Apple Valley, Minnesota Explained

Official Name:Apple Valley
Settlement Type:City
Motto:"Plant, Grow, Prosper"[1]
Mapsize:250x200px
Pushpin Map:Minnesota#USA#North America
Pushpin Label:Apple Valley
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Minnesota
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Dakota
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Clint Hooppaw
Established Title:Incorporated
Established Date:1969
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Sq Mi:17.55
Area Land Sq Mi:16.87
Area Water Sq Mi:0.68
Area Footnotes:[2]
Area Total Km2:45.45
Area Land Km2:43.69
Area Water Km2:1.76
Population As Of:2020
Population Est:55416
Pop Est As Of:2022
Population Total:56374
Population Rank:US: 724th MN: 17th
Population Metro:3693729 (US: 16th)
Population Density Km2:1290.18
Population Density Sq Mi:3341.47
Population Blank1 Title:Demonym
Population Blank1:Valleyian
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation Ft:974
Coordinates:44.7456°N -93.22°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:55124
Area Code:952
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:27-01900
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:2393967

Apple Valley is a city in northwestern Dakota County in the State of Minnesota, and a suburb of the Twin Cities. The population was 56,374 at the 2020 census,[3] making it the 17th most populous city in Minnesota.

History

The area that became Apple Valley was first established in 1859 as Lebanon Township, and remained a farming community for nearly a century. In the mid-1950s, residential developments started replacing farmland.[4] Orrin Thompson, a real estate developer, was responsible for the city's early development. He contracted a company to determine where the next growth in the Twin Cities would be. It was 0.5miles from County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue. Thompson bought the first houses and streets from the Brobacks, who built the city's first four houses. The firm that selected this area was in Apple Valley, California, so Thompson took that name for the development. An alternate explanation for the name change exists, however. According to local developer Henry Broback, Lebanon Township was renamed Apple Valley because "...when you drive east on (County Road) 42 and turn to enter Lebanon, it reminded them of Apple Valley, California, which was a nice community."[5] [6]

Voters in the township voted to incorporate in the 1968 general election. They also selected the name Apple Valley over the name Lebanon Valley by a vote of 1376 to 757.[7]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.57sqmi, of which 16.86sqmi is land and 0.71sqmi is water.[8] The city's geography is rolling, with elevation from the lowest to the highest points in the city varying by 100feet or more. The downtown area and its adjacent residential district (which formed the original core of the city when it was incorporated) are in a shallow valley.

Demographics

Apple Valley is in Minnesota's 2nd congressional district, represented by Angie Craig, a Democrat. Apple Valley is represented in the Minnesota Legislature by State Senator Greg Clausen (Democrat, District 57), Representative Robert Bierman (Democrat, District 57A), and Representative John Huot (Democrat, District 57B).

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 49,084 people, 18,875 households, and 13,382 families living in the city. The population density was 2911.3PD/sqmi. There were 19,600 housing units at an average density of 1162.5/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.8% White, 5.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 5.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.0% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.9% of the population.

There were 18,875 households, of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.1% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age in the city was 37.9 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.5% were from 25 to 44; 30.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 45,527 people, 16,344 households, and 12,405 families living in the city. The population density was 2625.5sp=usNaNsp=us. There were 16,536 housing units at an average density of 953.6sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup of the city was 91.81% White, 1.91% African American, 0.29% Native American, 3.39% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.00% of the population.

There were 16,344 households, out of which 42.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males. For several years, the city's population was among the fastest growing in Minnesota, but it has virtually exhausted the amount of additional buildable land within city limits, and so its growth has slowed considerably since 1990.

The median income for a household in the city was $69,752, and the median income for a family was $79,335 (these figures had risen to $76,789 and $86,874 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $50,636 versus $33,315 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,477. About 1.1% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

+ 2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet[9]
+ 2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet[10] + 2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet[11] + 2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet[12] + 2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet[13] + 1996 Precinct Results[14] + 1992 Precinct Results[15] + 1988 Precinct Results[16] + 1984 Precinct Results[17] + 1980 Precinct Results[18] + 1976 Precinct Results[19] + 1968 Precinct Results[20] + 1964 Precinct Results[21] + 1960 Precinct Results[22]
YearRepublicanDemocraticThird parties
202037.8% 12,77259.7% 20,1782.5% 824
201640.2% 11,92450.6% 15,0199.2% 2,718
201246.6% 13,79851.4% 15,2332.0% 593
200846.4% 13,56051.9% 15,1591.7% 491
200451.8% 14,99447.2% 13,6691.0% 275
200049.7% 12,38744.7% 11,1555.6% 1,389
199640.8% 8,25548.4% 9,80510.8% 2,182
199237.1% 7,48836.5% 7,36026.4% 5,344
198857.4% 8,87542.6% 6,5800.0% 0
198462.0% 7,55038.0% 4,6220.0% 0
198049.9% 5,10438.0% 3,89012.1% 1,245
197652.9% 3,91344.9% 3,3212.2% 157

Economy

Top employers

According to Apple Valley's 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[23] the top employers in the city are:

Employer
  1. of Employees
1Independent School District 1961,414
2Target Corporation520
3Uponor400
4Dakota County384
5Walmart350
6Augustana Care265
7Menards250
8Wings Financial Federal Credit Union225
9Minnesota Zoo220
10Apple Valley Medical Clinic200

Arts and culture

Annual cultural events

Apple Valley hosts an annual July 4 festival called "Apple Valley Freedom Days".[24] Festivities include one of the area's largest parades that features local marching bands, service organizations, and many local businesses. There is also a carnival and a fireworks display during the event.

