Eden Prairie is a city located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 54,901.

Geography

Eden Prairie is located approximately 11 miles southwest of Minneapolis along the northern side of the Minnesota River. It is located at at an elevation of 906 feet (276.1 meters).

The land in Eden Prairie consists of rolling hills and bluffs overlooking the Minnesota River with zones of prairie and mixed (primarily deciduous) forests.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 91.2 km² (35.2 mi²). 83.9 km² (32.4 mi²) of it is land and 7.3 km² (2.8 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 8.04% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 54,901 people, 20,457 households, and 14,585 families residing in the city. The population density is 654.4/km² (1,695.1/mi²). There are 21,026 housing units at an average density of 250.6/km² (649.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 90.66% White, 2.28% African American, 0.21% Native American, 4.82% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. 1.57% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,457 households out of which 42.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% are married couples living together, 7.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% are non-families. 22.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 3.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.68 and the average family size is 3.20.

In the city the population is spread out with 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $78,328, and the median income for a family is $93,258. Males have a median income of $62,303 versus $39,196 for females. The per capita income for the city is $38,854. 3.5% of the population and 2.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History

Eden Prairie received its name as a result of a visit to the territory in 1852 by author Elizabeth Fries Lummis Ellet in her travelogue book, Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet. In her writings, Ellet described the Minnesota River valley, which adjoins the current day City of Eden Prairie, as the garden spot of the territory.

The celebrated valley of the Minnesota River—called St. Pierre by the French, and until recently, St. Peter's—extends in a general direction from west to east, and, with the country along its tributaries, forms the garden spot of the territory. (Ellet, 1853, p. 112)

The town of Eden Prairie was established on the same day that Minnesota became a state: May 11, 1858.

References

• Ellet, E. F. (Elizabeth Fries) (1853). Summer Rambles in the West. By Mrs. Ellet. New York: J. C. Riker. online version

External links

• The City of Eden Prairie
• Eden Prairie Independent School District #272
• Eden Prairie News
• Eden Prairie Weather

Trivia

• The cult television comedy series, Mystery Science Theater 3000, was originated here by Joel Hodgson.
• The cult movie comedy Mallrats was filmed at Eden Prairie Center.
• Scenes of the mockumentary comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous were filmed outside Eden Prairie Center.