Nobles County, Minnesota
Encyclopedia
Nobles County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Minnesota
. As of 2010, the population was 21,378. Its county seat
is Worthington
.
(there were two Lake Okabenas at the time), Lake Ocheda
, East and West Graham Lake
and the Kanaranzi Creek.
The first settlement was near Graham Lakes in 1846. Nobles County was established May 23, 1857, and organized October 27, 1870. The county was named for William H. Nobles, who was a member of the Minnesota territorial legislature in 1854 and 1856. In the autumn of the latter year he began the construction of a wagon road for the U.S. government, crossing southwestern Minnesota and Nobles County, to extend from Fort Ridgely
to the South Pass
in the Rocky Mountains. This work was continued in 1857 but was not completed. Nobles County was created by the Minnesota Legislature on May 23, 1857, just before the full force of the Panic of 1857
was felt. Settlers were further discouraged from coming by the Spirit Lake Massacre
of 1857. In this incident, a band of Sioux ruthlessly murdered settlers in Spirit Lake
and along the Des Moines River in Jackson
and Cottonwood
Counties. The few whites in the area were understandably reluctant to stay.
During the summer of 1867, a mail route was established from Blue Earth
through the Graham Lakes settlement to Yankton, South Dakota
. In January, a Post Office was established in each settlement. The population in the spring of 1870 was 117 and nearly doubled by fall. County Government did not start until 1870. The first railroad, the St. Paul & Sioux City Railway, was built in 1871. This later became the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and is presently operated by the Union Pacific Railroad
.
In 1871, a group of men from Toledo, Ohio
organized a company to locate a colony of settlers in some western county. After traveling 20,000 miles in the Midwest, they decided on Nobles County and by the spring of 1872, hundreds of people came in and took up land. Worthington
became the County Seat in 1873. The Worthington & Sioux Falls Railway was established in 1876. This led to rapid settlement in Rushmore
, Adrian
, and the western portions of the county.
The U.S. census of 1861: 11 families, 35 persons, (3 from Norway
, 3 from Bavaria
, 1 from Ireland
and the rest from the eastern states). In 1880, the population was 4,435. In 1895, the population was 11,905 and in 1970, the population was up to 22,959. In 2000, the population was 20,832.
, a large expanse of rolling hills in southwestern Minnesota reaching a height of 1,995 feet (608 m) above sea level. The Buffalo Ridge extends 60 miles through Lincoln
, Lyon
, Pipestone
, Murray
, Rock
, and Nobles counties. It is a drainage divide
separating the watersheds
of the Mississippi
and Missouri River
s. Because of its high altitude and high average wind speed, the Buffalo Ridge has become a major site for wind energy. Currently, over 200 wind turbines stand along the Buffalo Ridge.
The Buffalo Ridge is part of the inner coteau and is the highest point of the Coteau des Prairies
in Minnesota. Its bedrock
is formed of Cretaceous
shale, sandstone and clay that lie above the pinkish-red Upper Precambrian
Sioux Quartzite
. These units are covered in most areas by thick deposits of glacial drift, which consist of up to 800 feet (244 m) of pre-Wisconsin age glacial till
left after the glaciers receded. The inner coteau is made up of extremely stream-eroded glacial deposits of pre-Wisconsin glacial drift, which is then covered by a 6 to 15 foot (1.8 to 4.6 m) thick deposit of a wind-blown silt called loess
. This covering results in the creation of an area with long, gently sloping hills. Loess is an easily eroded material, and because of this there are few lakes and wetlands in the inner coteau area. Loess however promotes well established dendritic drainage networks, the majority of which flow into the Missouri River
and Minnesota River
systems.
of 2000, there were 20,832 people, 7,939 households, and 5,517 families residing in the county. The population density
was 29 people per square mile (11/km²). There were 8,465 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.50% White
, 1.07% Black
or African American
, 0.31% Native American
, 3.98% Asian
, 0.07% Pacific Islander
, 6.64% from other races
, and 1.43% from two or more races. 11.16% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 47.0% were of German, 8.3% Dutch
and 8.0% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 7,939 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were married couples
living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.50% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 21.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,684, and the median income for a family was $43,076. Males had a median income of $27,853 versus $20,346 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,987. About 8.20% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.30% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
. As of 2010, the population was 21,378. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Worthington
Worthington, Minnesota
Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St...
