# Richfield, Minnesota

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City in Minnesota, United States

City in Minnesota, United States

Richfield, Minnesota City Corner of 66th St and Lyndale Avenue in downtown Richfield Logo Motto: The Urban Hometown Location of Richfield within Hennepin County, Minnesota Richfield, Minnesota Show map of Minnesota Richfield, Minnesota Show map of the United States Richfield, Minnesota Show map of North America Coordinates: 44°52′55″N 93°16′06″W / 44.882026°N 93.268447°W / 44.882026; -93.268447 Country United States State Minnesota County Hennepin Founded 1850s Incorporated 1908 Government • Type Council-manager government[1] • Mayor Mary Supple Area [2] • City 6.92 sq mi (17.91 km2) • Land 6.78 sq mi (17.55 km2) • Water 0.14 sq mi (0.35 km2) 2.00% Elevation 840 ft (256 m) Population (2020)[3] • City 36,994 • Estimate (2022)[4] 36,710 • Density 5,458/sq mi (2,107.4/km2) • Metro 3,693,927 (US: 16th) Time zone UTC-6 (Central) • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT) ZIP code 55423 Area code 612 FIPS code 27-54214 GNIS feature ID 0650061[5] Website richfieldmn.gov

**Richfield** is a city in [Hennepin County](/source/Hennepin_County%2C_Minnesota), [Minnesota](/source/Minnesota). An inner-ring suburb of Minneapolis, Richfield is bordered by [Minneapolis](/source/Minneapolis) to the north, [Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport](/source/Minneapolis%E2%80%93Saint_Paul_International_Airport) and [Fort Snelling](/source/Fort_Snelling_(unorganized_territory)%2C_Minnesota) to the east, [Bloomington](/source/Bloomington%2C_Minnesota) to the south, and [Edina](/source/Edina%2C_Minnesota) to the west. The population was 36,994 at the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census).[3]

[Best Buy](/source/Best_Buy), the U.S.'s largest electronics retailer, is headquartered in Richfield.

## History

Map showing land annexations and Richfield's original borders as a town in 1854 and present day borders as a city

In the 1820s, some small settlements developed around [Fort Snelling](/source/Fort_Snelling). By the late 1830s, the fortress served as a destination for newcomers—lumbermen, missionaries, farmers, traders and travelers—migrating to the borderlands people were now calling "Minisota".[6] Minnesotan [Franklin Steele](/source/Franklin_Steele) reached the area in 1837 and worked as a sutler, selling goods to soldiers.[7]

Fort Snelling's garrison made up the bulk of the area's population,[8] along with Henry Sibley and Alexander Faribault's 75-person American Fur Company operation. Other small settlements of traders, farmers, missionaries and refugees began to develop outside the fort, some with permission, some without. These residents built communities on land that became known as Richfield.

**Minnesota's oldest suburb claim**

Richfield was one of the earliest postwar suburbs in the Twin Cities to be populated by veterans returning from [World War II](/source/World_War_II), but its claim to be Minnesota's oldest suburb date to the land's connection to [Fort Snelling](/source/Fort_Snelling) in the 1820s. The term "suburb" is from the Latin *suburbium*, "the land outside a walled city". Much of the land that comprised the Township of Richfield and today's City of Richfield included the Fort Snelling military reservation, which included [Camp Coldwater](/source/Coldwater_Spring).[9][10]

### Richfield Township is established

Map showing location of the Richland Mill

One of the first settlers to the area was [Riley Bartholomew](/source/Riley_Bartholomew), a former general in the Ohio Militia. He later became a Richfield justice of the peace and a [Minnesota state senator](/source/Minnesota_Senate). Bartholomew built a house on Wood Lake's eastern shore in 1852, and the restored [Riley Lucas Bartholomew House](/source/Riley_Lucas_Bartholomew_House) is listed on the [National Register of Historic Places](/source/National_Register_of_Historic_Places). Today, the Richfield Historical Society maintains the house and the site.

