Warren, Minnesota

{{Short description|City in Minnesota, United States}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}} {{Infobox settlement |name = Warren |settlement_type = City |nickname = |motto = "Soaring To A Bright Future"  |image_skyline = |imagesize = |image_caption = |image_flag = |image_seal =  |image_map = Marshall_County_Minnesota_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Warren_Highlighted.svg |mapsize = 250px |map_caption = Location within Marshall County and Minnesota |image_map1 = |mapsize1 = |map_caption1 =  |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = United States |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = Minnesota |subdivision_type2 = County |subdivision_name2 = Marshall  |government_footnotes = |government_type = |leader_title = Mayor |leader_name = Travis Carl |leader_title1 = Council |leader_name1 = Justin Buegler David Erickson Danny Omdahl Jarod Peterson David Weber Mark Wimpfheimer |established_title = Founded |established_title1 = Incorporated (town) |established_title2 = Incorporated (city) |established_date = 1879 |established_date1 = 1881 |established_date2 = 1892  |unit_pref = Imperial |area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_27.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 24, 2022}}</ref> |area_magnitude = |area_total_km2 = 3.77 |area_land_km2 = 3.77 |area_water_km2 = 0.00 |area_total_sq_mi = 1.46 |area_land_sq_mi = 1.46 |area_water_sq_mi = 0.00  |population_as_of = 2020 |population_est = 1574 |pop_est_as_of = 2021 |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2021"/> |population_footnotes = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> |population_total = 1605 |population_density_km2 = 425.53 |population_density_sq_mi = 1102.34  |timezone = CST |utc_offset = -6 |timezone_DST = CDT |utc_offset_DST = -5 |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> |elevation_m = 261 |elevation_ft = 856 |coordinates = {{coord|48|11|48|N|96|46|22|W|region:US-MN|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/> |postal_code_type = ZIP code |postal_code = 56762 |area_code = 218 |blank_name = FIPS code |blank_info = 27-68170 |blank1_name = GNIS feature ID |blank1_info = 0653783 <ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|653783}}</ref> |website = {{URL|http://www.warrenminnesota.com/|warrenminnesota.com}} |footnotes = }}

'''Warren''' is a city in and the county seat of Marshall County, Minnesota, United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> The population was 1,605 at the 2020 census.<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US2768170 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 16, 2022}}</ref>

==History== Warren was platted in 1879, and named for Charles H. Warren, a railroad official.<ref>{{cite book|last=Upham|first=Warren|title=Minnesota Geographic Names: Their Origin and Historic Significance|url=https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog|year=1920|publisher=Minnesota Historical Society|page=[https://archive.org/details/minnesotageogra00uphagoog/page/n350 331]}}</ref> A post office has been in operation at Warren since 1880.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.postalhistory.com/postoffices.asp?task=display&state=MN&county=Marshall | title=Marshall County | publisher=Jim Forte Postal History | access-date=July 13, 2015}}</ref>

Although several times larger than the next largest city in the county, Warren's prominence as the county seat has been threatened several times in its history. The original plan for the Soo Line Railroad (completed in 1905) branch line that passes through Warren called for it to run from Thief River Falls to Argyle and then west. Argyle interests hoped the establishment of a railroad junction there would lead to the removal of the county seat from Warren to Argyle. Other interests prevailed, although the railroad line forms a parabola extending north from Thief River Falls, and then south to Warren, as if the plan changed while the line was being built.[https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Warren,+MN,+United+States+of+America&ie=UTF8&ll=48.263084,-96.622696&spn=0.203412,0.462799&z=11&om=1] In 1974, citizens of the eastern part of the county, noting Warren's location in the western quarter of the long county, and very nearly at its southern boundary, petitioned twice for the relocation of the county seat to Newfolden. Neither effort that year resulted in the question being put on the ballot, and in fact, voters in the interim had approved the construction of an addition to the courthouse in Warren.

Warren was featured on a 2006 episode of the History Channel's ''UFO Files'' episode "Alien Encounters." The unsolved case of a mysterious object impacting a county sheriff's car on August 27, 1979, was featured (see Val Johnson Incident). This same case was also featured in 2012 on the Travel Channel's ''Mysteries at the Museum'' episode "MGM Fire; UFO Car, Prophecy Sword"

==Geography== According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|1.44|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref> The Snake River flows in serpentine fashion through the city (hence its name), and both banks are developed, which has proved problematic as the city attempts flood control. Some major floods in the city's history took place in 1896 (twice), 1969, 1974, 1979, 1996 (twice), and 1997.