.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 722.33 square miles (1,870.8 km²), of which 715.39 square miles (1,852.9 km²) (or 99.04%) is land and 6.94 square miles (18 km²) (or 0.96%) is water.Lakes
- East Graham LakeGraham Lakes, Minnesota-Graham Lakes:The Graham Lakes are a pair of lakes located in the northeastern corner of Nobles County, Minnesota. The lakes are known as West Graham Lake and East Graham Lake. West Graham Lake is an oval shaped body of water that extends east-to-west slightly more than one mile . The...
: Graham Lakes Township - Fulda First Lake: Seward Township
- Indian LakeIndian Lake, Minnesota-Indian Lake:Indian Lake is a small lake located in Indian Lake Township, Nobles County. The lake is an oblong body of water that extends north-to-south for approximately 3/4 mile. The width is approximately 1/2 mile. The lake area is . The average depth is , and the maximum depth is...
: Indian Lake Township - Iowa Lake: western half in Indian Lake Township; eastern half in Round Lake TownshipRound Lake Township, Jackson County, MinnesotaRound Lake Township is a township in Jackson County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 202 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 square miles , of which, 33.8 square miles of it is land and...
in Jackson CountyJackson County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 11,268 people, 4,556 households, and 3,116 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile . There were 5,092 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile... - Jack Lake: Graham Lakes Township
- Kinbrae Lake: Graham Lakes Township
- Lake Bella: Bigelow Township
- Lake OchedaLake Ocheda, Minnesota-Physical Geography of Lake Ocheda:Lake Ocheda is a lake located in Nobles County, three miles south of Worthington, Minnesota. The lake is a long, narrow, body of water that extends east to west for approximately 5½ miles. The width varies from a few hundred yards, to a bit over 1/2 mile. Lake...
: Bigelow Township and Indian Lake Township - Lake OkabenaLake OkabenaLake Okabena is a small lake located in Nobles County in southwestern Minnesota. It was first noted on a map made by French explorer Joseph Nicollet in 1841, based upon his explorations of the 1830s. The name okabena means "home of the heron" in the Sioux language...
: Worthington Township - West Graham LakeGraham Lakes, Minnesota-Graham Lakes:The Graham Lakes are a pair of lakes located in the northeastern corner of Nobles County, Minnesota. The lakes are known as West Graham Lake and East Graham Lake. West Graham Lake is an oval shaped body of water that extends east-to-west slightly more than one mile . The...
: Graham Lakes Township - Willow Lake: southern third in Bloom Township; northern two thirds in Iona TownshipIona Township, Murray County, MinnesotaIona Township is a township in Murray County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 195 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there...
of Murray CountyMurray County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 9,165 people, 3,722 households, and 2,601 families residing in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile . There were 4,357 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile...
Major highways
|
U.S. Highway 59
Adjacent counties
- Murray CountyMurray County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 9,165 people, 3,722 households, and 2,601 families residing in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile . There were 4,357 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile...
(north) - Cottonwood CountyCottonwood County, MinnesotaCottonwood County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 11,687. Its county seat is Windom.-History:...
(northeast) - Jackson CountyJackson County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 11,268 people, 4,556 households, and 3,116 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile . There were 5,092 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile...
(east) - Osceola County, IowaOsceola County, IowaOsceola County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is named for Seminole war chief Osceola. The population was 6,462 in the 2010 census, a decline from 7,003 in the 2000 census. The county seat is Sibley, named for H. H. Sibley of Minnesota....
(southeast) - Lyon County, IowaLyon County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 11,581 in the county, with a population density of . There were 4,848 housing units, of which 4,442 were occupied.-2000 census:...
