Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 31.9 km² (12.3 mi²). 19.4 km² (7.5 mi²) of it is land and 12.5 km² (4.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 39.25% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 7,348 people, 3,319 households, and 1,845 families residing in the city. The population density is 378.3/km² (980.4/mi²). There are 3,782 housing units at an average density of 194.7/km² (504.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 91.98% White, 0.42% African American, 4.50% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. 1.20% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,319 households out of which 26.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% are married couples living together, 9.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% are non-families. 40.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 21.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.13 and the average family size is 2.86.

In the city the population is spread out with 22.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 81.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $29,264, and the median income for a family is $42,267. Males have a median income of $28,939 versus $21,439 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,509. 15.0% of the population and 9.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.2% are under the age of 18 and 13.9% are 65 or older.