The Harmony post office, south of the Richland Mill on Lyndale Avenue, opened in 1854. Postmaster James Dunsmoor named the mail center after his hometown in Maine.[11] Richfield farmers looked on the metropolis to its north as their marketing target. They helped supply its restaurants, hotels, grocers and citizens with fresh produce, with enough left over to ship by railroad to other cities.[12]

On May 11, 1858, Congress approved the [Territory of Minnesota](/source/Territory_of_Minnesota) as the 32nd state to join the union. That day, local citizens met in a schoolhouse at present-day 53rd and Lyndale to form a municipal government. At that meeting, those who previously said they lived in Harmony or Richland Mills chose the name Richfield for their community.[13][14][*[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*]

Settlers from [Maine](/source/Maine) made up 35% of U.S.-born adults 18 or older in 1860 Richfield. New York [immigrants](/source/Immigrants) were 21%. Immigrants from [Ireland](/source/Ireland), numbering 58, represented half of the 119 adults from other nations. Just three of Richfield's citizens had been born in Minnesota.[15]

Richfield's fields proved bountiful for the settlers. Early crops included corn, wheat and oats. Wheat immediately became the cash crop, sold in the area's first major market, [St. Paul](/source/Saint_Paul%2C_Minnesota). Those in southern [Hennepin County](/source/Hennepin_County) found it more profitable to haul their wheat crop to St. Paul than to the St. Anthony Falls district. This was before "King Wheat" and Minneapolis's evolution into a milling center.[16]

**Market gardening**

Minneapolis became a favorite trading point for market gardeners in 1897 with the building of the modern, covered Second Street Market just two blocks west of [Hennepin Avenue](/source/Hennepin_Avenue) and Bridge Square. The market featured a massive platform for gardeners, including Richfield's sizable contingent, to unload and display produce. The new system freed streets from traffic snarls by allowing each person to unhitch and put up their horses, while their wagon was backed into an assigned space. Wholesale customers could then bring their teams to the platform and negotiate prices when the starting bell sounded.[17]

### Boundary changes

Today's boundaries differ markedly from those the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners set forth on April 10, 1858, when it established the towns of Richfield, Minneapolis, [Bloomington](/source/Bloomington%2C_Minnesota) and [Eden Prairie](/source/Eden_Prairie%2C_Minnesota). Richfield's boundaries included about 63 square miles. Richfield originally ranged to Minneapolis's Lake Street on the north, to what is now Highway 169 on the west, to Bloomington on the south, and to Fort Snelling and the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers on the east.[18]

Plat of Lands in the City of Minneapolis Annexed from the Village of Richfield in 1927.

Parts of Richfield were later lost to neighboring towns or villages through annexation. An 1886 partition of Richfield created the village of St. Louis Park, and a division in 1889 produced the village of Edina. Minneapolis absorbed sizeable portions of Richfield through legislative action or annexations in 1867, 1883, 1887 and 1927. The growth of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport during the last half of the 20th century and additions of land to the Fort Snelling compound meant further reductions.[9]

### 20th century

Housing development along Washburn Avenue, circa 1950

In 1908, Richfield became a [village](/source/Village). From 1908 until 1950, Richfield's local government consisted of a [president](/source/President_(government_title)#Sub-national), three [trustees](/source/Trustees), and a [city clerk](/source/City_clerk). On November 7, 1950, residents voted for a city-manager form of government, meaning the city had a [mayor](/source/Mayor), four council members, and a [city manager](/source/City_Manager). This is still Richfield's form of government. The first mayor was Clarence Christian, who began serving in 1951, but served as president under the old format dating back to 1948. By the late 1940s, the city's population started increasing rapidly as farmland was sold to developers building homes for veterans returning from [World War II](/source/World_War_II). The Richfield Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1955 and has been deeply involved in the community's development and redevelopment.[19]

Over the years, populations of all nearby communities increased and after [World War II](/source/World_War_II), Richfield flourished with commuters to [Twin Cities](/source/Minneapolis%E2%80%93St._Paul) jobs. As of 2019, Richfield has a population of about 35,000, who live within seven square miles of neighborhoods, parks, and shops.