(southwest) - Rock CountyRock County, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 9,721 people, 3,843 households, and 2,705 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile . There were 4,137 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile...
(west)
History
Nobles County was first occupied by the Sisseton Sioux. The first white man to set foot on the land was Joseph Nicollet who came to map out the area in 1842. Nicollet named Lake OkabenaLake Okabena
Lake Okabena is a small lake located in Nobles County in southwestern Minnesota. It was first noted on a map made by French explorer Joseph Nicollet in 1841, based upon his explorations of the 1830s. The name okabena means "home of the heron" in the Sioux language...
(there were two Lake Okabenas at the time), Lake Ocheda
Lake Ocheda, Minnesota
-Physical Geography of Lake Ocheda:Lake Ocheda is a lake located in Nobles County, three miles south of Worthington, Minnesota. The lake is a long, narrow, body of water that extends east to west for approximately 5½ miles. The width varies from a few hundred yards, to a bit over 1/2 mile. Lake...
, East and West Graham Lake
Graham Lakes, Minnesota
-Graham Lakes:The Graham Lakes are a pair of lakes located in the northeastern corner of Nobles County, Minnesota. The lakes are known as West Graham Lake and East Graham Lake. West Graham Lake is an oval shaped body of water that extends east-to-west slightly more than one mile . The...
and the Kanaranzi Creek.
The first settlement was near Graham Lakes in 1846. Nobles County was established May 23, 1857, and organized October 27, 1870. The county was named for William H. Nobles, who was a member of the Minnesota territorial legislature in 1854 and 1856. In the autumn of the latter year he began the construction of a wagon road for the U.S. government, crossing southwestern Minnesota and Nobles County, to extend from Fort Ridgely
Fort Ridgely
Fort Ridgely was a United States Army outpost near the Dakota reservation in southwestern Minnesota . Built between 1853–1855, it played an important role in the Dakota War of 1862...
to the South Pass
South Pass
South Pass is two mountain passes on the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Wyoming. The passes are located in a broad low region, 35 miles broad, between the Wind River Range to the north and the Oregon Buttes and Great Divide Basin to the south, in southwestern Fremont...
in the Rocky Mountains. This work was continued in 1857 but was not completed. Nobles County was created by the Minnesota Legislature on May 23, 1857, just before the full force of the Panic of 1857
Panic of 1857
The Panic of 1857 was a financial panic in the United States caused by the declining international economy and over-expansion of the domestic economy. Indeed, because of the interconnectedness of the world economy by the time of the 1850s, the financial crisis which began in the autumn of 1857 was...
was felt. Settlers were further discouraged from coming by the Spirit Lake Massacre
Spirit Lake Massacre
The Spirit Lake Massacre was an attack by a Wahpetuke band of Santee Sioux on scattered Iowa frontier settlements during a severe winter. Suffering a shortage of food, the renegade chief Inkpaduta led 14 Sioux against the settlements near Okoboji and Spirit lakes in the northwestern territory of...
of 1857. In this incident, a band of Sioux ruthlessly murdered settlers in Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake, Iowa
Spirit Lake is a city in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 4,261 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dickinson County.The town is located along the western shore of East Okoboji Lake, in the Iowa Great Lakes region....
and along the Des Moines River in Jackson
Jackson County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,268 people, 4,556 households, and 3,116 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile . There were 5,092 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile...
and Cottonwood
Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Cottonwood County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 11,687. Its county seat is Windom.-History:...
Counties. The few whites in the area were understandably reluctant to stay.
During the summer of 1867, a mail route was established from Blue Earth
Blue Earth, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,621 people, 1,535 households, and 925 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,137.0 people per square mile . There were 1,666 housing units at an average density of 523.1 per square mile...
through the Graham Lakes settlement to Yankton, South Dakota
Yankton, South Dakota
Yankton is a city in, and the county seat of, Yankton County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 14,454 at the 2010 census. Yankton was the original capital of Dakota Territory. It is named for the Yankton tribe of Nakota Native Americans...
