Eagan, Minnesota

Eagan
City
Eagan City Hall
Location within Dakota County and Minnesota
Coordinates: 44°49′04″N 93°10′01″W
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Dakota
Established	1860
Incorporated	1972
Named for	Patrick Eagan
Government
• Mayor	Mike Maguire
Area [1]
• City	33.46 sq mi (86.66 km^2)
• Land	31.18 sq mi (80.75 km^2)
• Water	2.28 sq mi (5.90 km^2)
Elevation	958 ft (288 m)
Population  (2020)[2]
• City	68,855
• Estimate  (2022)[3]	67,534
• Rank	US: 562nd MN: 13th
• Density	2,208.31/sq mi (852.64/km^2)
• Metro	3,693,729 (US: 16th)
• Demonym	Eaganites
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes	55121, 55122, 55123
Area code	651
FIPS code	27-17288
GNIS ID	0654525[4]
Website	cityofeagan.com

Eagan (/ˈiːɡɪn/ EE-Gin) is a city in Dakota County, Minnesota. It is south of Saint Paul and lies on the south bank of the Minnesota River, upstream from the confluence with the Mississippi River. Eagan and the other nearby suburbs form the southern section of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. Eagan's population was 68,855 at the 2020 census.^[2] The city was home to the headquarters of Northwest Airlines (now Delta Air Lines).

History

Eagan was named for Patrick Eagan, who was the first chairman of the town board of supervisors. He farmed a 220-acre (0.89 km²) parcel of land near the present-day town hall. Eagan (born 1811) and his wife Margaret Twohy (born 1816) emigrated from County Tipperary, Ireland to Troy, New York, where they married in 1843. They arrived in Mendota circa 1853–54, before settling in the Eagan area.^[5]

Eagan was settled as an Irish farming community and "Onion Capital of the United States".^[6] Its largest growth took place after Highway 77 was relocated and expanded and a six-lane bridge (with three northbound and three southbound lanes) was constructed over the Minnesota River in 1980 and the final Interstate 35E freeway section southbound from Minnesota State Highway 110 in Mendota Heights to the area where it joins 35W in Burnsville was completed in the mid-1980s. Eagan's northern border is mostly along Interstate 494. Its southern border is about a mile south of Cliff Road. Its eastern border runs mostly along Minnesota State Highway 3. The western border runs mostly along the Minnesota River's south bank.

The city was visited by the "20th hijacker" of the September 11 attacks, Zacarias Moussaoui, before the attacks. Moussaoui attempted to complete flight training school, but was ultimately refused service by a local resident.^[7]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.43 square miles (86.58 km²), of which 31.12 square miles (80.60 km²) is land and 2.31 square miles (5.98 km²) is water.^[8]

Interstate Highway 35E, Interstate Highway 494, Minnesota Highways 13, 55, 77, and 149 are six of Eagan's main routes.

The Eagan Core Greenway is an ongoing project to preserve Eagan's environmentally sensitive green space, with particular emphasis on Patrick Eagan Park and the two-mile (3 km) greenway connecting the park with Lebanon Hills Regional Park.^[9]

• 
  Cascade Bay
• 
  Civic Arena

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1860	565		—
1870	670		18.6%
1880	645		−3.7%
1890	743		15.2%
1900	898		20.9%
1910	899		0.1%
1920	857		−4.7%
1930	852		−0.6%
1940	915		7.4%
1950	1,185		29.5%
1960	3,382		185.4%
1970	10,398		207.5%
1980	20,700		99.1%
1990	47,409		129.0%
2000	63,557		34.1%
2010	64,206		1.0%
2020	68,855		7.2%
2022 (est.)	67,534	[3]	−1.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[10] 2020 Census[2]

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 64,206 people, 25,249 households, and 16,884 families living in the city. The population density was 2,063.2 inhabitants per square mile (796.6/km²). There were 26,414 housing units at an average density of 848.8 units per square mile (327.7 units/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.5% White, 5.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 7.9% Asian, 1.7% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

There were 25,249 households, of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.1% were non-families. Of all households 25.9% were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the city was 36.8 years. Of residents 25.5% were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.9% were from 45 to 64; and 7.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