## Geography

According to the [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau), the city has an area of 7.01 square miles (18.16 km2), of which 6.87 square miles (17.79 km2) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km2) is water.[20]

Interstates [35W](/source/Interstate_35W_(Minnesota)) and [494](/source/Interstate_494) and Minnesota State Highways [62](/source/Minnesota_State_Highway_62_(east)) and [77](/source/Minnesota_State_Highway_77) are four of the main routes in the city. Other main routes include 66th Street.

The majority of the 10,000 single-family homes were constructed in the 1950s, and the 5,000 apartments date from the 1960s and early 1970s. The Richfield Rediscovered Housing Program has established an environment of change in the community as it encourages home remodeling, expansion, and reconstruction. The program is gradually changing the face of Richfield's residential neighborhoods, upgrading them from small, post-WWII styles to larger homes.

Richfield Land Use Areas (2005) Land Use Specific Acres Percent Total City Area 4569.4 100 Streets and Highways 1249.6 27.3 Net Land Use Area 3319.8 72.7 Total Residential Total Residential Area 2396.9 52.4 Single Family 2170.8 47.5 Two Family 35.0 0.8 Town Housing 3.4 0.07 Multi-family 182.2 4.0 Care housing 5.5 0.1 Total Non-Residential Total Non-Residential Area 922.3 20.2 Commercial 205.0 4.5 Public 16.8 0.4 Quasi Public 40.4 0.9 Church 56.6 1.2 School 109.2 2.4 Park 468.6 10.3 Railroad 11.8 0.3 Vacant 13.9 0.3

## Economy

### Business

Richfield is home to the corporate campus of [Best Buy](/source/Best_Buy)

[Best Buy Company, Inc.](/source/Best_Buy) moved its corporate headquarters to Richfield in 2003, becoming its largest employer.[21] Public subsidies of almost $60 million were spent to attract the corporate campus including spending $48 million to purchase and demolish over 100 homes and 3 car dealerships within the city just north of I-494. [Tax increment financing](/source/Tax_increment_financing) was used to fund other infrastructure.[22] The use of [eminent domain](/source/Eminent_domain) for a private business was controversial and resulted in lawsuits.[23]

From the first quarter of 2001 to the first quarter of 2003, net job growth equaled 2,444 – the second highest in the metropolitan area. Additionally, total employment in Richfield jumped from 10,090 to nearly 15,000 between 1995 and 2005.[24]

In 2007, Cedar Point Commons opened in Richfield at [Cedar Avenue](/source/Cedar_Avenue) and 66th Street, adjacent to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. [Target](/source/Target_Corporation) and [The Home Depot](/source/The_Home_Depot) serve as its anchor tenants.[25]

### Top employers

According to the city's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[26] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees 1 Best Buy (HQ) 5,300 2 US Bank 1,350 3 Richfield Public Schools 1,057 4 Target 350 5 City of Richfield 327 6 Fraser 299 7 Headway Emotional Health Services 250 9 Menard, Inc. 200 9 Weis Builders 100 10 Pizza Lucé 60

## Education

Richfield has [public schools](/source/Public_school_(government_funded)), [private schools](/source/Private_schools), alternative education programs, and [post-secondary](/source/Post-secondary) options.[27]

### Public schools

The local school district, [Richfield Public Schools](/source/Richfield_Public_Schools) (officially Independent School District #280), serves about 4,200 students in Richfield and part of [Edina](/source/Edina%2C_Minnesota) in grades K-12. Richfield schools are divided into [elementary schools](/source/Elementary_schools), [middle schools](/source/Middle_schools), and [high schools](/source/High_schools).[28]

Four elementary schools serve primary students in grades K-5: Centennial Elementary; Sheridan Elementary; R-STEM Elementary, which focuses its curriculum on science, technology, engineering, and math; and RDLS Elementary, a dual language school that teaches students in both English and Spanish.

