Becker, Minnesota

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Becker, Minnesota
settlement_type = City
nickname =
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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Becker, Minnesota


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Minnesota
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Sherburne

government_footnotes =
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unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =

area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 23.5
area_land_km2 = 22.4
area_water_km2 = 1.1
area_total_sq_mi = 9.1
area_land_sq_mi = 8.7
area_water_sq_mi = 0.4

population_as_of = 2000
population_footnotes =
population_total = 2673
population_density_km2 = 119.1
population_density_sq_mi = 308.6

timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 296
elevation_ft = 971
latd = 45 |latm = 23 |lats = 29 |latNS = N
longd = 93 |longm = 52 |longs = 22 |longEW = W

postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 55308
area_code = 763
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 27-04618GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0639848GR|3
website = [http://www.ci.becker.mn.us/ www.ci.becker.mn.us]
footnotes =

Becker is a city in Sherburne County, Minnesota, between the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. The population was 2,673 at the 2000 census.

U.S. Route 10 serves as a main route in the city.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.1 square miles (23.5 km²), of which, 8.7 square miles (22.4 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1.1 km²) of it (4.73%) is water.

Notes

Xcel Energy operates the Sherco power plant within the city. This plant is the largest coal-fired power plant in Minnesota. Because the power plant pays a large amount in property taxes, Becker residents pay considerably less in property taxes than in nearby communities. A proposed change in property tax law for utilities could end this windfall, however. [cite web|url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/05/12/powertax/|title=Rule change could mean lower taxes for Minnesota power companies|last=Post|first=Tim|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=2006|accessdate=2006-06-05]

Becker has 27 hole golf course named Pebble Creek CC. It is one of the most well maintained public courses in the state. It was designed by Joel Goldstrand.

Demographics

As of the census GR|2 of 2000, there were 2,673 people, 929 households, and 728 families residing in the city. The population density was 308.6 people per square mile (119.2/km²). There were 967 housing units at an average density of 111.6/sq mi (43.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.20% White, 0.34% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 929 households out of which 49.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 15.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city the population was spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 35.7% from 25 to 44, 13.9% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,714, and the median income for a family was $51,940. Males had a median income of $37,038 versus $26,622 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,333. About 3.4% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

U.S. Route 10 (co-signed with Minnesota State Highway 25) is the primary highway route through Becker. It plays a considerable role in the economy of the city, as many of Becker's businesses are located along Highway 10.

County Road 23 (Sherburne Avenue) also makes its starting point in Becker.

Media

Becker is home to one newspaper, the Sherburne County Citizen. It is also served by the Saint Cloud Times and the Star Tribune.

Education

* Becker Primary School (K-2)
* Becker Intermediate School (3-5)
* [Becker Middle School (6-8)] [http://www.becker.k12.mn.us/education/school/school.php?sectionid=3]
* Becker High School (9-12)

References

External links

* [http://www.ci.becker.mn.us/ Becker - City Website]
* [http://www.citizennewspaper.com "Sherburne County Citizen" - newspaper site]