Economy

Northwest Airlines headquarters in Eagan, now site of the Minnesota Vikings practice facilities

Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, home of the Minnesota Vikings practice facilities

Eagan is home to legal publisher West, part of Thomson Reuters^[11] (5,000 Eagan based employees), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (3,900 employees), Scantron, and Coca-Cola's Midwest bottling facility (900 employees).^[12] The sparsely populated northern portions of the city, being convenient to freeways and MSP Airport, are also home to a number of warehouses and distribution centers, including Minnesota's largest UPS hub (1,400 employees).^[12]

Regional Elite Airline Services,^[13] Universal Cooperatives and Buffets, Inc. are also headquartered in Eagan.^[14]

Northwest Airlines had its headquarters in Eagan.^[15][16] After Northwest merged with Delta, the Northwest headquarters was disestablished. Todd Klingel, president of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, said that losing Northwest, a Fortune 500 company, would be "certainly a blow." He added, "But it's been expected for so long. Let's get on with it. The key is what can we do to minimize the loss to Minnesota."^[17] Mesaba Airlines employed around 1,830 people when it closed in 2011.^[18][19]

The Minnesota Vikings relocated their headquarters from Eden Prairie to Eagan, at the site of the former Northwest Airlines headquarters. The complex can be seen from Interstate 494.^[20] and is also home to the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, which serves as the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. The facility is 277,000 square feet and includes an outdoor field that seats 6,500 fans.^[21] Fans can tour the facility or watch the daily activities on one of the six live action cameras around the stadium.^[22]

Top employers

According to Eagan's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,^[23] its top employers were:

#	Employer	# of Employees
1	Thomson Reuters	5,000
2	BlueCross/BlueShield of Minnesota	3,000
3	United States Postal Service	2,100 (estimated)
4	Prime Therapeutics	2,000
5	United Parcel Service	1,500
6	Ecolab	1,400
7	ISD 196, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan	1,075
8	Coca-Cola Bottling	750
9	Dart Transit	400
10	Amazon	300

Government and politics

1914 Town Hall (now a museum)

Eagan's municipal government is a Type B Statutory City, which provides for a council size of five members, one of whom is the mayor. Eagan's mayor since 2007 has been Mike Maguire.

The other councilmembers are:^[24]

• Paul Bakken (fifth non-consecutive term, 1997 and since 2007, seat up again in 2026)
• Gary Hansen (fourth term, since 2009 special election, seat up again in 2026)
• Cyndee Fields (fifth term, since 2001, seat up again in 2024)^[25]
• Mike Supina (first term, since 2021, seat up again in 2024)^[25]

In general, city government is nonpartisan. Candidates need not be (and usually are not) selected or endorsed by political parties, and no such endorsement appears on the ballot by state law. All five council seats including the mayor are elected at-large in a general election every four years. Terms are staggered with two council members elected one election cycle and the other two and the mayor two years later.^[24] The non-mayoral seats are elected in pairs, giving voters the chance to vote for up to two candidates. If necessary, races are narrowed down during a primary election.

As a part of Dakota County, Eagan's northern and western precincts join with regions northward to form the Third District on the County Commission. It has been represented by Laurie Halverson since 2021. The southern and eastern portions of the city are joined by regions south and east to form the Fourth District of the County Commission, which has been represented by William Droste since 2023. County commissioners serve four-year terms.

Eagan is in Minnesota's 2nd congressional district, represented by Angie Craig since 2019.

Since redistricting last took place, in 2022, Eagan straddles two Minnesota State Senate districts. Seventeen of Eagan's 18 precincts are joined with three precincts in neighboring Burnsville, four precincts in Mendota Heights, and the Village of Mendota to form Senate District 52, represented by Senator Jim Carlson (DFL). Eagan's southeastern most precinct is part of Senate District 56, represented by Senator Erin Maye Quade (DFL).

In the Minnesota House of Representatives, each senate district is divided into an "A" and a "B" side. The western half of District 52 makes up House District 52A, represented by Liz Reyer (DFL). The eastern half of District 52 makes up House District 52B, represented by Bianca Virnig (DFL). John Huot (DFL) represents precinct 18 as part of House District 56B.

