Burnsville, Minnesota

Burnsville is a city in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States. It is a suburb of Minneapolis. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 60,220.

Geography

Location of Burnsville, Minnesota

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 69.3 km² (26.7 mi²). 64.4 km² (24.9 mi²) of it is land and 4.8 km² (1.9 mi²) of it (6.96%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 60,220 people, 23,687 households, and 15,633 families residing in the city. The population density was 934.9/km² (2,421.0/mi²). There were 24,261 housing units at an average density of 376.6/km² (975.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 87.54% White, 4.07% African American, 0.46% Native American, 4.08% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.42% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.86% of the population.

There were 23,687 households out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city the population was spread out with 26.2% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,965, and the median income for a family was $67,979. Males had a median income of $45,312 versus $31,848 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,093. About 3.7% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Lifestyle

Since the 20th century, Burnsville's look is that of a suburban bedroom community of typical suburban sprawl fashion. It is a fully developed third ring suburb of Minneapolis, about 20-30 minutes distant by highway. Early growth of Burnsville was due to Interstate 35W's completion in the 1960s which came earlier than most of the metro highways. As a result there are large pockets of housing from that decade, defining much of the housing stock as ramblers and split-levels. Burnsville through the 1990s filled in the last of its available land with upscale housing stock and apartment complexes. As a result, the city has a diverse range of housing types and thus families and income levels. The median household income from the 2000 census is $57,965 and the city accepts low-income residencies.

Generally, residents are conservative with their money and politics. Local economy includes Burnsville Center, a 1,275,703 square foot regional mall. Most of County Road 42 is lined with suburban strip malls, restaurants, goods and grocery stores. Minnesota Valley Transit Authority provides regional bus service between many transit hubs but general transportation requires use of a car.

Some residents value Burnsville's 15-30 minute vicinity to nearly all metro attractions and services such as the Mall of America, Valleyfair Amusement Park, Buck Hill Ski Area, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, downtown Saint Paul and downtown Minneapolis. Adjacent cities of Apple Valley, Lakeville, and Savage provide their own nearby shopping hubs and parks. Quality of life is enhanced by large and well-maintained parks and beaches. Crystal Lake is a prominent focus of the city that allows boating, fishing, jet-skiing, and swimming.

Youth

Besides the typical suburban hang-outs youth frequent, Burnsville is a regional leader in youth and teen activities. THE GARAGE Youth Center located near City Hall is a non-profit music club which has attracted music acts as far as Japan to play and is ingrained as a place in the Minneapolis Music Scene. The Burnsville Skate Park is a free facility during summer hours. The Burnsville Ice Center has two large professional ice rinks. The city also has a fully staffed Recreation department providing year round programs and activities for all ages.

Heart of the City project

Burnsville leads the Twin Cities region in new smart growth policies which are being implemented in nearly every suburb. Smart growth defies traditional suburban sprawl bedroom communities and instead moves towards defining community identity with sustainable design. Burnsville's Heart of the City project hopes to create an attractive, vibrant, pedestrian friendly neighborhood setting with economically viable local businesses. The redevelopment encompasses 54 acres (219,000 m²) centrally located in Burnsville, a few miles from the Minnesota River. This has already replaced traditional suburban elements such as former gas stations and drive-thru services with four-story mixed-use condominium buildings reminiscent of Minneapolis neighborhoods and recalling Main Street architecture. Centerpiece to the project is Nicollet Commons Park located on Nicollet Avenue which has already drawn thousands of residents to enjoy the first phases of the project already completed. A lifestyle center, the next generation shopping mall being constructed across the metro area, will be added nearby mixing car focused access with pedestrian up-to-sidewalk stores.

Schools

Burnsville Independent School District #191, which includes Burnsville as well as parts of neighboring cities Savage and Eagan, currently has:

• One 10-12 high school:
  • Burnsville Senior High School
• Three 7-9 junior highs:
  • Eagle Ridge Junior High
  • Metcalf Junior High
  • Nicollet Junior High
• Ten K-6 elementary schools:
  • Harriet Bishop
  • Edward D. Neill
  • Gideon Pond
  • Hidden Valley
  • Marion W. Savage
  • Rahn
  • Sioux Trail
  • Sky Oaks
  • Vista View
  • William Byrne

Famous people from Burnsville

• Gao Hong, Chinese pipa player
• Cedric Yarbrough, actor
• US Senator Dave Knutson, former MN State Senator from District 37, seat now occupied by Chris Gerlach.

School logos

• Burnsville, Eagan Savage Logo
  Burnsville, Eagan Savage Logo

External links

• City of Burnsville
• Heart of the City Project