Shakopee Demographics
Shakopee is a community that has grown quickly over the past 30 years. As of July 1, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Shakopee's population at 47,158. City officials expect the population to reach 50,000 before 2030.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 and 2023 data:
- Shakopee has 16,094 total housing units
- The average household has 2.74 people
- 4.1% of Shakopee residents are veterans, compared to 5.7% statewide
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 data:
- The median age of Shakopee residents is 35.5 years, compared to 39.1 years statewide
- 26.6% of Shakopee residents are under 18 years old, compared to 22.6% statewide
- 10% of Shakopee residents are 65 years or older, compared to 17.9% statewide
Shakopee is growing into a more diverse community. 2023 Census statistics indicate that 66.3 percent of residents classify themselves as white or Caucasian, while 10.9 percent describe themselves as Asian and 9.8 percent describe themselves as Hispanic or Latino. Other common ethnicities include Black or African American (8.1 percent), a mix of two or more races (8.5 percent) and American Indian or Alaska Native (1.2 percent).
The 2023 Census information identifies a gender distribution of 51.3 percent female to 48.7 percent male within the City of Shakopee.
According to the American Community Survey 2019-23, 93.1 percent of Shakopee’s population 25 years and over has earned a high school diploma; 39.9 percent has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The American Community Survey 2019-23 reports a median family income in the City of Shakopee at $110,989.
As of 2024, Shakopee has 16,826 housing units. The median value of owner-occupied housing units is $361,400, according to the American Community Survey 2019-23. Median gross rent is $1,495.
According to the American Community Survey 2019-23, workers in Shakopee travel an average of 22.2 minutes to their place of employment. This is comparable to workers within Scott County which reported an average of 24.9 minutes for a commute time.
Shakopee Through the Years
Much of this history adapted from "The Shakopee Story" by Julius A. Coller II
At the time of the first European settlers in the 1800s, Dakota Indians inhabited the valley.
Chief Sakpé I settled his tribe along the river banks in the 1700s; his village was called Tinta Otunwe, “village of the prairies,” and located east of Shakopee’s present downtown.
In 1842, the first steamboat came down the river as far as Shakopee, and two years later, Oliver and Harriet Faribault built the first log cabin along the river. Missionary Samuel W. Pond came to the area in the late 1840s, at the invitation of Chief Sakpé II. Pond would later found Shakopee’s oldest church, First Presbyterian Church, in 1855.
In 1851, with the Treaties of Mendota and Traverse des Sioux, the area was opened to pioneer settlement. Thomas A. Holmes, known as “the father of Shakopee,” established a trading post near the Tinta Otunwe village.
Shakopee was designated as the Scott County seat on March 3, 1853. The following year, Holmes platted Shakopay Village, naming it after the leader of the Dakota band, Chief Sakpé II.
Shakopee was incorporated as a city on May 23, 1857.
At the time of the first European settlers in the 1800s, Dakota Indians inhabited the valley.
Chief Sakpé I settled his tribe along the river banks in the 1700s; his village was called Tinta Otunwe, “village of the prairies,” and located east of Shakopee’s present downtown.
In 1842, the first steamboat came down the river as far as Shakopee, and two years later, Oliver and Harriet Faribault built the first log cabin along the river. Missionary Samuel W. Pond came to the area in the late 1840s, at the invitation of Chief Sakpé II. Pond would later found Shakopee’s oldest church, First Presbyterian Church, in 1855.
In 1851, with the Treaties of Mendota and Traverse des Sioux, the area was opened to pioneer settlement. Thomas A. Holmes, known as “the father of Shakopee,” established a trading post near the Tinta Otunwe village.
Shakopee was designated as the Scott County seat on March 3, 1853. The following year, Holmes platted Shakopay Village, naming it after the leader of the Dakota band, Chief Sakpé II.
Shakopee was incorporated as a city on May 23, 1857.
Shakopee’s City status didn’t last long. In October 1861, the state Legislature passed an unusual state law in which the City’s charter was surrendered and it fell back under the township government.
That didn’t stop settlers from coming to the area. At the beginning of 1860, Shakopee had a population of 1,138 — many of German descent.
For many years, steamboats along the Minnesota River were the most efficient way for people and goods to reach the young city. However, in the mid-1860s, a new method of transportation arrived: railroad.
The first steam engine train rolled into Shakopee from Mendota along Second Avenue on Nov. 16, 1865.
That didn’t stop settlers from coming to the area. At the beginning of 1860, Shakopee had a population of 1,138 — many of German descent.
For many years, steamboats along the Minnesota River were the most efficient way for people and goods to reach the young city. However, in the mid-1860s, a new method of transportation arrived: railroad.
The first steam engine train rolled into Shakopee from Mendota along Second Avenue on Nov. 16, 1865.
On March 3, 1870, the City of Shakopee was again incorporated. Ten years later, the Lewis Street swing bridge opened, the first across the Minnesota River in Shakopee.
Business prospered in Shakopee with the opening of the Jacob Ries Bottling Works in 1872, Schroeder Limestone Kiln and Brickyards in 1876, George F. Strait & Co. flour mill in 1878, and Minnesota Stove Co. in 1891.
