Bemidji, Minnesota

Bemidji lies on the shores of Lake Bemidji[?], which is a lake on the Mississippi River that provides much water recreation for summer tourists. Bemidji is also home to Bemidji State University[?] and is known for its statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox.

Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.5 km² (12.9 mi²). 30.5 km² (11.8 mi²) of it is land and 3.1 km² (1.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 9.11% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 11,917 people, 4,669 households, and 2,427 families residing in the city. The population density is 390.6/km² (1,011.8/mi²). There are 4,948 housing units at an average density of 162.2/km² (420.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 84.31% White, 0.76% African American, 11.52% Native American, 1.12% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 4,669 households out of which 25.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.0% are married couples living together, 14.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 48.0% are non-families. 35.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.22 and the average family size is 2.87.

In the city the population is spread out with 21.2% under the age of 18, 24.9% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 15.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100 females there are 87.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $28,072, and the median income for a family is $37,250. Males have a median income of $28,312 versus $20,694 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,264. 19.2% of the population and 13.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 19.7% are under the age of 18 and 10.9% are 65 or older.