St. Cloud is a city in the state of Minnesota and is a major place in the state's central region. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 64,308. It is the county seat of Stearns County6. Although mainly located in Stearns County, the city extends into Benton County and Sherburne County as well. It is the main city of a small metropolitan area, with Waite Park and Sauk Rapids directly bordering the city, and others such as Sartell nearby. The Mississippi River flows through the city.
St. Cloud is northwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area along Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 10. It is sometimes considered to be part of the Twin Cities region, and the media markets for the two areas overlap. A commuter rail line running into the Twin Cities known as the Northstar Corridor may reach the city in a second phase. The line is still in planning stages.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 80.1 km2 (30.9 mi2). 78.1 km2 (30.2 mi2) of it is land and 2.0 km2 (0.8 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 2.62% water.
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 59,107 people, 22,652 households, and 12,254 families residing in the city. The population density is 756.7/km2 (1,959.9/mi2). There are 23,249 housing units at an average density of 297.6/km2 (770.9/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 91.75% White, 2.37% African American, 0.72% Native American, 3.11% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. 1.33% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 22,652 households out of which 27.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% are married couples living together, 9.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 45.9% are non-families. 30.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.40 and the average family size is 3.00.
In the city the population is spread out with 20.8% under the age of 18, 24.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 17.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 28 years. For every 100 females there are 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 100.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $37,346, and the median income for a family is $50,460. Males have a median income of $33,670 versus $23,759 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,769. 13.1% of the population and 5.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.0% of those under the age of 18 and 9.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.