Students in grades 6-8 attend Richfield Middle School.[29] [Richfield High School](/source/Richfield_High_School_(Minnesota)) serves approximately 1400 students in grades 9–12.[30]

The [South Education Center](/source/South_Education_Center) is in the 7400 block of South Penn Avenue. It serves pre-K through "Transition" age.[31][32]

In addition to Richfield Public Schools, public charter schools also serve residents, including Seven Hills Preparatory Academy[33], Partnership Academy[34], and SciTech Academy.[35]

### Private schools

- [Academy of Holy Angels](/source/Academy_of_Holy_Angels), a Catholic, co-educational high school that serves over 800 students in grades 9-12

- Blessed Trinity Catholic School

### Post-secondary

- [Minnesota Independence College and Community](/source/Minnesota_Independence_College_and_Community)

## Recreation

Wood Lake Nature Center

Richfield has more than 450 acres (1.8 km2) of [parkland](/source/Park), 23 neighborhood parks, and a [nature preserve](/source/Nature_preserve).[36] [Wood Lake Nature Center](/source/Wood_Lake_Nature_Center) is a 150-acre (0.6 km2) park operated by the city that features [wetlands](/source/Wetlands), walking paths and an interpretive center. When the Nature Center opened in 1971, it was one of the nation's first urban nature centers. It is home to more than 200 different kinds of birds and 30 mammals.[37]

Richfield's Ice Arena has two full-size indoor skating rinks. [Hockey](/source/Ice_hockey) games, [figure skating](/source/Figure_skating), [broom ball](/source/Broom_ball) games, open skating, and community events all take place there.[38] Near the ice arena is Richfield's outdoor pool. Renovated in 2003, it features a 50-meter competitive pool, wading pool, and a 28-foot (9 m) double waterslide.[39]

2017-2019 brought a major overhaul of 66th street to improve the look of the city and increase recreation opportunities, with new, dedicated bike and walking lanes for pedestrians.[40]

## Demographics

Historical population Census Pop. Note %± 1860 866 — 1870 930 7.4% 1880 1,501 61.4% 1890 1,324 −11.8% 1900 1,537 16.1% 1910 2,673 73.9% 1920 2,411 −9.8% 1930 1,301 −46.0% 1940 3,778 190.4% 1950 17,502 363.3% 1960 42,523 143.0% 1970 47,231 11.1% 1980 37,851 −19.9% 1990 35,710 −5.7% 2000 34,439 −3.6% 2010 35,228 2.3% 2020 36,994 5.0% 2022 (est.) 36,710 [4] −0.8% U.S. Decennial Census[41][note 1] 2020 Census[3]

### Racial and ethnic composition

Richfield city, Minnesota – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[43] Pop 2010[44] Pop 2020[45] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020 White alone (NH) 27,125 22,260 21,838 78.76% 63.19% 59.03% Black or African American alone (NH) 2,257 3,152 3,591 6.55% 8.95% 9.71% Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 212 225 203 0.62% 0.64% 0.55% Asian alone (NH) 1,812 2,150 2,446 5.26% 6.10% 6.61% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) 13 17 17 0.04% 0.05% 0.05% Other race alone (NH) 108 134 246 0.31% 0.38% 0.66% Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 754 854 1,832 2.19% 2.42% 4.95% Hispanic or Latino (any race) 2,158 6,436 6,821 6.27% 18.27% 18.44% Total 34,439 35,228 36,994 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

### 2020 census

As of the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census), Richfield had a population of 36,994. The median age was 36.7 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 16.1% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 96.8 males age 18 and over.[46][47]

100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.[48]

There were 15,940 households in Richfield, of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 39.3% were married-couple households, 22.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 30.1% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 36.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[46]

There were 16,893 housing units, of which 5.6% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.5% and the rental vacancy rate was 9.0%.[46]

Racial composition as of the 2020 census[47] Race Number Percent White 22,575 61.0% Black or African American 3,638 9.8% American Indian and Alaska Native 503 1.4% Asian 2,460 6.6% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 20 0.1% Some other race 4,429 12.0% Two or more races 3,369 9.1% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 6,821 18.4%

