Staples, Minnesota

Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.8 km² (4.6 mi²). 11.7 km² (4.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.22% is water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 3,104 people, 1,278 households, and 732 families residing in the city. The population density is 264.6/km² (684.5/mi²). There are 1,436 housing units at an average density of 122.4/km² (316.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 97.49% White, 0.26% African American, 0.81% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. 1.48% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,278 households out of which 30.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% are married couples living together, 12.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% are non-families. 35.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 19.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.36 and the average family size is 3.09.

In the city the population is spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $25,208, and the median income for a family is $33,472. Males have a median income of $26,481 versus $18,407 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,244. 20.3% of the population and 15.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 23.9% are under the age of 18 and 9.4% are 65 or older.