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Chisago County
Old Chisago County Courthouse originally in Center City, Minnesota, moved in 1990 to Almelund, Minnesota.
Old Chisago County Courthouse originally in Center City, Minnesota, moved in 1990 to Almelund, Minnesota.
Official logo of Chisago County
Logo
Map of Minnesota highlighting Chisago County
Location within the U.S. state of Minnesota
Map of the United States highlighting Minnesota
Minnesota's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Minnesota
Founded September 1, 1851
Named for Chisago Lake
Seat Center City
Largest city North Branch
Area
 • Total 442 sq mi (1,140 km2)
 • Land 415 sq mi (1,070 km2)
 • Water 28 sq mi (70 km2)  6.2%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 56,621
 • Estimate 
(2023)
58,535 Increase
 • Density 136.4/sq mi (52.7/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 8th

Chisago County (/ʃɪˈsɑːɡ/ shi-SAH-goh) is a county in the east-central part of the U.S. state of Minnesota. The county covers an area of 442 square miles (1,140 square kilometers) and, as of the 2020 Census, had a population of 56,621 people. It is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The county's largest city is North Branch. Within Chisago County is the Chisago Lakes area, which includes the combined areas of Shafer, Chisago City, Lindström, and Center City. Center City is the county seat.

The county has a diverse economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

History

Early history

Before the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Chisago County was home to the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes. The Dakota lived in the southern part of the county and the Ojibwe in the northern part.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, French fur traders who traveled south from Lake Superior established trading posts along the river, extending as far south as Taylors Falls.

European Settlement

The first European settlers arrived in the Chisago County area in the early 1800s. Most of them were of Swedish descent, and they came in search of land and new opportunities. They established small farms and communities throughout the county. Many Swedes emigrated seeking religious freedom from the oppressive Lutheran Church of Sweden. However, the majority left for reasons other than religious repression and still identified as Lutherans. The early Swedish churches in Minnesota, like the Chisago Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church in Center City, were initially lay-led due to the absence of ordained clergy.

In the mid-1800s, the area that is now Chisago County was part of the Minnesota Territory, and it was not officially established as a county until 1851. It took its name from the Chisago Lake. In its aboriginal form it was "Ki-chi-saga", from two Ojibwe words: "kichi" (large) and "saga" (fair or lovely).

The county seat was originally in Taylors Falls, but was relocated to Chisago City in 1865. It took three more years before the legislature approved this relocation and voters approved it in a referendum. The move was later challenged in the courts on allegations of election fraud, resulting in a two-year delay before the state Supreme Court validated the results.

Progressive Era

During the Progressive Era, widespread reform movements resonated throughout Minnesota, significantly impacting regions such as Chisago County. This county's distinct approach to education can be primarily attributed to its homogeneous population and the unique structure of local governance. This uniformity allowed the school boards in Chisago County to effectively control external influences through their selection of teachers.

Nearly 70% of Chisago County voters supported Progressive Party candidate Theodore Roosevelt in 1912.

Economic growth

Chisago County's early economy was based on farming, logging, and mining. The county was rich in natural resources, and its forests and mines attracted many settlers to the area. As the county grew, it became a hub of commerce and trade, with many businesses and industries establishing themselves in the area. Records of early businesses in Chisago County are recorded in Lindströmsjö.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the county's economy shifted toward manufacturing and industry. The county was home to many factories and mills, including sawmills, flour mills, and paper mills. These industries helped fuel the county's growth and prosperity, and they remain an important part of the county's economy.

Modern era

Today, Chisago County has a diverse economy. It is home to several manufacturing companies, including the Anderson Corporation, a major producer of windows and doors. Agriculture is also an essential part of the local economy, with crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat grown in the county. Tourism is also a significant industry in the county, with visitors drawn to the Chisago Lakes area's recreational opportunities.

The county has retained and continues to celebrate much of its Swedish heritage.

Geography

Chisago County lies on Minnesota's eastern border, abutting the western border of Wisconsin (across the Saint Croix River). The Saint Croix flows south-southeast along the county's eastern border. The Sunrise River flows north through the county's central part, collecting the waters of the North Branch Sunrise River and Hay Creek before discharging into the St. Croix at the county's eastern boundary. The county terrain consists of rolling hills, devoted to agriculture. The terrain slopes to the south and east, with its highest point near the northwest corner, at 1,017 ft (310 m) ASL. The county has an area of 442 square miles (1,140 km2), of which 415 square miles (1,070 km2) is land and 28 square miles (73 km2) (6.2%) is water.