### 2010 census

As of the [census](/source/Census) of 2010, there were 35,228 people, 14,818 households, and 8,420 families living in the city. The [population density](/source/Population_density) was 5,127.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,979.9/km2). There were 15,735 housing units at an average density of 2,290.4 per square mile (884.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 69.8% [White](/source/White_(U.S._Census)), 9.2% [African American](/source/African_American_(U.S._Census)), 0.8% [Native American](/source/Native_American_(U.S._Census)), 6.1% [Asian](/source/Asian_(U.S._Census)), 0.1% [Pacific Islander](/source/Race_(U.S._Census)), 10.4% from [other races](/source/Race_(U.S._Census)), and 3.5% from two or more races. [Hispanic](/source/Hispanic_(U.S._Census)) or [Latino](/source/Latino_(U.S._Census)) of any race were 18.3% of the population.

There were 14,818 households, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were [married couples](/source/Marriage) living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.2% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 36.2 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 14.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

### 2000 census

As of the [census](/source/Census) of 2000, there were 34,439 people, 15,073 households, and 8,727 families living in the city. The population density was 4,993.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,928.2/km2). There were 15,357 housing units at an average density of 2,226.9 per square mile (859.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.25% [White](/source/White_(U.S._Census)), 6.65% [African American](/source/African_American_(U.S._Census)), 0.72% [Native American](/source/Native_American_(U.S._Census)), 5.30% [Asian](/source/Asian_(U.S._Census)), 0.04% [Pacific Islander](/source/Pacific_Islander_(U.S._Census)), 3.41% from [other races](/source/Race_(United_States_Census)), and 2.64% from two or more races. [Hispanic](/source/Hispanic_(U.S._Census)) or [Latino](/source/Latino_(U.S._Census)) of any race was 6.27% of the population.

There were 15,073 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were [married couples](/source/Marriage) living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.2% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,519, and the median income for a family was $56,434. Males had a median income of $38,417 versus $29,909 for females. The [per capita income](/source/Per_capita_income) for the city was $24,709. About 3.9% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the [poverty line](/source/Poverty_line), including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

## Politics

Richfield's mayor is Mary Supple, a retired Richfield Public School teacher. Supple would notably serve as mayor of Richfield when U.S. [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement](/source/Immigrations_and_Customs_Enforcement) (ICE) officials [conducted raids](/source/2025_deployment_of_federal_forces_in_the_United_States#Minneapolis) in the city in January 2026.[49]

Former Richfield Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez was the first Latina mayor in Minnesota history. Regan Gonzalez was a councilwoman in Ward 3 before being elected in 2018.

Richfield has five city council members: Sharon Christensen (Council At-Large), Simon Trautmann (Council Ward One), Sean Hayford Oleary (Council Ward Two), Ben Whalen (Council Ward Three), and Supple.[50] At the state level, Richfield is represented State Senator [Melissa Halvorson Wiklund](/source/Melissa_Wiklund)[51] and State Representative Michael Howard.[52] The city is in [Minnesota's 5th congressional district](/source/Minnesota's_5th_congressional_district), represented by [Ilhan Omar](/source/Ilhan_Omar).

Presidential election results

Presidential elections results[53] Precinct General Election Results[54] Year Republican Democratic Third parties 2024 25.1% 4,847 72.4% 13,977 2.5% 480 2020 24.9% 5,128 72.4% 14,931 2.7% 555 2016 26.2% 4,839 64.6% 11,924 9.2% 1,697 2012 31.6% 5,919 65.9% 12,364 2.9% 472 2008 33.5% 6,271 64.7% 12,112 1.8% 325 2004 38.0% 7,144 60.9% 11,442 1.1% 216 2000 37.9% 6,744 55.8% 9,924 6.3% 1,124 1996 33.8% 5,774 56.5% 9,657 9.7% 1,675 1992 31.7% 6,566 47.3% 9,790 27.0% 4,328 1988 45.3% 9,167 54.7% 11,049 0.0% 0 1984 49.7% 10,496 50.3% 10,616 0.0% 0 1980 40.6% 8,370 47.9% 8,370 11.5% 2,388 1976 47.2% 10,375 51.2% 11,239 1.6% 353 1972 57.0% 12,592 41.4% 9,140 1.6% 349 1968 43.9% 9,643 52.9% 11,615 3.2% 715 1964 40.1% 8,300 59.0% 11,950 0.9% 15 1960 55.8% 10,613 44.0% 8,375 0.2% 30

