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Willmar, MN

Frequently asked questions

Willmar, MN

Willmar is a city in, and the county seat of, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 21,015 at the 2020 census. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 15.95 square miles (41.31 km2), of which 14.15 square miles (36.65 km2) is land and 1.80 square miles (4.66 km2) is water. The 45° latitude line passes just south of Willmar, placing it approximately halfway between the equator and the North Pole.

Agricultural expansion and the establishment of Willmar as a division point on the Great Northern Railway determined its growth. The first settlers arrived during the 1850s, attracted to the fertile land and an abundance of timber and game. The Dakota War of 1862 left the township abandoned for several years. The advent of the railroad in Kandiyohi County in 1869 brought new settlers. Many were of Swedish and Norwegian origin; residents of Scandinavian heritage are still a majority. In 1870, Leon (Chadwick) Willmar, a Belgian acting as an agent for the European bondholder of the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, purchased the title to Section 1 of Willmar Township. Willmar was established as the county seat in 1871 and was incorporated as a village in 1874 and as a city in 1901.

As of the census of 2010, there were 19,610 people, 7,677 households, and 4,538 families living in the city. The population density was 1,385.9 inhabitants per square mile (535.1/km2). There were 8,123 housing units at an average density of 574.1 per square mile (221.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 86.9% White, 4.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.4% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.9% of the population.

Health and wellness are integral to the fabric of Willmar's community. The city provides residents with various opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital ensures residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services, emphasizing the city's commitment to the well-being of its community members. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Willmar 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 CrossFit Attila, Snap Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Willmar, such as the Selvig International Park and Glacial Lakes State Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Willmar, MN include Robbins Island Regional Park, Kandiyohi County Historical Society, Foot Lake.

Population: 21,015 (2020). Elevation: 1,155 ft (352 m). Area: 15.58 sq mi (40.35 km2). ZIP Code: 56201. Area code: 320. 

FAQs

What is Willmar, MN is known for?

Willmar is a regional center for business, healthcare, technology, and shopping. It is a diverse community surrounded by rich farmlands, scenic lakes, and rolling hills. Willmar is also the fastest-growing multicultural city outside the metro area.

Is Willmar, MN a good place to live?

Living in Willmar offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Willmar, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Willmar and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Willmar are above average.

What is the crime rate in Willmar, MN?

The crime rate in Willmar is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 24 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Willmar is 1 in 41. Based on FBI crime data, Willmar is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Minnesota, Willmar has a crime rate that is higher than 88% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Willmar

Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital

Willmar Parks and Recreation Department

CrossFit Attila

Snap Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Selvig International Park 

Glacial Lakes State Trail

Robbins Island Regional Park

Kandiyohi County Historical Society

Foot Lake

Willmarlakesarea

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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