Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Brooklyn Center is a first-ring suburban city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. In 1911, the area became a village formed from parts of Brooklyn Township and Crystal Lake Township.[7] In 1966, Brooklyn Center became a charter city.[8] The city has commercial and industrial development. The majority of land use is single-family homes.[9] The population was 33,782 at the 2020 census,[4] and the city has become the most ethnically diverse community in the state.[10]

Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Hennepin County District Court in Brooklyn Center
Hennepin County District Court in Brooklyn Center
Official seal of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Motto: 
At The Center
Location of the city of Brooklyn Center within Hennepin County, Minnesota
Location of the city of Brooklyn Center
within Hennepin County, Minnesota
Coordinates: 45°4′9″N 93°18′50″W / 45.06917°N 93.31389°W / 45.06917; -93.31389
CountryUnited States
StateMinnesota
CountyHennepin
Settled1852
Incorporated (village)February 18, 1911
Incorporated (city)October 20, 1966
Government
 • MayorApril Graves[1]
 • City ManagerReggie Edwards
 • Council MembersMarquita Butler
Dan Jerzak
Teneshia Kragness
Kris Lawrence-Anderson
Area
 • Total
8.381 sq mi (21.707 km2)
 • Land8.003 sq mi (20.728 km2)
 • Water0.378 sq mi (0.979 km2)
Elevation856 ft (261 m)
Population
 • Total
33,782
 • Estimate 
(2022)[5]
32,217
 • Density4,025.0/sq mi (1,554.0/km2)
Time zoneUTC–6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC–5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes
55429, 55430
Area code763
FIPS code27-07948
GNIS feature ID0640508[3]
Sales tax8.525%[6]
Websiteci.brooklyn-center.mn.us

History

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Pioneers organized town governments for Brooklyn Township and Crystal Lake Township when Minnesota became a state in 1858. Osseo Road was a main thoroughfare that brought settlers to an area centered around their school, post office, store, meeting hall, and Baptist and Methodist churches. That location thrived as a market gardening community. It abutted the encroaching development of Minneapolis to the south.[7]

Steps were taken to protect the area from annexation by Minneapolis and to retain "simpler public business methods, and extra police protection" by incorporation.[11] The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners accepted a petition to incorporate the Village of Brooklyn Center on January 16, 1911.[12] An election followed, the boundaries were set, and documents filed with the state on February 18, 1911. P.W. Reidhead was the first president. The population was 500.[7]

By 1940, the village saw a need for more organized planning to deal with issues such as sewage and traffic. In 1942, a Planning Commission was established. Farmers were selling their valuable land to housing developers. The decade saw unprecedented population growth, reaching 4,000 by 1950. Brookdale, a new shopping concept by Dayton’s, was constructed in 1960[13] when the population had grown to over 24,000. In 1963, even more new opportunities for commercial development were presented with the estate of Earle Brown, deceased, the heir of Captain John Martin who had been one of the wealthiest men in Minneapolis.[14]

Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center was the former Cap Martin country estate, built in 1878 and willed to his grandson Earle Brown in 1901. The buildings included the family home, office and garage, housing for the workers, a pump house, multiple barns, a hippodrome, an antique carriage collection, and a restored lumber bunkhouse and cook shanty. It is now a historic site in Brooklyn Center owned by the city and developed into a conference and event center.

In April 2021, Daunte Wright was killed by a city police officer. Due to elevated racial tensions and anti-police sentiment because of the concurrent Derek Chauvin trial, riots and looting broke out. California Congresswoman Maxine Waters traveled to the city to hold a rally for the protestors, which only encouraged the rioting.[15] The city worked with Juxtaposition Arts on a permanent memorial to Wright.[16]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.381 square miles (21.71 km2), of which 8.003 square miles (20.73 km2) is land and 0.378 square miles (0.98 km2) is water.[2] All of Brooklyn Center is in the Upper Mississippi Watershed Basin.[17] The Mississippi River is the eastern boundary of the city and is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area of Minnesota. The North Mississippi Regional Park,[18] at 5700 Lyndale Avenue North, is managed by Three Rivers Park District Board, on which Brooklyn Center is represented in District 3.[19]

Southwestern Brooklyn Center includes Upper Twin Lake[20] (117 acres)[21] and connects to a chain of lakes that discharge into Shingle Creek, which discharges into the Mississippi River.[22] Shingle Creek also runs through Palmer Lake.[23] The city is a member of Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commission, which manages the lakes, streams, and wetlands in this area.[24] Palmer Lake Park is a natural environmental preserve of lake and marsh habitat on over 200 acres.[25]

All of Brooklyn Center is in the state's Deciduous Forest Biome.[26] The Plant Hardiness Zone is 4B, with an average minimum extreme temperature of -25 to -20 Fahrenheit.[27] The city has developed and maintains 26 parks and a 20-mile trail system.[28] The majority of land use is single-family homes.[9] The historical route, Osseo Road, was renamed Brooklyn Boulevard by both Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park in 1969.[29] Interstates 94 and 694 and Minnesota State Highways 100 and 252 are four of the main routes in Brooklyn Center. 