## Notable people

- [Steve Christoff](/source/Steve_Christoff) – member of the 1980 USA men's hockey team that won the gold medal in the [Miracle on Ice](/source/Miracle_on_Ice)

- [Larry Fitzgerald](/source/Larry_Fitzgerald) – football player

- [Donald F. Gleason](/source/Donald_F._Gleason) – American physician and pathologist

- [Jason Heinrichs](/source/Jason_Heinrichs) – musician also known as Anomaly

- [Darby Hendrickson](/source/Darby_Hendrickson) – former NHL player

- [Shirley A. Hokanson](/source/Shirley_A._Hokanson) – Minnesota state legislator and social worker

- [William G. Kirchner](/source/William_G._Kirchner) – Minnesota state legislator and banker

- [Richard Kruger](/source/Richard_Kruger) – CEO of Imperial Oil, former vice president of ExxonMobil

- [Charles W. Lindberg](/source/Charles_W._Lindberg) – U.S. Marine

- [Bill Mack](/source/Bill_Mack_(sculptor)) – sculptor, artist

- [Damian Rhodes](/source/Damian_Rhodes) – hockey player

- [Chad Smith](/source/Chad_Smith) – Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer

- [Will Steger](/source/Will_Steger) – Arctic explorer and environmentalist

- [Christopher Tjornhom](/source/Christopher_Tjornhom) – Minnesota state legislator

- [Michael J Karels](/source/Michael_J._Karels) – Software Engineer[55]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Population figures for 1930 and 1940 were corrected in the 1950 census by excluding the Fort Snelling count.[42]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["About Richfield"](https://www.richfieldmn.gov/residents/about_richfield.php). City of Richfield, MN. Retrieved December 19, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CenPopGazetteer2020_2-0)** ["2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files"](https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_27.txt). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-2020_Census_(City)_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-2020_Census_(City)_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-2020_Census_(City)_3-2) ["Explore Census Data"](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile/Richfield_city,_Minnesota?g=1600000US2754214). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Retrieved November 11, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-USCensusEst2022_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-USCensusEst2022_4-1) ["City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022"](https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html). United States Census Bureau. June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GR3-u_5-0)** ["Richfield"](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/650061). *[Geographic Names Information System](/source/Geographic_Names_Information_System)*. [United States Geological Survey](/source/United_States_Geological_Survey), [United States Department of the Interior](/source/United_States_Department_of_the_Interior). Retrieved February 24, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** William Watts Folwell, *A History of Minnesota* 1:455-57,(St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society). 1921 reprint 1956

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Rodney C. Loehr](/source/Rodney_C._Loehr). "Franklin Steele, Frontier Businessman." *Minnesota History* 27 (December 1946): 312-314.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Holcombe. *Minnesota as a Territory*, (Mankato: Publishing Society of Minnesota) 2:96. Folwell, A History of Minnesota, 1:503-515

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_9-1) Johnson, Fred, *Richfield, Minnesota's Oldest Suburb* 1, (Richfield: Richfield Historical Society Press).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Smetanka, Mary Jane (February 11, 2008). ["Richfield, the state's 'oldest suburb'"](https://www.startribune.com/richfield-the-state-s-oldest-suburb/15531027/). *StarTribune*. Retrieved January 5, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Johnson, Fred, *Richfield, Minnesota's Oldest Suburb* 14, (Richfield: Richfield Historical Society Press). Balcom, *Early Richfield History* 16-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Johnson, Fred, *Richfield, Minnesota's Oldest Suburb* 37, (Richfield: Richfield Historical Society Press).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [History of Richfield](http://www.cityofrichfield.org/about/history.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20051201013303/http://www.cityofrichfield.org/about/history.htm) December 1, 2005, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), City of Richfield Website