The streets of the original townsite of Warren are laid out on a grid parallel and perpendicular to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Some newer additions, particularly those south of Bridge Street (Minnesota Highway 1) are laid out on a conventional north–south grid. The BNSF is the dividing line for the street system east and west, and Bridge Street is the dividing line north and south.

U.S. Highway 75 and Minnesota State Highway 1 are two of the main routes in the city.

===Climate=== {{Weather box  | single line = Y | location = Warren, Minnesota, 1991–2020 normals  | Jan high F =13.6 | Feb high F =18.5 | Mar high F =33.8 | Apr high F =51.2 | May high F =66.7 | Jun high F =75.7 | Jul high F =80.6 | Aug high F =79.7 | Sep high F =70.0 | Oct high F =53.8 | Nov high F =35.6 | Dec high F =21.0  | Jan mean F =3.5 | Feb mean F =7.1 | Mar mean F =22.4 | Apr mean F =40.1 | May mean F =54.8 | Jun mean F =65.0 | Jul mean F =69.5 | Aug mean F =67.6 | Sep mean F =58.0 | Oct mean F =43.2 | Nov mean F =26.5 | Dec mean F =12.0  | Jan low F =-6.7 | Feb low F =-4.4 | Mar low F =11.0 | Apr low F =29.0 | May low F =42.9 | Jun low F =54.3 | Jul low F =58.4 | Aug low F =55.5 | Sep low F =46.0 | Oct low F =32.6 | Nov low F =17.4 | Dec low F =2.9

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA> {{cite web |url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00218674&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Warren WSD, MN |access-date = May 11, 2023 }} </ref> }}

==Demographics== {{US Census population |1880= 108 |1890= 648 |1900= 1276 |1910= 1813 |1920= 1772 |1930= 1472 |1940= 1839 |1950= 1779 |1960= 2007 |1970= 1999 |1980= 2105 |1990= 1813 |2000= 1678 |2010= 1563 |2020= 1605 |estyear=2021 |estimate=1574 |estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=June 25, 2022|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 25, 2022}}</ref> |align-fn=center |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 11, 2013}}</ref> 2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/> | align = right }}

===2020 census=== As of the 2020 census, Warren had a population of 1,605. The median age was 39.3 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 20.2% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 84.8 males age 18 and over.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME,DP1_0021P,DP1_0024P,DP1_0025C,DP1_0049C,DP1_0045C,DP1_0069C,DP1_0073C,DP1_0125P,DP1_0126P,DP1_0129P,DP1_0133P,DP1_0137P,DP1_0138P,DP1_0139P,DP1_0141P,DP1_0142P,DP1_0143P,DP1_0145P,DP1_0146P,DP1_0147C,DP1_0148C,DP1_0149C,DP1_0156C,DP1_0157C,DP1_0158C,DP1_0159P,DP1_0160P&for=place%3A68170&in=state%3A27|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=May 1, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME,P1_001N,P1_003N,P1_004N,P1_005N,P1_006N,P1_007N,P1_008N,P1_009N,P2_001N,P2_002N,H1_001N,H1_002N&for=place%3A68170&in=state%3A27|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=May 1, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME,P2_002N,P2_003N&for=place%3A68170&in=state%3A27|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=May 1, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

There were 685 households in Warren, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 45.3% were married-couple households, 18.2% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 29.1% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

There were 750 housing units, of which 8.7% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 10.9%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

{| class="wikitable" |+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census<ref name="Census2020PL"/> ! Race !! Number !! Percent |- | White || 1,489 || 92.8% |- | Black or African American || 5 || 0.3% |- | American Indian and Alaska Native || 14 || 0.9% |- | Asian || 4 || 0.2% |- | Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 0 || 0.0% |- | Some other race || 35 || 2.2% |- | Two or more races || 58 || 3.6% |- | ''Hispanic or Latino (of any race)'' || 97 || 6.0% |}

===2010 census=== As of the census of 2010, the city had 1,563 people, 681 households, and 743 families. The population density was {{convert|1085.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. The 743 housing units were at an average density of {{convert|516.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 0.4% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

Of the 681 households, 27.8% had children under 18 years, 46.1% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.6% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the city was 44.5 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 23.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

===2000 census=== As of the 2000 census, 1,678 people, 699 households, and 432 families were in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,174.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The city had 785 housing units at an average density of {{convert|549.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 98.27% White, 0.12% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 1.01% from other races, and 0.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.62% of the population.