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1920788
19301,34470.6%
19401,87039.1%
19504,284129.1%
196024,356468.5%
197035,17344.4%
198031,230−11.2%
199028,887−7.5%
200029,1721.0%
201030,1043.2%
202033,78212.2%
2022 (est.)32,217[5]−4.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[30]
2020 Census[4]

2020 census

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Brooklyn Center Racial Composition[31]
Race Number Percent
White (NH) 11,105 32.4%
Black or African American (NH) 9,340 27.6%
Native American (NH) 245 0.7%
Asian (NH) 6,401 18.9%
Pacific Islander (NH) 7 0.0%
Some Other (NH) 162 0.5%
Other/Mixed (NH) 1,848 5.5%
Hispanic or Latino 4,674 13.8%

As of the 2020 census, there were 33,782 people, 11,309 households, and 7,413 families residing in the city.[32] The population density was 4,221.2 inhabitants per square mile (1,629.8/km2). There were 11,665 housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 34.4% White, 27.9% African American, 1.4% Native American, 19.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 8.2% from some other races and 9.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.8% of the population.[33] 29.3% of residents were under the age of 18, 9.0% were under 5 years of age, and 11.5% were 65 and older.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 census, there were 30,104 people, 10,756 households, and 7,010 families resided in the city. The population density was 3,784.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,461.0/km2). There were 11,640 housing units at an average density of 1,462.3 per square mile (564.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 49.1% White, 25.9% African American, 0.8% Native American, 14.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.4% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.6% of the population.

There were 10,756 households, of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.8% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.43.

The city's median age was 32.6. 27.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.1% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 12.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census

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As of the 2000 census, there were 29,172 people, 11,430 households, and 7,383 families resided in the city. The population density was 3,672.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,417.8/km2). There were 11,598 housing units at an average density of 1,459.9 per square mile (563.7/km2). The city's racial makeup was 71.39% White, 14.09% African American, 0.87% Native American, 8.79% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.49% from other races, and 3.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.82% of the population.

There were 11,430 households, of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 35. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The city's median household income was $44,570, and the median family income was $52,006. Males had a median income of $36,031 versus $27,755 for females. The city's per capita income was $19,695. About 4.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those 65 or older.

Economy

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Federal Bureau of Investigation office in Brooklyn Center

Notable businesses include Surly Brewing Company, and Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, a mixed martial arts training center. The FBI's Minneapolis field office is located in Brooklyn Center.[34]

Top employers

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According to the City's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,[35] the largest employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees Percentage
1 PROMEON Inc., A Division of Medtronic 1,100 7.65%
2 Luther Auto Group 555 3.86%
3 City of Brooklyn Center 398 2.77%
4 Brooklyn Center Schools ISD #286 396 2.75%
5 University of Minnesota Physicians 330 2.29%
6 Walmart 278 1.93%
7 Caribou Coffee Headquarters 240 1.67%
8 Presbyterian Homes, Maranatha Care Center 215 1.50%
9 Cass Screw Machine Products 124 0.86%
10 HealthPartners 97 0.67%
Total employers 3,733 25.96%

Government

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Brooklyn Center is in Minnesota's 5th congressional district.

Presidential election results 1960–2024
Precinct General Election Results[36]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2024 26.6% 3,391 70.8% 8,749 2.6% 325
2020 25.9% 3,609 71.6% 9,973 2.5% 352
2016 26.4% 3,321 65.7% 8,253 7.9% 987
2012 27.9% 3,783 69.7% 9,444 2.4% 332
2008 31.9% 4,238 66.0% 8,757 2.1% 279
2004 36.7% 5,047 62.0% 8,530 1.3% 173
2000 36.3% 4,740 56.9% 7,434 6.8% 897
1996 30.3% 3,884 58.8% 7,528 10.9% 1,388
1992 29.7% 4,606 48.3% 7,491 22.0% 3,420
1988 41.8% 6,067 58.2% 8,461 0.0% 0
1984 46.0% 7,385 54.0% 8,667 0.0% 0
1980 35.9% 5,881 55.1% 9,036 9.0% 1,483
1976 37.6% 6,257 60.8% 10,115 1.6% 272
1972 50.9% 7,512 46.9% 6,924 2.2% 315
1968 33.8% 4,239 61.9% 7,757 4.3% 535
1964 33.4% 3,833 66.4% 7,633 0.2% 26
1960 44.6% 4,605 55.1% 5,683 0.3% 27

Infrastructure

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Law enforcement

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The Brooklyn Center Police Department was established in 1953, the city having previously had elected constables and appointed marshals.[37] The department has about 47 sworn officers.[37] The department is organized into a number of divisions and units.[38]

Crime

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Brooklyn Center
Crime rates* (2022)
Violent crimes
Homicide1
Rape38
Robbery68
Aggravated assault88
Total violent crime195
Property crimes
Burglary106
Larceny-theft703
Motor vehicle theft187
Arson12
Total property crime1,008
Notes

*Number of reported crimes per 100,000 population.

