Minot
cityMinot, North Dakota, also known as the "Magic City," is located in Ward County in the north-central part of the state. The city owes its existence to the construction of the Great Northern Railway in 1886 and was named after Henry Davis Minot, a railroad investor. Minot has a population of approximately 47,440 as of July 2024, making it the fourth-most populous city in North Dakota. Minot serves as a regional hub for trade, transportation, education, commerce, and healthcare for northern North Dakota, southwestern Manitoba, and southeastern Saskatchewan. Key industries in Minot include agriculture, energy, and distribution. The city is home to the Minot Air Force Base, a major economic driver, as well as Minot State University. Minot's nickname, "The Magic City," reflects its rapid growth in the late 19th century. The city has a strong Scandinavian heritage, celebrated annually at the Norsk Høstfest. Minot offers a blend of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a resilient community spirit, making it a distinctive place to live and visit.
Minot, North Dakota
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Ward County
- Region
- Drift Prairie
- Elevation
- 1,715 ft
- Total Area
- 27.734 sq mi
- Land Area
- 27.701 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.033 sq mi
- Latitude
- 48.237614
- Longitude
- -101.279006
- Climate
- Seasonal climate with warm, dry summers and cold winters
- Notable Features
- Souris River (Mouse River) · Gassman Coulee
- Neighboring Areas
- Burlington · Surrey · Des Lacs · Minot Air Force Base · Sawyer · Deering · Glenburn · Velva
- Population (2020)
- 48,377
- Est. Population (2024)
- 47,440
- Median Age
- 33.5
- Median Income
- $73,219
- Poverty Rate
- 11.11%
- Owner-Occupied
- 56.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Minot includes 79.53% White, 5.52% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for Native American, other race, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Minot Public School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Sanitation · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Regional trade center · Transportation hub · Education and health care center
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Educational Services · Agriculture · Energy
- Major Employers
- Hess Corporation · AGT Foods · Minot Air Force Base
- Schools
- 20
- School Districts
- Minot Public School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Minot State University
- Transportation
- US 2 · US 52 · US 83 · US 83 Byp · Minot International Airport · City Transit
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer
- Major Facilities
- Trinity Health Hospital · Minot International Airport · Mesa Arena
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Minot Outdoor Recreation Area · Roosevelt Park · Scandinavian Heritage Park
- Parks & Trails
- Roosevelt Park · Scandinavian Heritage Park · Riverside Park · Minot Outdoor Recreation Area
- Founded
- 1886
- Incorporated
- 1887
- Named After
- Henry Davis Minot, a railroad investor
- Historical Significance
- A regional center for trade, transportation, education, and commerce with a strong Scandinavian heritage
- Key Events
- Founded during the construction of the Great Northern Railway · Rapid growth earned it the nickname "The Magic City" · Construction of Minot Air Force Base in the 1950s · Severe flood on the Souris River in 1969