representatives Collin Peterson[25] Democrat 7th
  Senate Amy Klobuchar[26] Democrat N/A
  Senate Tina Smith[27] Democrat N/A

Becker County is the setting of the 2006 independent film Sweet Land, though it was filmed in Chippewa County.

Images
  • The County Public Works Center for Becker County in Detroit Lakes
  • Highway Department building for Becker County

See also

References
  1. "Minnesota Place Names". Minnesota Historical Society. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on March 2, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. Citizen Kane, Charles Curry Aiken (2005). "The American counties: origins of county names, dates of creation, and population data, 1950-2000" p. 18. Scarecrow Press, 2005
  5. A Pioneer History of Becker County, Minnesota: Including a Brief Account of Its Natural History ... and a History of the Early Settlement of the County; Also, Including ... Historical Information Collected by Mrs. Jessie C. West. And Numerous Articles Written by Various Early Pioneers Relating to the History of the Several Townships of Becker County by Alvin H. Wilcox, Mrs. Jessie Campbell West. Pioneer Press Company 1907
  6. Nelson, Steven (2011). Savanna Soils of Minnesota. Minnesota: Self. pp. 53-56. ISBN 978-0-615-50320-2.
  7. Detroit Lakes: Park to be Re-dedicated
  8. Becker County MN Google Maps (accessed March 4, 2019)
  9. Wolf Lake Lookout, Minnesota. PeakBagger.com (accessed May 4, 2019)
  10. ""Find an Altitude/Becker County MN" Google Maps (accessed March 4, 2019)". Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  11. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  12. "Monthly Averages for Detroit Lakes MN". The Weather Channel. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  13. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  14. "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  15. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  16. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  17. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  18. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Becker+County,+MN/@46.7666355,-95.9640362,11.99z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x52c869ebde38259d:0xc3e648016c1529e6!8m2!3d46.9164628!4d-95.7036557
  19. Leip, David. "Atlas of US Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  20. "Becker County Board of Commissioners". www.co.becker.mn.us. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  21. "MN State Senate". www.senate.mn. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  22. "MN State Senate". www.senate.mn. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  23. "Rep. Steve Green (02B) - Minnesota House of Representatives". www.house.leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  24. "Rep. Paul Marquart (04B) - Minnesota House of Representatives". www.house.leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  25. "Congressman Collin Peterson". Congressman Collin Peterson. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  26. "U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar". www.klobuchar.senate.gov. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  27. "Home". Senator Tina Smith. Retrieved June 24, 2020.

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