Cook County, Minnesota

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 8,650 km² (3,340 mi²). 3,757 km² (1,451 mi²) of it is land and 4,893 km² (1,889 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 56.56% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 5,168 people, 2,350 households, and 1,438 families residing in the county. The population density is 1/km² (4/mi²). There are 4,708 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (3/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 89.45% White, 0.29% African American, 7.59% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 2.05% from two or more races. 0.75% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,350 households out of which 24.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.00% are married couples living together, 6.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.80% are non-families. 32.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.17 and the average family size is 2.73.

In the county the population is spread out with 20.40% under the age of 18, 5.40% from 18 to 24, 25.80% from 25 to 44, 31.20% from 45 to 64, and 17.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 44 years. For every 100 females there are 99.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 98.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $36,640, and the median income for a family is $47,132. Males have a median income of $31,211 versus $23,650 for females. The per capita income for the county is $21,775. 10.10% of the population and 8.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 12.20% are under the age of 18 and 6.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Grand Marais
• Lutsen Township
• Schroeder Township
• Tofte Township

Cook County also includes the territories of East Cook, West Cook and Grand Portage, which have no major towns.