Of the 699 households, 28.8% had children under 18 years, 49.6% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,250 and the median income for a family was $45,063. Males had a median income of $32,216 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,547. About 6.5% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.

===Religion=== The city has three Lutheran churches (two affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and one affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod), a Roman Catholic parish and cemetery, an Evangelical Covenant church, a United Methodist church, and an Assembly of God church, as well as a non-denominational church. At the local community center, a sect of scientologists have been discussing plans to add a worship space. In the rural area surrounding the city, there are three small Lutheran churches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.warrenminnesota.com/?SEC=8A481ECD-28F3-4589-9127-8B86A56B9A11|title=Places of Worship|website=www.warrenminnesota.com|access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref> ==Economy== Agriculture and agribusiness have been the mainstays of Warren throughout its history. In fact, for most of its history, there has been no other industry at all. Although the Red River Valley has a short growing season, which is often made even shorter due to floods, the area has excellent crop yields which help make farming in the area less risky than in other areas with poorer soil. The principal crops are wheat, soybeans, potatoes, and sugar beets. Warren was at one time home to the largest independent elevator in Minnesota. Northwest Grain Cenex Harvest States Cooperative has a large elevator on the Soo Line, and the American Crystal Sugar Co. operates a sugar beet terminal just north of Warren during harvest. Warren has three bank branches, the largest being a branch of Community Bank of the Red River Valley, headquartered in East Grand Forks.

==Education and culture== Warren is home of the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo school district. The district has one six-year high school and one elementary school, both located in Warren. Both buildings have been called superior facilities for a district its size. The high school, built in 1954, includes a 1000-seat auditorium. The elementary school, built in 1970, was originally an "open school" design where the classrooms were separated by chalkboard partitions rather than walls, although a few walls were installed in 1987. In the late 2000s, the school board went on to add on a new gymnasium.

Warren has a public library, the Godel Memorial Library, and is home to the Marshall County Historical Society, the Marshall County Fair, and the Warren Riverside Country Club (9-hole, par 4, grass greens).

==Transportation== The Warren City Council voted to build an airport in 1965 for an estimated cost of $109,000. A dedication ceremony took place in August 1966.<ref name=MNFlyer>{{cite magazine |last=Foster |first=Tom |date=October 2019 |title=Airport of the Month|magazine=Minnesota Flyer|url=https://www.mnflyer.com/section/airport_of_the_month}}</ref>

==Notable people== Some notable people who have lived in Warren: * Carl Panzram – Serial killer * Julius J. Olson – Minnesota Supreme Court justice and chief justice * Oscar Knutson – Minnesota Supreme Court chief justice and mayor * John J. Herrick – captain who led the craft fired upon in the Gulf of Tonkin incident * Gerome Kamrowski – Abstract Artist * Ervin J. Rokke - Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force; Dean of the Faculty, U.S. Air Force Academy; president of National Defense University; president of Moravian College * Joseph Steffan – civil rights activist * Paul Nelson – magazine editor and musician * Val Johnson – former sheriff's deputy known for his UFO encounter<ref>{{cite web |last1=Enger |first1=John |date=August 2015 |title=Whatever happened to the Marshall County cop who hit a UFO? |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/08/26/minnesota-deputy-squad-car-ufo-mystery |website=mpr news |publisher=Minnesota Public Radio |access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== * Solum, Nancy, ed. ''Self-Portrait of Marshall County: A History of One Minnesota County and Many People Who Made That History.'' Dallas: Taylor, 1976. * Stevens, Charles L. ''Warren and Vicinity in the Eighties: Some Recollections of Happenings in This Section Nearly Fifty Years Ago.'' Warren, Minn.: Warren Register, 1928. * ''Warren, Plains to Plenty: A Story of 75 Eventful Years'', Warren, Minn: Sheaf Printing, 1956.

==External links== * [http://www.warrenminnesota.com/ City of Warren] * [http://www.marshallcountyfair.org/ Marshall County Fair] * [http://www.city-data.com/city/Warren-Minnesota.html City-data.com -- demographic website -- INCLUDES SATELLITE PHOTO - Link]

Category:Cities in Marshall County, Minnesota Category:Cities in Minnesota Category:County seats in Minnesota Category:1879 establishments in Minnesota