2022 population: 32,217

Source: 2022 FBI UCR Data

According to the Uniform Crime Report statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2022, there were 195 violent crimes and 1,008 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Of these, the violent crimes consisted of 1 murder, 38 forcible rapes, 68 robberies and 88 aggravated assaults, while 106 burglaries, 703 larceny-thefts, 187 motor vehicle thefts and 12 acts of arson defined the property offenses.

Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ Zamora, Karen (January 2, 2019). "Brooklyn Center welcomes new mayor who reflects its growing diversity". Star Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2019. Mike Elliott, who came from Liberia at age 11, said the city he will lead "put arms around us."
  2. ^ a b "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  3. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
  4. ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  6. ^ "Brooklyn Center (MN) sales tax rate". Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c The Brooklyns : a history of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Daniel John Hoisington, Brooklyn Historical Society. Brooklyn Center, MN: Brooklyn Historical Society. 2001. ISBN 0-9708439-0-9. OCLC 47669661.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  8. ^ "City Charter and Charter Commissions". City of Brooklyn Center. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Hennepin County Land Use and Cover" (PDF). Minnesota Geospatial Information Office. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 18, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  10. ^ Sullivan, Becky (April 18, 2021). "Brooklyn Center, Minnesota's Most Diverse City, Is In The Spotlight After Shooting". NPR. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  11. ^ "County Lets Two Villages". Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota). February 20, 1911. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  12. ^ "County Commissioners Board". Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota). January 20, 1911. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  13. ^ "Work Begins at Dayton's Brookdale Shop Center". The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota). September 28, 1960. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  14. ^ Hallberg, Jane, Leone Howe, and Mary J. Gustafson. (1966). History of the Earle Brown Farm. Brooklyn Center, Minn.: Brooklyn Historical Society.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ "Waters calls for protesters to 'get more confrontational' if no guilty verdict is reached in Derek Chauvin trial | CNN Politics". CNN. April 19, 2021.
  16. ^ "Brooklyn Center unveils design for memorial to Daunte Wright". MPR News. July 18, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  17. ^ "Minnesota's watershed basins". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on June 16, 2002. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  18. ^ "North Mississippi Regional Park". Three Rivers Park District. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  19. ^ "Commissioners". Three Rivers Park District. Archived from the original on October 1, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  20. ^ "Upper Twin (27004201)". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  21. ^ "Minnesota LakeBrowser". University of Minnesota. Archived from the original on August 3, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  22. ^ "Twin and Ryan Lakes - Excess Nutrients: TMDL Project". Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  23. ^ "Palmer (27005900)". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  24. ^ "Watershed Management Commissions". Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions. Archived from the original on January 6, 2002. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  25. ^ "Parks and Trails". City of Brooklyn Center. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  26. ^ "Biomes of Minnesota". Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on October 20, 2002. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  27. ^ "Find Your Hardiness Zone". Minnesota Horticultural Society. March 17, 2021. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  28. ^ "Parks Amenities Finder". Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  29. ^ "Road To Be Renamed". the Minneapolis Star. June 10, 1969. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  30. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  31. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Brooklyn Center city, Minnesota".
  32. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  33. ^ "How many people live in Brooklyn Center city, Minnesota". USA Today. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
  34. ^ Baca, Maria Elena. "New FBI field office in Brooklyn Center seen as a catalyst." Star Tribune. August 31, 2010. Retrieved on October 29, 2011
  35. ^ "City of Brooklyn Center 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report" (PDF). April 27, 2024. p. 192.
  36. ^ "Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State - Election Results". Archived from the original on February 22, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  37. ^ a b "History of the Police Department". City of Brooklyn Center. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  38. ^ "History of the Police Department". City of Brooklyn Center. Archived from the original on April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2021.

Further reading

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  • A Church Grows in Brooklyn: A History of Two Hundred Years of Methodism in America, a History of the One Hundred Thirty Years of Brooklyn United Methodist Church. Brooklyn Center, Minn: Brooklyn United Methodist Church, 1984.
  • Hallberg, Jane, Leone Howe, and Mary J. Gustafson. History of the Earle Brown Farm. Brooklyn Center, Minn.: Brooklyn Historical Society, 1996.
  • Hoisington, Daniel John (2001). The Brooklyns: A history of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Brooklyn Center Historical Society, ISBN 978-0970843906.
  • Snodgrass, Pat. Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. Chicago, IL: Arcadia Pub, 2009. ISBN 978-1531639723
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