Major highways

  • I-35.svg Interstate 35
  • US 8.svg US Highway 8
  • US 61.svg US Highway 61
  • MN-95.svg Minnesota State Highway 95
  • MN-243.svg Minnesota State Highway 243
  • List of county roads

Adjacent counties

Protected areas

  • Fish Lake County Park
  • Franconia Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area
  • Interstate State Park
  • Lawrence Creek Scientific and Natural Area
  • Ojiketa Regional Park
  • Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (part)
  • Wild River State Park

Climate and weather

Weather chart for Center City, Minnesota
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
0.9
 
24
2
 
 
0.9
 
31
7
 
 
1.6
 
43
19
 
 
2.8
 
59
33
 
 
3.7
 
70
45
 
 
4.5
 
79
56
 
 
4.4
 
84
60
 
 
3.9
 
81
58
 
 
3.6
 
72
49
 
 
2.8
 
60
37
 
 
1.9
 
42
22
 
 
1.1
 
27
8
temperatures in °F
precipitation totals in inches
source: The Weather Channel

Chisago County has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with long, cold winters and warm summers. The average high temperature in the summer is around 80 °F (27 °C), while the average low temperature in the winter is around 5 °F (−15 °C).

A record low of −38 °F (−39 °C) was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of 104 °F (40 °C) was recorded in July 1988.

The county's location in the Upper Midwest region of the United States exposes it to a wide range of weather patterns, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards. The county experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 30 inches (760 mm) and an average annual snowfall of 47 inches (1,200 mm). Spring is the most active season for severe weather, with thunderstorms and tornadoes common. Winter storms are common during the winter, with heavy snowfall and blizzards.

Chisago County has many lakes and wetlands, which significantly affect its weather and climate. It has over 100 lakes, the largest being North and South Center Lakes, Green Lake, and Chisago Lake. The lakes and wetlands moderate temperatures by absorbing heat during the summer and releasing it during the winter.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1860 1,743
1870 4,358 150.0%
1880 7,982 83.2%
1890 10,359 29.8%
1900 13,248 27.9%
1910 13,537 2.2%
1920 14,445 6.7%
1930 13,189 −8.7%
1940 13,124 −0.5%
1950 12,669 −3.5%
1960 13,419 5.9%
1970 17,492 30.4%
1980 25,717 47.0%
1990 30,521 18.7%
2000 41,101 34.7%
2010 53,887 31.1%
2020 56,621 5.1%
2023 (est.) 58,535 8.6%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010-2020

According to the most recent census data, Chisago County's population is 56,621, making it Minnesota's 18th-most populous county. 52.1% of residents are male and 47.9% are female. The average family size in Chisago County was 3.05 persons, and 62.2% of households were married-couple families.

95.4% of residents have at least a high school education, and 22.2% have attained a bachelor's degree or higher. 4.9% are veterans.

ChisagoCountyMn2022PopPyr
2022 US Census population pyramid for Chisago County, from ACS 5-year estimate

Race and ethnicity

Historically, Chisago County has been overwhelmingly populated by non-Hispanic Whites. Since 2000, it has been home to a small but growing Black, Asian, and Hispanic population.

Year Total White alone Black alone Hispanic
(any race)
Native alone Asian alone
(incl. Pacific Is.)
Other
race alone
Two or
more
Number % Number % Number % Number % Number % Number % Number %
1950 12,669 12,660 99.93 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9 0.06 N/A N/A
1960 13,419 13,392 99.80 21 0.16 N/A N/A N/A N/A 6 0.04 0 0.00 N/A N/A
1970 17,492 17,427 99.63 33 0.19 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 32 0.18 N/A N/A
1980 25,717 25,423 98.86 28 0.11 91 0.35 76 0.30 59 0.23 40 0.16 N/A N/A
1990 30,521 30,099 98.62 63 0.21 137 0.45 120 0.39 89 0.29 13 0.04 N/A N/A
2000 41,101 39,953 97.21 210 0.51 473 1.15 187 0.45 287 0.70 126 0.31 327 0.80
2010 53,887 51,013 94.67 636 1.18 835 1.55 313 0.58 480 0.89 19 0.04 591 1.10
2020 56,621 50,804 89.73 845 1.49 1,451 2.56 309 0.55 771 1.36 185 0.33 2,256 3.98

Ancestry

The most common ancestries in Chisago County are German, English, Swedish, Irish and Norwegian.

