Harris, Minnesota

Harris is a city in Chisago County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,132 at the 2010 census. There is a restaurant, a post office, a bar and grill, and tattoo shop, among other businesses. Interstate 35 serves as a main route for the community.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water.

History

Harris was platted in 1873, and incorporated as a city in 1883. It was named after Philip S. Harris, an officer of the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad Company. A post office has been in operation in Harris since 1874.

On April 11, 1933, a pregnant woman and her seven children died in a house fire at a farm in Harris. Her husband was charged with murder but was never found.

On September 11, 2025, Mayor Lance Kociemba dedicated the Harris 9/11 Memorial on the 24th anniversary of the event.

Small one story wooden building surrounded by trees.

The Harris post office.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Template:Sronly	%±
1890	504		—
1900	710		%
1910	673		%
1920	672		%
1930	584		%
1940	609		%
1950	569		%
1960	552		%
1970	559		%
1980	678		%
1990	843		%
2000	1,121		%
2010	1,132		%
2020	1,111		%
U.S. Decennial Census

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,132 people, 423 households, and 315 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 449 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 97.3% White, 0.9% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 423 households, of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.5% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the city was 41.8 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 32% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.1% male and 46.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,121 people, 377 households, and 286 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 393 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 97.77% White, 0.36% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.52% of the population.

There were 377 households, out of which 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.9% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.7% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $49,545, and the median income for a family was $51,719. Males had a median income of $37,917 versus $25,703 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,258. About 1.8% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

• Charles A. Peterson, Wisconsin State Assemblyman, was born in Harris.
• Lonnie Hammargren, famed neurosurgeon and former Lt. Governor of the State of Nevada

References

• Chisago County Bicentennial Committee (1976). “An early look at Chisago County”, Review Corporation, North Branch, Minnesota.
• Edwards, Elijah Evan and Folsom, William Hanery Carman (1888). "Fifty Years in the Northwest: With and Introduction and Appendix Containing Reminiscenses, Incidents and Notes", Pioneer Press Co.
• Harris Centennial Committee (1984). “Harris Centennial: 1884-1984”, Coordinated by: Irene Martinson and Inez Hanson, Review Corporation, North Branch, Minnesota.