. In January, a Post Office was established in each settlement. The population in the spring of 1870 was 117 and nearly doubled by fall. County Government did not start until 1870. The first railroad, the St. Paul & Sioux City Railway, was built in 1871. This later became the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and is presently operated by the Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
.
In 1871, a group of men from Toledo, Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Lucas County. Toledo is in northwest Ohio, on the western end of Lake Erie, and borders the State of Michigan...
organized a company to locate a colony of settlers in some western county. After traveling 20,000 miles in the Midwest, they decided on Nobles County and by the spring of 1872, hundreds of people came in and took up land. Worthington
Worthington, Minnesota
Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St...
became the County Seat in 1873. The Worthington & Sioux Falls Railway was established in 1876. This led to rapid settlement in Rushmore
Rushmore, Minnesota
Rushmore is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 342 at the 2010 census.Rushmore is the home of Exelon Wind's Wolf Wind Project.-Geography:...
, Adrian
Adrian, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile...
, and the western portions of the county.
The U.S. census of 1861: 11 families, 35 persons, (3 from Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, 3 from Bavaria
Bavaria
Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
, 1 from Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and the rest from the eastern states). In 1880, the population was 4,435. In 1895, the population was 11,905 and in 1970, the population was up to 22,959. In 2000, the population was 20,832.
- Learn more about Nobles County History by reading Rose's History of Nobles County online
Geology
Buffalo Ridge: Nobles County sits atop a geologic structure known as the Buffalo RidgeBuffalo Ridge
Buffalo Ridge is a large expanse of rolling hills in the southeastern part of the larger Coteau des Prairies. It stands 1,995 feet above sea level. The Buffalo Ridge is sixty miles long and runs through Lincoln County, Pipestone County, Murray County, and Nobles County in the southwest...
, a large expanse of rolling hills in southwestern Minnesota reaching a height of 1,995 feet (608 m) above sea level. The Buffalo Ridge extends 60 miles through Lincoln
Lincoln County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,429 people, 2,653 households, and 1,785 families residing in the county. The population density was 12 people per square mile . There were 3,043 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile...
, Lyon
Lyon County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,425 people, 9,715 households, and 6,334 families residing in the county. The population density was 36 people per square mile . There were 10,298 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile...
, Pipestone
Pipestone County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,895 people, 4,069 households, and 2,726 families residing in the county. The population density was 21 people per square mile . There were 4,434 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile...
, Murray
Murray County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,165 people, 3,722 households, and 2,601 families residing in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile . There were 4,357 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile...
, Rock
Rock County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,721 people, 3,843 households, and 2,705 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile . There were 4,137 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile...
, and Nobles counties. It is a drainage divide
Water divide
A drainage divide, water divide, divide or watershed is the line separating neighbouring drainage basins...
separating the watersheds
Drainage basin
A drainage basin is an extent or an area of land where surface water from rain and melting snow or ice converges to a single point, usually the exit of the basin, where the waters join another waterbody, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea, or ocean...
of the Mississippi
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
and Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
s. Because of its high altitude and high average wind speed, the Buffalo Ridge has become a major site for wind energy. Currently, over 200 wind turbines stand along the Buffalo Ridge.
The Buffalo Ridge is part of the inner coteau and is the highest point of the Coteau des Prairies
Coteau des Prairies
The Coteau des Prairies is a plateau approximately 200 miles in length and 100 miles in width , rising from the prairie flatlands in eastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa in the United States...
in Minnesota. Its bedrock
Bedrock
In stratigraphy, bedrock is the native consolidated rock underlying the surface of a terrestrial planet, usually the Earth. Above the bedrock is usually an area of broken and weathered unconsolidated rock in the basal subsoil...
is formed of Cretaceous
Cretaceous
The Cretaceous , derived from the Latin "creta" , usually abbreviated K for its German translation Kreide , is a geologic period and system from circa to million years ago. In the geologic timescale, the Cretaceous follows the Jurassic period and is followed by the Paleogene period of the...
shale, sandstone and clay that lie above the pinkish-red Upper Precambrian
Precambrian
The Precambrian is the name which describes the large span of time in Earth's history before the current Phanerozoic Eon, and is a Supereon divided into several eons of the geologic time scale...
