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Northfield, MN

Frequently asked questions

Northfield, MN

Northfield is a city in Dakota and Rice counties in the State of Minnesota. It is mostly in Rice County, with a small portion in Dakota County. The population was 20,790 at the 2020 census. Northfield is 40 miles south of the downtowns of Minneapolis and St. Paul and is an exurb of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 8.61 square miles (22.30 km2); 8.56 square miles (22.17 km2) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water. The peak elevation is about 912 feet. The town is roughly centered around the Cannon River and rises to the east and west from it. Interstate 35 is 6 mi (9.7 km) west of Northfield. Minnesota State Highways 3, 19, and 246 are three of Northfield's main routes.

Northfield was platted in October 1855 by John W. North. Northfield was founded by settlers from New England known as "Yankees" as part of New England's colonization of what was then the Far West. It was an early agricultural center with many wheat and corn farms. The town also supported lumber and flour mills powered by the Cannon River. As the "wheat frontier" moved west, dairy operations and diversified farms replaced wheat-based agriculture. The region has since moved away from dairy and beef operations. Today it produces substantial crops of corn and soybeans, as well as hogs. The local cereal producer Malt-O-Meal is one of the few remnants of Northfield's historic wheat boom. The city's motto, "Cows, Colleges, and Community" (a recent change from "Cows, Colleges, and Contentment"), reflects the influence of the dairy farms as well as its two liberal arts colleges, Carleton College and St. Olaf College.

Health and wellness are important here in Northfield Minnesota. Northfield Hospital provides urgent care and medical assistance to the community and its surrounding cities as well. This is to ensure the health of residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Northfield Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Well Fitness Studio, Cannon Strength, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Northfield, such as the Mill Towns State Trail and Riverside Lions Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Tops sites in Northfield, MN are Cowling Arboretum, Flaten Art Museum, and Northfield Historical Society.

Population: 21,020 (2023). ZIP code: 55057. Area code: 507. Elevation: 925 ft (282 m). Area: 8.53 sq mi (22.10 km2). 

FAQs

What is Northfield, MN famous for?

The focal point of the community is its historic downtown district, located along the scenic Cannon River. On summer evenings, many people gather at Bridge Square, in the heart of the City, for concerts and other community events. The community is recognized for its active arts programs and events throughout the year. Each September, the community hosts the Defeat of Jesse James Days, where the famous James Gang’s unsuccessful attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield is re-enacted for large crowds of residents and visitors.

Is Northfield, MN a nice place to live?

Northfield is in Rice County and is one of the best places to live in Minnesota. Living in Northfield offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Northfield, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Northfield and residents tend to lean conservative. 

What is the crime rate in Northfield, MN?

Northfield has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Northfield is 1 in 116. How does Northfield fare compared to other communities in Minnesota of all population sizes? Northfield's crime rate is lower than approximately 38% of Minnesota communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Northfield

Northfield Hospital

Northfield Parks and Recreation Department

Well Fitness Studio

Cannon Strength 

Anytime Fitness

Mill Towns State Trail 

Riverside Lions Park

Cowling Arboretum

Flaten Art Museum

Northfield Historical Society

About Northfield

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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