Grand Rapids is a city located in Itasca County, Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 7,764. It is the county seat of Itasca County⁶.

The city of Grand Rapids is named for the local rapids in the Mississippi river, which was the uppermost limit of practical steamboat travel during the late 1800s. Today, those rapids are hidden underneath the dam of the Blandin Paper Mill .

Historically, the local economy was based on timber harvesting, and to this day, Blandin Paper Mill has its papermaking facilities in downtown Grand Rapids, while Potlach is located just outside of the city limits. To the north and northeast of the city are iron mines (part of the Mesabi or Iron Range region of Minnesota) which grew into a leading industry in the early and mid 1900s, but is of declining importance today. The current economy has a large tourist footing, with many local resorts, golf courses, and excellent regional hunting and fishing.

The city of Grand Rapids sits on the junction of US Highway 2 and US Highway 169. Highway 2 runs west towards Bemidji, Minnesota, and east towards Duluth, Minnesota. Highway 169 heads south to Hill City, Minnesota and ultimately towards Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the other direction, Highway 169 heads up the Mesabi Range until it reaches Hibbing, Minnesota, passing through several small towns along the way. Grand Rapids is also the start of US Highway 38, running north towards Bigfork, Minnesota.

Grand Rapids is the birthplace and early childhood home of legendary singer & actress Judy Garland. There is a local museum dedicated to her life & career, and Judy's fully restored birthplace is open to the public as well. An annual Judy Garland Festival is held the fourth weekend in June.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.9 km² (8.1 mi²). 19.0 km² (7.3 mi²) of it is land and 1.9 km² (0.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 9.16% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 7,764 people, 3,446 households, and 1,943 families residing in the city. The population density is 408.4/km² (1,057.8/mi²). There are 3,621 housing units at an average density of 190.5/km² (493.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 95.53% White, 0.28% African American, 1.93% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,446 households out of which 25.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% are married couples living together, 11.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 43.6% are non-families. 38.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 20.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.15 and the average family size is 2.82.

In the city the population is spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 81.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $28,991, and the median income for a family is $39,468. Males have a median income of $36,035 versus $20,759 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,223. 11.2% of the population and 9.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 15.1% of those under the age of 18 and 6.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.