In February, the city hosts the Apple Valley Winter Carnival. Events include ice skating, a medallion hunt, contests and children events.

The Minnesota Zoo

Apple Valley is home to the Minnesota Zoo, a nationally recognized zoological garden that houses hundreds of animals from several distinct climatological zones. Collections include an indoor Tropics Trail featuring animals from the worlds rain forests and tropical habitats, the Minnesota Trail with native animals from Minnesota including black bears, wolves, wolverines and beaver pond. The Northern Trail features large animals from the worlds cold climates. Highlights of this trail are [25] Asian wild horses, Takins from China and animals from remote east coast including brown bears, amur leopards, and wild boars. The zoo also features an aquarium, an exhibit of penguins from South Africa and the popular Japanese snow monkeys,[26]

Education

There are six elementary, three middle and three high schools in the city, all operated by Independent School District 196. In addition to the two comprehensive high schools, Apple Valley is home to a magnet school open to 11th and 12th graders, the School of Environmental Studies (SES). In fall 2007, Independent School District 196 opened three elementary-level magnet schools: Cedar Park Elementary, which will become a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) magnet; Diamond Path Elementary, which will have an International Studies theme, and Glacier Hills Elementary, with an Arts and Science theme.[27] In 2017, Independent School District 196 opened a new Elementary school in neighboring Lakeville, Minnesota.[28] Some students attend public schools in other school districts chosen by their families under Minnesota's open enrollment statute.[29]

Infrastructure

Transportation

Interstate Highway 35E, Cedar Avenue, and County Road 42 are three of the main routes in Apple Valley. Highway 77 briefly enters the northern part of Apple Valley and becomes County Road 23 / Cedar Avenue.

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority operates many weekday commuter buses to and from Downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The recently built Red Line operates as a dedicated bus line with service to and from the Mall of America.

Notable people

External links


Notes and References

  1. Web site: City of Apple Valley Minnesota. City of Apple Valley Minnesota. October 16, 2012.
  2. Web site: 2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. July 24, 2022.
  3. Web site: Explore Census Data . . October 5, 2023.
  4. Web site: City of Apple Valley. City of Apple Valley. May 27, 2019.
  5. December 1990 . The Transformation of a Dakota Community Lebanon Township to Apple Valley An Agrarian Township Becomes a Residential Success . Over the Years . 30 . 1 . 25 . January 27, 2007 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071006165354/http://www.cityofapplevalley.org/Resident_Info/Historical_Information/OverTheYears.pdf . October 6, 2007 .
  6. Web site: Profile for Apple Valley, Minnesota, MN. ePodunk. October 16, 2012.
  7. News: Vote Makes Apple Valley New Village. Minneapolis Star. November 6, 1968. May 27, 2019.
  8. Web site: US Gazetteer files 2010 . . November 13, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt . January 12, 2012 .
  9. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet. www.sos.state.mn.us. August 29, 2023.
  10. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet. www.sos.state.mn.us. August 29, 2023.
  11. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet. www.sos.state.mn.us. August 29, 2023.
  12. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet. www.sos.state.mn.us. August 29, 2023.
  13. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet. www.sos.state.mn.us. August 29, 2023.
  14. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1996 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024257/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1996-11-05-g-sec.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  15. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1992 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024257/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1992-11-03-g-sec.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  16. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1988 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024254/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1988-11-08-g-sec.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  17. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1984 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024254/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1984-11-06-g-sec.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  18. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1980 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024250/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1980-11-04-g-sec.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  19. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1976 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024300/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1976-11-02-g-sec.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  20. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1968 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024250/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1968-11-05-g-man.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  21. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1964 Precinct Results. lrl.mn.gov .
  22. Web site: Minnesota Secretary Of State - 1960 Precinct Results . https://web.archive.org/web/20210410024250/https://www.lrl.mn.gov/archive/sessions/electionresults/1960-11-08-g-man.pdf . April 10, 2021 . live.
  23. http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/8095 City of Apple Valley 2016 CAFR
  24. Web site: Apple Valley Freedom Days – Celebrating 57 Years. August 29, 2023.
  25. Web site: Saying Goodbye to Musk Oxen at the Zoo . May 13, 2021 .
  26. Web site: Minnesota Zoo. mnzoo. September 6, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070909044623/http://www.mnzoo.org/. September 9, 2007 . live.
  27. Web site: Independent School District 196. ISD 196. September 6, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070928064820/http://district196.org/index.cfm. September 28, 2007. dead.
  28. Web site: East Lake Elementary. sites.google.com. en-US. April 23, 2020.
  29. Web site: Open Enrollment . Minnesota Department of Education . November 19, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100826062337/http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Academic_Excellence/School_Choice/Public_School_Choice/Open_Enrollment/index.html . August 26, 2010 .
  30. Web site: David Fischer. Hockey's Future . October 14, 2012.
  31. Web site: Finklestein. Adam. Duke Lands Jahil Okafor, Tyus Jones. ESPN. November 15, 2013. April 18, 2015.
  32. Web site: 2020 Draft Prospect Tre Jones. NBA.com.
  33. 'Carolyn Jane Deshon Rodriguez (obituary), St. Paul Pioneer, March 10, 2002
  34. Web site: Tribune . Rachel Blount Star . Lindsey Vonn: On top of the world . November 9, 2022 . Star Tribune.