Sioux Quartzite
Sioux Quartzite
The Sioux Quartzite is a Proterozoic quartzite that is found in region around the intersection of Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa, and correlates with other rock units throughout the upper midwestern and southwestern United States...
. These units are covered in most areas by thick deposits of glacial drift, which consist of up to 800 feet (244 m) of pre-Wisconsin age glacial till
Till
thumb|right|Closeup of glacial till. Note that the larger grains in the till are completely surrounded by the matrix of finer material , and this characteristic, known as matrix support, is diagnostic of till....
left after the glaciers receded. The inner coteau is made up of extremely stream-eroded glacial deposits of pre-Wisconsin glacial drift, which is then covered by a 6 to 15 foot (1.8 to 4.6 m) thick deposit of a wind-blown silt called loess
Loess
Loess is an aeolian sediment formed by the accumulation of wind-blown silt, typically in the 20–50 micrometre size range, twenty percent or less clay and the balance equal parts sand and silt that are loosely cemented by calcium carbonate...
. This covering results in the creation of an area with long, gently sloping hills. Loess is an easily eroded material, and because of this there are few lakes and wetlands in the inner coteau area. Loess however promotes well established dendritic drainage networks, the majority of which flow into the Missouri River
Missouri River
The Missouri River flows through the central United States, and is a tributary of the Mississippi River. It is the longest river in North America and drains the third largest area, though only the thirteenth largest by discharge. The Missouri's watershed encompasses most of the American Great...
and Minnesota River
Minnesota River
The Minnesota River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, approximately 332 miles long, in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It drains a watershed of nearly , in Minnesota and about in South Dakota and Iowa....
systems.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 20,832 people, 7,939 households, and 5,517 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 29 people per square mile (11/km²). There were 8,465 housing units at an average density of 12 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.50% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.07% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.31% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.98% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.07% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 6.64% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.43% from two or more races. 11.16% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 47.0% were of German, 8.3% Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
and 8.0% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 7,939 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.50% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 26.60% from 25 to 44, 21.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,684, and the median income for a family was $43,076. Males had a median income of $27,853 versus $20,346 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,987. About 8.20% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.30% of those under age 18 and 12.50% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
| Cities | Townships | Unincorporated | CDP | Lakes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Org, Minnesota Org is an unincorporated community in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States.*-Geography:Org is located at . Org is located about 4 miles southwest of Worthington on Minnesota State Highway 60 and U.S. Route 59. It lies directly adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad's Minneapolis-to-Omaha... Reading, Minnesota Reading is an unincorporated community in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States.-Geography:Reading is northwest of Worthington. According to A.P Rose's History of Nobles County, Reading is nearer to the geographic center of the county than any other community... St. Kilian, Minnesota St. Kilian is an unincorporated community in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States.-Geography:St. Kilian is an unincorporated village in section 27 of Wilmont Township. The village sits atop the Buffalo Ridge, the drainage divide between the Mississippi River and Missouri River systems. By... |
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Lake Okabena Lake Okabena is a small lake located in Nobles County in southwestern Minnesota. It was first noted on a map made by French explorer Joseph Nicollet in 1841, based upon his explorations of the 1830s. The name okabena means "home of the heron" in the Sioux language... Indian Lake, Minnesota -Indian Lake:Indian Lake is a small lake located in Indian Lake Township, Nobles County. The lake is an oblong body of water that extends north-to-south for approximately 3/4 mile. The width is approximately 1/2 mile. The lake area is . The average depth is , and the maximum depth is... Graham Lakes, Minnesota -Graham Lakes:The Graham Lakes are a pair of lakes located in the northeastern corner of Nobles County, Minnesota. The lakes are known as West Graham Lake and East Graham Lake. West Graham Lake is an oval shaped body of water that extends east-to-west slightly more than one mile . The... Graham Lakes, Minnesota -Graham Lakes:The Graham Lakes are a pair of lakes located in the northeastern corner of Nobles County, Minnesota. The lakes are known as West Graham Lake and East Graham Lake. West Graham Lake is an oval shaped body of water that extends east-to-west slightly more than one mile . The... Lake Ocheda, Minnesota -Physical Geography of Lake Ocheda:Lake Ocheda is a lake located in Nobles County, three miles south of Worthington, Minnesota. The lake is a long, narrow, body of water that extends east to west for approximately 5½ miles. The width varies from a few hundred yards, to a bit over 1/2 mile. Lake... |