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** On April 10, 1858, the [Hennepin County](/source/Hennepin_County%2C_Minnesota) Board of Commissioners established a number of towns including "Richland." Folwell History of Minnesota. II: 10-11. Records of the Town of Richfield, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, See minutes of the May 11, 1858, meeting.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** [Richfield History](https://web.archive.org/web/20060613035353/http://www.villageprofile.com/minnesota/richfield/03/topic.html), Community Profile

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Attwater and Stevens, *History of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota* 1413-1414. Richfield's George Odell wrote his town's history in the Atwater and Stevens book. *Minnesota Farmer and Gardener*, Lyman M. Ford and John H. Stevens, ed., No. 1. Nov. 18, 1860, 13. Letter from H. H. Hopkins in the December 1860 issue. pages 60-61.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** The new Second Street Market at 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue North is praised in the Minneapolis monthly magazine *The Market garden: Journal for the Gardener and Trucker*, 4 (Market 1897): 3.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Johnson, Fred, *Richfield, Minnesota's Oldest Suburb* 14, (Richfield: Richfield Historical Society Press). David J. Butler. "Did the Town of Richfield ever extend as far north as Franklin Avenue?" *Richfield Historical Society Bulletin*, (Summer 2006):3-4. Balcom, *Early Richfield History*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [Richfield Historical Society's web site](http://www.richfieldhistory.org)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Gazetteer_files_20-0)** ["US Gazetteer files 2010"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Archived from [the original](https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt) on January 12, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [Best Buy Corporate Office Headquarters](http://www.corporateofficeheadquarters.com/2011/02/best-buy-corporate-office-headquarters.html)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Albertson-Grove, Josie (December 10, 2023). ["Best Buy seeks lower property tax as Richfield offices sit half vacant"](https://www.startribune.com/best-buy-wants-less-property-tax-richfield-headquarters-office-vacant/600325566/). *Star Tribune*. Retrieved December 11, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Pristin, Terry (October 5, 2005). ["Eminent Domain Revisited: A Minnesota Case"](https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/05/realestate/eminent-domain-revisited-a-minnesota-case.html). *The New York Times*. Retrieved December 11, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Richfield Community Profile](https://web.archive.org/web/20060613035533/http://www.villageprofile.com/minnesota/richfield/12/topic.html)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [Cedar Point Commons](http://ebrochure.welshco.com/index.asp?P=1687) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090624063622/http://ebrochure.welshco.com/index.asp?P=1687) June 24, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [City of Richfield AFR](https://cms9files.revize.com/richfieldmn/Document_Center/Department/Finance%20and%20Budget/Comprehensive%20Annual%20Financial%20Report/ACFR%20-%202023%20Richfield%20-%20Final.pdf)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** [rSchooltoday](https://archive.today/20120908075507/http://www.rschooltoday.com/se3bin/clientschool.cgi?schoolname=school340)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** [Richfield District](https://web.archive.org/web/20130217195902/http://www.richfield.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientschool.cgi?schoolname=school230)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** [Richfield Middle](https://archive.today/20120911222822/http://www.richfield.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientschool.cgi?schoolname=school234)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** [Richfield High School](https://archive.today/20120908201631/http://www.richfield.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientschool.cgi?schoolname=school235)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["South Education Center"](https://www.district287.org/schools/south-education-center/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Paul Walsh; Eder Campuzano (February 1, 2022). ["2 arrested after shooting outside school in Richfield kills one student, injures another"](https://www.startribune.com/police-atf-on-scene-of-shooting-outside-richfield-school/600141917/?refresh=true#10). *[Star Tribune](/source/Star_Tribune)*. Retrieved February 7, 2022. South Education Center, an alternative school in the Intermediate District 287 that serves students from pre-K to age 21. Police found the two students wounded outside the school, in the 7400 block of S. Penn Avenue