Eagan is home to Minnesota's 39th governor, Tim Pawlenty, who previously represented Eagan in the Minnesota House and on the city council. Former mayor Patricia Anderson served as the 17th state auditor from 2003 to 2007.

Recently two city questions have gone to the ballot for city residents to vote on. In 2008, the citizens voted 53% to 47% to allow private development of a defunct golf course instead of having the City purchase the land for public development or open space. In 2004 and in 2007, voters were presented with plans drafted by an established Charter Commission calling for the city to scrap its current governing structure as a statutory city and adopt a new home-rule city charter. The measure failed 80% to 20% in 2004 and 91% to 9% in 2007. The Charter Commission was dissolved on June 18, 2008.

Eagan lies in Minnesota's First Judicial District.

Presidential election results

2020 Precinct Results Spreadsheet^[26]

2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet^[27]

2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet^[28]

2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet^[29]

2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet^[30]

2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet^[31]

1996 Precinct Results^[32]

1992 Precinct Results^[33]

1988 Precinct Results^[34]

1984 Precinct Results^[35]

1980 Precinct Results^[36]

1976 Precinct Results^[37]

1968 Precinct Results^[38]

1964 Precinct Results^[39]

1960 Precinct Results^[40]

Year	Republican	Democratic	Third parties
2020	34.2% 14,444	63.2% 26,703	2.6% 1,086
2016	36.4% 13,977	53.8% 20,630	9.8% 3,776
2012	44.5% 17,193	53.2% 20,539	2.3% 891
2008	43.6% 16,461	54.6% 20,638	1.8% 676
2004	48.7% 18,010	50.3% 18,588	1.0% 380
2000	47.1% 15,510	47.4% 15,604	5.5% 1,839
1996	39.5% 10,947	50.7% 14,049	9.8% 2,738
1992	35.1% 9,905	39.5% 11,125	25.4% 7,155
1988	52.4% 10,679	47.6% 9,717	0.0% 0
1984	55.3% 7,492	44.7% 6,047	0.0% 0
1980	43.1% 4,303	43.3% 4,323	13.6% 1,357
1976	46.6% 3,914	50.9% 4,267	2.5% 211

Education

Colleges and universities

• Rasmussen College

Primary and secondary schools

Public schools

Eagan is served by three school districts: Independent School District 191, Independent School District 196, and Independent School District 197. Some students choose to attend public schools in other school districts, as permitted under Minnesota's open enrollment statute.^[41]

High schools

• Eagan High School (196)

Middle schools

• Blackhawk Middle School (196)
• Dakota Hills Middle School (196)

Elementary schools

• Deerwood Elementary School (196)
• Glacier Hills Elementary School (196)
• Northview Elementary School (196)
• Oak Ridge Elementary School (196)
• Pilot Knob Elementary School (197)
• Pinewood Community School (196)
• Rahn Elementary School (191)
• Red Pine Elementary School (196)
• Sioux Trail Elementary School (191)
• Woodland Elementary School (196)

Private schools

• Faithful Shepherd Catholic School
• Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School
• Trinity at River Ridge

Public libraries

Wescott Library

The Dakota County Library operates the Wescott Library in Eagan.^[42] The library houses the headquarters of Dakota County Library.^[43][44]

Sports

The Minnesota Vikings built the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, a training facility for year-round use that opened in 2018. It features a stadium and six practice fields. The Vikings have announced a partnership with the Minnesota State High School League to host competitions at the venue.

The USL W League's Minnesota Aurora FC began play in 2022, with its home matches at Eagan's TCO Stadium.

