Forest Lake is a city located in Washington County, Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 6,798.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.0 km² (4.2 mi²). 10.9 km² (4.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.18% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 6,798 people, 2,805 households, and 1,744 families residing in the city. The population density is 626.4/km² (1,620.8/mi²). There are 2,897 housing units at an average density of 267.0/km² (690.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 97.18% White, 0.40% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,805 households out of which 32.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% are married couples living together, 13.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% are non-families. 30.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 2.98.

In the city the population is spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $44,419, and the median income for a family is $52,898. Males have a median income of $38,333 versus $26,028 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,058. 6.3% of the population and 4.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.9% of those under the age of 18 and 11.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History

Forest Lake began as a fuel stop for the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad on the shore of the lake that shares its name in 1868. The lake was so named for the abundant timber that lines its shores. Forest Lake township was organized on March 11, 1874; the city of Forest Lake was incorporated in 1896.