Williams, Minnesota Explained

Official Name:Williams
Settlement Type:City
Mapsize:250px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Minnesota
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Lake of the Woods
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Footnotes:[1]
Area Total Km2:2.53
Area Land Km2:2.53
Area Water Km2:0.00
Area Total Sq Mi:0.98
Area Land Sq Mi:0.98
Area Water Sq Mi:0.00
Population As Of:2020
Population Total:157
Population Density Km2:62.10
Population Density Sq Mi:160.86
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation M:351
Elevation Ft:1152
Coordinates:48.7686°N -94.9544°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:56686
Area Code:218
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:27-70402[2]
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:0654165[3]

Williams is a city in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 191 at the 2010 census.[4]

History

Williams was incorporated in 1922. It developed with the Minnesota and Manitoba Railroad as a shipping center for timber products. It was named for William Mason and George Williams, who had followed the track roadbed in 1901 to stake claims at the site. Its post office began in 1903 with William H. Dure as postmaster.[5]

Williams was burned in the Baudette Fire of 1910. It was rebuilt after.[6]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.97sqmi, all land.[7]

Williams is located along Minnesota State Highway 11 and County Road 2. Williams is a gateway to nearby Zippel Bay State Park on the South Shore of Lake of the Woods.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 191 people, 86 households, and 46 families living in the city. The population density was 196.9PD/sqmi. There were 110 housing units at an average density of 113.4/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.3% White, 1.0% African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.5% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population.

There were 86 households, of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.7% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.5% were non-families. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the city was 42.5 years. 27.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.4% were from 25 to 44; 27.8% were from 45 to 64; and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 210 people, 92 households, and 57 families living in the city. The population density was 214.6sp=usNaNsp=us. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 117.5sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup of the city was 97.62% White, 1.43% African American, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population.

There were 92 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,364, and the median income for a family was $28,958. Males had a median income of $25,375 versus $24,063 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,888. About 11.3% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 20.0% of those 65 or over.

Arts and Culture

Festival

The second weekend in July is "Back Home Days". During this week there are a lot of activities for returning residents, family and friends.

The annual Potato Day Festival takes place at Williams in October. The tradition began when potato farmers would gather and have a celebration that harvest was over. The festivities include a parade, dance, and the naming of the Potato Day Queen.

Media

Television

ChannelCallsignAffiliationBrandingSubchannelsOwner
(Virtual)ChannelProgramming
9.1W32EG-D
(KAWE Translator)
PBSLakeland PBS9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
First Nations Experience
PBS Kids
Create
PBS Encore
Minnesota Channel
Lake of the Woods County
34.1K34MC-DNBCKVLY 1134.1CBSLake of the Woods County
36.1K36LW-DABCWDAZ36.2FOXLake of the Woods County

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. July 24, 2022.
  2. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. 2008-01-31.
  3. Web site: US Board on Geographic Names. 2008-01-31. United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25.
  4. Web site: 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File. American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census. 23 April 2011.
  5. Book: Upham, Warren. Minnesota Place Names: A Geographical Encyclopedia. 2001. Minnesota Historical Society Press. 978-0-87351-396-8. 321.
  6. Web site: The Fire of 1910 . Lake of the Woods County Historical Society . 2009-06-08.
  7. Web site: US Gazetteer files 2010. United States Census Bureau. 2012-11-13.
  8. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. 2012-11-13.