Ancestry Any ancestry Full ancestry
Rank Population % Rank Population %
German 1 19,608 34.63 1 6,551 11.57
Irish 2 8,895 15.71 4 1,515 2.68
Swedish 3 8,368 14.78 3 2,380 4.20
English 4 6,992 12.35 2 2,766 4.89
Norwegian 5 6,463 11.41 5 1,467 2.59
Polish 6 3,127 5.52 7 637 1.13
French 7 2,846 5.03 9 359 0.63
Italian 8 1,859 3.28 8 509 0.90
Scandinavian 9 1,692 2.99 6 985 1.74
Scottish 10 1,239 2.19 15 118 0.21
Danish 11 945 1.67 12 144 0.25
Dutch 12 908 1.60 11 146 0.26
Finnish 13 900 1.59 10 257 0.45
Czech 14 884 1.56 13 142 0.25
Mexican 15 883 1.56 N/A N/A N/A
French-Canadian 16 691 1.22 14 139 0.25

Nativity

In 2021, 97.9% of residents were born in the United States, and 78.5% had been born in Minnesota. Among the foreign-born population, 56.5% were naturalized U.S. citizens. 97.1% of residents spoke only English at home.

From the late 19th to mid-20th century, a majority of the foreign-born population was born in Sweden. As of 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 1,174 people were foreign born, or 2.06% of the total population. Of these, about 40% were born in Asia, 30% in Latin America, 15% in Canada, 10% in Europe, and 5% in Africa.

Country of birth of foreign born population, 1930–1970
Country of birth
1900 1930 1940 1970
Number  % Number  % Number  % Number  %
 Sweden 4,215 84.00 2,319 84.85 1,541 82.45 220 59.46
 Germany 390 2.94 133 4.86 92 4.93 52 14.05
 Norway 69 1.38 94 3.44 77 4.12 8 2.16
 Canada 128 2.55 56 2.05 38 2.03 16 4.32
 Denmark 55 0.42 41 1.50 40 2.14 6 1.62
Other 161 3.21 90 3.29 80 4.28 68 18.38
Total foreign born 5,018 100.00 2,733 100.00 1,868 100.00 370 100.0
Country of birth of foreign born population, 2022
Country Number Percent
 Mexico 201 17.12
 Canada 178 15.16
 Philippines 116 9.88
 Thailand 68 5.79
 Laos 64 5.45
 Honduras 61 5.20
 Cambodia 60 5.11
 South Korea 51 4.34
 China 37 3.15
 Russia 36 3.07
 Brazil 30 2.56
 Ukraine 28 2.38
Other 244 20.79
Total 1,174 100.00

Religion

Chisago Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church
Chisago Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church

The 2020 U.S. Religion Census conducted by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies found that 7,549 Chisago County residents were affiliated with the Catholic Church, 6,098 with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and 2,975 with the Assemblies of God.

A notable religious building in Chisago County is the Chisago Lake Lutheran Church. The church was founded in 1890 and has been in Center City since 1906. It is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Another prominent religious building in the county is the First United Methodist Church of Lindström. The church has served the community for over 130 years.

The Church of St. Joseph in Taylors Falls is a Catholic church that was founded in 1854. The current building was constructed in 1896.

Transportation

Among workers 16 years and older, 80.3% commuted to work by car, 9.0% carpooled, 1.6% used public transit, and 2.2% walked, biked, or used some other method. 7.0% worked from home. The median household income was $86,900, slightly above the state average. 6.4% of residents lived below the poverty line, and 2.5% were unemployed. 86.4% of housing in the county was owner-occupied.

Education

  • Chisago Lakes High School
  • North Branch Area High School
  • Rush City High School

Communities

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Townships

  • Amador Township
  • Chisago Lake Township
  • Fish Lake Township
  • Franconia Township
  • Lent Township
  • Nessel Township
  • Rushseba Township
  • Shafer Township
  • Sunrise Township
  • Wyoming Township (former, now defunct)

Culture

Svenskar i Amerika. Olof Olsson från Nerikes Kil, utvandrade ca 1880 till Rush City, Minnesota - Nordiska Museet - NMA.0039211
Swedish immigrants in Rush City, Minnesota, in 1887.

Chisago County is strongly influenced by the German, Swedish and Norwegian immigrants who settled there in the mid-19th century. It provided the setting for much of Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg's suite of novels The Emigrants in the 1950s, and Moberg engaged in both archival and oral history research for his books to recreate the area's early Swedish immigration. Sculptor Ian Dudley's bronze statue of Moberg stands in Chisago City's park. Moberg's fictional characters Karl-Oskar and Kristina Nilsson from Ljuder parish in Småland settled around Lake Ki-Chi-Saga (from the Ojibwe Ki-chi-saga-igun, or Gichi-zaaga'igan in contemporary spelling), meaning "big lake with an outlet", which was later shortened to Lake Chisago. The annual Karl Oskar Days in Lindström honor the early settlers' heritage.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Chisago para niños

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