Buildings on the National Historic Register in Nobles County, Minnesota
| Landmark name | Image | Date listed | Location | City or Town | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian State Bank | Maine Ave. and 2nd St. W. 43°38′14"N 95°56′0"W |
Adrian Adrian, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile... |
Although it has since been demolished, the Adrian State Bank building can be seen in the center of this photo on the far side of Maine Street, Adrian, Minnesota Adrian, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile... |
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| 2 | Church of St. Adrian-Catholic | Maine Ave and 6th St. E. 43°37′58"N 95°55′58"W |
Adrian Adrian, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile... |
St Adrian's Catholic Church located in Adrian, Minnesota Adrian, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile... |
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| 3 | Church of St. Kilian (Catholic) | Approximately 3 mi (4.8 km) northwest of Wilmont 43°47′20"N 95°52′6"W |
Wilmont Township | St Kilian Catholic Church, located in St. Kilian, Minnesota St. Kilian, Minnesota St. Kilian is an unincorporated community in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States.-Geography:St. Kilian is an unincorporated village in section 27 of Wilmont Township. The village sits atop the Buffalo Ridge, the drainage divide between the Mississippi River and Missouri River systems. By... |
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| 4 | Citizens' National Bank (Worthington, Minnesota) | 326 10th St. 43°37′13"N 95°35′49"W |
Worthington Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
Citizens' National Bank building in Worthington, Minnesota. Now houses The Cow's Outside Giftshop and Leather Goods | ||
| 5 | George D. Dayton House George D. Dayton House The George Draper Dayton House was built in 1890 in Worthington, Minnesota. George Dayton hired the Sioux Falls architect, Wallace L. Dow to design his grand home, on a lot that took up eight city blocks.-George Dayton:... |
1311 4th Ave. 43°37′22"N 95°35′36"W |
Worthington Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
Former home of George D. Dayton, founder of Dayton's and Target Department Store chain, located in Worthington, Minnesota Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
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| 6 | Hotel Thompson, Worthington, Minnesota Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
300-310 10th St. 43°37′12"N 95°35′46"W |
Worthington Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
Historic Hotel Thompson located in Worthington, Minnesota Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
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| 7 | Dr. E. A. Kilbride Clinic | 701 11th St. 43°37′24"N 95°35′57"W |
Worthington Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
Former clinic of Dr. E. F. Kilbride, located in Worthington, Minnesota Worthington, Minnesota Worthington is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 12,764 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Nobles County.The city's site was first settled in the 1870s as Okabena Station on a line of the Chicago, St... |
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| 8 | Siemer Silo and Barn | County Highway 19 43°34′40"N 96°0′44"W |
Ellsworth Ellsworth, Minnesota Ellsworth is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 463 at the 2010 census. The local school district is the Ellsworth Public School.-Geography:... |
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| 9 | Sioux City and St. Paul Railroad Section House | Spencer and 1st Sts. 43°50′45"N 95°27′58"W |
Dundee Dundee, Minnesota Dundee is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States The population was 68 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land. Dundee is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Nobles County... |
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| 10 | Slade Hotel | Maine Ave. and 2nd St. E. 43°38′13"N 95°55′58"W |
Adrian Adrian, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile... |
Historic Slade Hotel located in Adrian, Minnesota Adrian, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,234 people, 493 households, and 330 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,111.5 people per square mile . There were 527 housing units at an average density of 474.7 per square mile... has been renovated to apartments, and the basement houses Adrian's Senior Citizen Dining and Community Hall |