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Seven Hills Preparatory Academy. ["About Us"](https://www.sevenhillspreparatoryacademy.org/about-us). *shpamn.org*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250725001035/https://www.sevenhillspreparatoryacademy.org/about-us) from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved May 13, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Partnership Academy"](https://www.paschool.org/). *www.paschool.org*. Retrieved May 13, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Contact"](https://scitechacademymn.org/contact-us/). *SciTech Academy*. Retrieved May 13, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Parks"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130514092743/http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=245). City of Richfield, Minnesota. Archived from [the original](http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=245) on May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["Woodlake Nature Center"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130514100429/http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=241). City of Richfield, Minnesota. Archived from [the original](http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=241) on May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** ["Ice Arena"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140321120908/http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=242). City of Richfield, Minnesota. Archived from [the original](http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=242) on March 21, 2014. Retrieved August 18, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** ["Outdoor Pool"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150512222010/http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=239). City of Richfield, Minnesota. Archived from [the original](http://www.ci.richfield.mn.us/index.aspx?page=239) on May 12, 2015. Retrieved August 18, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["66th Reconstruction Process from Richfield.gov"](https://www.richfieldmn.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=11391).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). ["Census of Population and Housing"](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html). Retrieved June 15, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** ["Number of Inhabitants - Minnesota"](https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-26.pdf) (PDF). *1950 Census of Population*. United States Census Bureau. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170824121954/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-26.pdf) (PDF) from the original on August 24, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2000CensusP004_44-0)** ["P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Richfield city, Minnesota"](https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US2754214&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004). *[United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2010CensusP2_45-0)** ["P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Richfield city, Minnesota"](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2754214&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2). *[United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2020CensusP2_46-0)** ["P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Richfield city, Minnesota"](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2754214&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2). *[United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau)*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_47-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_47-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_47-2) ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A54214&in=state%3A27). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census2020PL_48-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census2020PL_48-1) ["2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A54214&in=state%3A27). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census2020DHC_49-0)** ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A54214&in=state%3A27). *United States Census Bureau*. 2023. Retrieved April 10, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** Hanks, Mike (January 8, 2026). ["Richfield mayor issues statement in response to ICE activity"](https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/richfield-mayor-issues-statement-in-response-to-ice-activity/article_9f290e13-b7e6-42c1-9622-d7f61a0c25ce.html). Sun Current. Retrieved January 8, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["City of Richfield City Council"](https://www.richfieldmn.gov/city_government/city_council/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** ["Minnesota State Senate"](https://www.senate.mn/members/member_bio.html?mem_id=1209). *www.senate.mn*. Retrieved March 7, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** ["Rep. Michael Howard (50A) - Minnesota House of Representatives"](https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15518). *www.house.leg.state.mn.us*. Retrieved March 7, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** ["Election Results - Minnesota Legislative Reference Library"](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/mngov/electionresults).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** ["Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State - Election Results"](https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** [*Funeral - Michael Karels, June 18, 2024*](https://www.youtube.com/live/-C6x3fCNwNQ?feature=shared&t=2020). Retrieved December 28, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.

## Further reading

- Johnson, Frederick L. (2008). [*Richfield: Minnesota's Oldest Suburb*](https://books.google.com/books?id=zAaZOgAACAAJ). Richfield Historical Society. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-60585-636-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-60585-636-0).

- Smetanka, Mary Jane (February 11, 2008). ["Richfield, the state's 'oldest suburb'"](http://www.startribune.com/local/west/15531027.html). *Star Tribune*.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Richfield, Minnesota](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Richfield,_Minnesota).

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Richfield, Minnesota](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Richfield_(Minnesota)#Q988916)***.

- [City website](http://www.richfieldmn.gov/)

- [Richfield Historical Society](http://www.richfieldhistory.org/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Richfield, Minnesota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richfield%2C_Minnesota) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richfield%2C_Minnesota?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.