Aitkin is a city located in Aitkin County, Minnesota. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,984. It is the county seat of Aitkin County⁶.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.5 km² (1.7 mi²). 4.5 km² (1.7 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,984 people, 892 households, and 434 families residing in the city. The population density is 445.4/km² (1,150.3/mi²). There are 969 housing units at an average density of 217.5/km² (561.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 97.33% White, 0.15% African American, 1.31% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. 0.76% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 892 households out of which 22.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.5% are married couples living together, 9.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 51.3% are non-families. 46.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 30.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.03 and the average family size is 2.90.

In the city the population is spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 32.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 45 years. For every 100 females there are 76.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 69.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $24,574, and the median income for a family is $38,071. Males have a median income of $30,577 versus $21,641 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,471. 14.2% of the population and 13.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 11.0% of those under the age of 18 and 20.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.