Falcon Heights

Falcon Heights
Name	Falcon Heights
Settlement type	City
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Minnesota
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Ramsey
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Randy Gustafson
Area total sq mi	2.20
Area land sq mi	2.20
Area water sq mi	0.00
Population as of	2020
Population total	5587
Population density sq mi	2539.55
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Coordinates	44, 59, 28, N...
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	55108, 55113
Area code	651
Website	https://www.falconheights.org/

Falcon Heights. Falcon Heights is a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States, situated directly adjacent to the larger city of Saint Paul. It is a primarily residential community known for hosting major state institutions, including the Minnesota State Fair and the main campus of the University of Minnesota. The city's small geographic footprint and central location within the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area contribute to its unique character.

History

The area was originally part of the Rose Township and saw agricultural use before development. Significant growth began in the early 20th century with the establishment of the permanent grounds for the Minnesota State Fair in 1885. The city was officially incorporated in 1949, largely to gain local control over zoning and services amidst the post-World War II suburban expansion. A key event in its development was the construction of the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus, which expanded its presence in the area. The city's history is deeply intertwined with these major institutions, shaping its identity as a hub for education and large-scale public events.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.20 square miles, all of it land. It is bordered by Saint Paul to the south and east, Lauderdale to the west, and Roseville to the north. Major thoroughfares include Snelling Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue. The geography is characterized by gentle terrain, with a significant portion of the land occupied by the expansive grounds of the Minnesota State Fair and the agricultural fields and facilities of the University of Minnesota.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 5,587. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant representation of Asian, Black, and White residents. The median household income is above the state average, reflecting the presence of many professionals affiliated with the University of Minnesota and state government. Housing consists largely of single-family homes, with some multi-unit dwellings, and a high percentage of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher.

Government

Falcon Heights operates under a mayor-council system. The city is part of Minnesota's 4th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Betty McCollum. Local services include a police department and a volunteer fire department that often cooperates with neighboring departments in Saint Paul and Roseville. The city government focuses on maintaining residential quality, managing the impact of large events like the Minnesota State Fair, and fostering relationships with major partners like the University of Minnesota.

Education

The city is served by the Roseville Area Schools district, with most students attending Falcon Heights Elementary School. Secondary students typically attend Roseville Area Middle School and Roseville Area High School. The presence of the University of Minnesota's St. Paul Campus, which houses the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, is a dominant educational feature. This campus is also home to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's research operations and is a center for studies in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and biological sciences.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the city include Walter Mondale, the former Vice President of the United States and United States Senator, who lived here for a time. Paul Wellstone, the late United States Senator and professor at Carleton College, was also a resident. Scientist and inventor Earl Bakken, co-founder of Medtronic, had connections to the area through the University of Minnesota. Additionally, many faculty members and researchers from the University of Minnesota and administrators of the Minnesota State Fair have resided in the community.

Category:Cities in Minnesota Category:Cities in Ramsey County, Minnesota Category:Minneapolis–Saint Paul