Notable people

• Patricia Anderson, 17th Minnesota State Auditor and former mayor of Eagan
• Tim Commers, Minnesota state legislator and realtor
• Angie Craig, US representative for Minnesota's 2nd congressional district^[45]
• Natalie Darwitz, three time Olympic hockey player
• Nicholas David, American Soul singer and 3rd place finalist on NBC's The Voice
• Caroline Innerbichler, stage actress
• Laura Osnes, singer and actress
• Mary Anderson Pawlenty, First Lady of Minnesota and Judge of the District Court of Minnesota
• Tim Pawlenty, 39th Governor of Minnesota
• Lori Swanson, former Attorney General of Minnesota
• Mike Schneider, professional poker player
• Doug Wardlow, Minnesota state legislator
• Tim Vakoc, former associate pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and first U.S. military chaplain to die from wounds received in the Iraq War
• Kulap Vilaysack, actress, comedian, writer, director, and showrunner
• Zach Zenner, NFL running back for the Detroit Lions^[46]

References

1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
2. "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
3. "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021". United States Census Bureau. November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
5. "Eagan Historical Trail Guide". Boy Scout Troop 453. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
6. "History of Eagan, Minnesota". City of Eagan. 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
7. "FBI gives second 9/11 tipster $100,000 reward". St. Paul Pioneer Press. December 8, 2009. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
8. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
9. "Friends of the Eagan Core Greenway". Friends of the Eagan Core Greenway. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
10. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved August 12, 2021.
11. ISBN 978-0-542-97374-1
12. "About Eagan". www.ci.eagan.mn.us. Archived from the original on May 3, 2008.
13. "Important Notice from Regional Elite Airline Services About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare Archived July 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine." Regional Elite Airline Services. Retrieved on October 3, 2010. "1000 Blue Gentian Rd, Suite 200, Eagan, MN 55121]"
14. "Whadja Think? Archived November 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine" Buffets. Retrieved on July 28, 2009.
15. "NWA pilots threaten to oppose merger." Minnesota Public Radio. April 14, 2008. Retrieved on July 28, 2009.
16. "creditapp.pdf Archived October 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine." Northwest Airlines. Retrieved on May 18, 2009.
17. Chapman, Dan. "In Minnesota, opposition, resignation to merger." Cox News Service at Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Wednesday April 16, 2008. Retrieved on September 16, 2009.
18. "Eagan, Minnesota at a Glance Archived May 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine." City of Eagan. Retrieved on July 28, 2009.
19. "General Office Archived April 24, 2009, at the Wayback Machine." Mesaba Airlines. Retrieved on May 19, 2009.
20. "Vikings officially set to move headquarters to Eagan in 2018 - 1500 ESPN Twin Cities". 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. June 21, 2016. Archived from the original on June 23, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
21. ""Vikings Show off New Practice Facility in Eagan". Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2021.." KSTP. Retrieved on February 3, 2019.
22. "TCO Performance Center". Archived from the original on November 5, 2016.
23. "Annual Financial Reports". cityofeagan.com. City of Eagan. Archived from the original on October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
24. "Council & Commission". www.cityofeagan.com. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
25. "Index - Election Results".
26. "Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2020 Precinct Results Spreadsheet". www.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
27. "Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2016 Precinct Results Spreadsheet". www.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
28. "Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2012 Precinct Results Spreadsheet". www.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
29. "Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2008 Precinct Results Spreadsheet". www.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
30. "Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2004 Precinct Results Spreadsheet". www.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
31. "Minnesota Secretary Of State - 2000 Precinct Results Spreadsheet". www.sos.state.mn.us. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
32. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
33. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
34. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
35. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
36. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
37. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
38. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
39. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
40. "Minnesota Election results" (PDF). mn.gov.
41. "Open Enrollment". Minnesota Department of Education. Archived from the original on August 26, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
42. "Wescott Library (Eagan) Archived October 13, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." Dakota County Library. Retrieved on October 3, 2010.
43. "Departments Archived October 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." County of Dakota. Retrieved on October 3, 2010. "Library Administration & Support Services Administrative Offices Wescott Library 1340 Wescott Rd Eagan MN 55123-1029"
44. "Library Administration & Support Services Archived October 14, 2010, at the Wayback Machine." County of Dakota. Retrieved on October 3, 2010. "Library Administration & Support Services Ken Behringer, Director Wescott Library 1340 Wescott Rd Eagan MN 55123-1029."
45. "The Voter's Self Defense System".
46. "After going undrafted, Zach Zenner signs with Detroit Lions as free agent". FOX Sports. May 2, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2017.

External links

• City of Eagan – Official site