Following the Great Fire of 1879, the Shakopee Fire Department organized in 1883 – the same year a two-story City Hall was constructed on the corner of Lewis Street and Second Avenue. The department’s original bronze bell is still on display at Fire Station No. 1.
The City was well-known in the last 1800s for its lucrative lime and brick industries. Many downtown businesses were built with the red “Shakopee” brick.
Learn more about Shakopee Bricks
Business prospered in Shakopee with the opening of the Jacob Ries Bottling Works in 1872, Schroeder Limestone Kiln and Brickyards in 1876, George F. Strait & Co. flour mill in 1878, and Minnesota Stove Co. in 1891.
Following the Great Fire of 1879, the Shakopee Fire Department organized in 1883 – the same year a two-story City Hall was constructed on the corner of Lewis Street and Second Avenue. The department’s original bronze bell is still on display at Fire Station No. 1.
The City was well-known in the last 1800s for its lucrative lime and brick industries. Many downtown businesses were built with the red “Shakopee” brick.
Learn more about Shakopee Bricks
The beginning of the 20th Century brought many changes to Shakopee.
A municipal electric system was established, and electric lights were turned on for the first time on Good Friday evening, March 28, 1902.
The City also dug its first well to supplant “foul river water.” It served the City until 1991.
While cars began to arrive in Shakopee, the railroad remained an integral link to the outside community. In October 1911, President William Taft greeted citizens from aboard a train at the Shakopee Depot.
The City’s population in 1910 was 2,302.
A municipal electric system was established, and electric lights were turned on for the first time on Good Friday evening, March 28, 1902.
The City also dug its first well to supplant “foul river water.” It served the City until 1991.
While cars began to arrive in Shakopee, the railroad remained an integral link to the outside community. In October 1911, President William Taft greeted citizens from aboard a train at the Shakopee Depot.
The City’s population in 1910 was 2,302.
During the Prohibition era, Shakopee had the reputation as “Little Chicago” with a past that included illegal gambling. In 1940, an extortion ring was discovered as merchants paid to avoid raids on slot machines.
Shakopee showed signs of progress in the 1920s, electing its first female Mayor, Elizabeth Ries, in 1925.
In 1927, the Holmes Street bridge was completed linking Shakopee to Chaska. The bridge was recently restored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and now serves as a pedestrian bridge and popular photo spot.
Two of Shakopee’s longest running businesses were established in the 1930s: Bill’s Toggery, a family run men’s clothing store on Lewis Street; and Rahr Malting, which built its malt manufacturing facility in west Shakopee.
The 1930s also marked the end of one of the area’s longest-running businesses, the Strunk/Nyssen Brewery, which had been operating along the Minnesota River since 1854.
The City ended the decade with a population of 2,416.
Shakopee showed signs of progress in the 1920s, electing its first female Mayor, Elizabeth Ries, in 1925.
In 1927, the Holmes Street bridge was completed linking Shakopee to Chaska. The bridge was recently restored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and now serves as a pedestrian bridge and popular photo spot.
Two of Shakopee’s longest running businesses were established in the 1930s: Bill’s Toggery, a family run men’s clothing store on Lewis Street; and Rahr Malting, which built its malt manufacturing facility in west Shakopee.
The 1930s also marked the end of one of the area’s longest-running businesses, the Strunk/Nyssen Brewery, which had been operating along the Minnesota River since 1854.
The City ended the decade with a population of 2,416.
The City saw many changes following World War II.
A new 250,000-gallon, all-steel welded water tower on 10th Avenue was hailed as the largest of its kind in the world.
In 1950, the Shakopee Common Council approved the establishment of a public utilities commission, and in 1954, Shakopee built a new fire station on Second Avenue.
Shakopee’s economy began to shift in the 1960s with the development of the Valley Green Industrial Park, the metropolitan area’s largest ready-to-occupy industrial park.
The flood of 1965 poised major challenges for the river town, cutting off access to the north. During the flood, Police Chief R.G. “Pat” Thielen was known to ferry commuters across the river by boat.
By 1970, the City’s population had grown to 7,716.
A new 250,000-gallon, all-steel welded water tower on 10th Avenue was hailed as the largest of its kind in the world.
In 1950, the Shakopee Common Council approved the establishment of a public utilities commission, and in 1954, Shakopee built a new fire station on Second Avenue.
Shakopee’s economy began to shift in the 1960s with the development of the Valley Green Industrial Park, the metropolitan area’s largest ready-to-occupy industrial park.
The flood of 1965 poised major challenges for the river town, cutting off access to the north. During the flood, Police Chief R.G. “Pat” Thielen was known to ferry commuters across the river by boat.
By 1970, the City’s population had grown to 7,716.
In 1969, a living history museum, Murphy’s Landing, was established on the site of the area’s original ferry route. The Three Rivers Park District operates the park today.
Valleyfair Amusement Park put Shakopee on the map when it opened in Shakopee in 1976. The park has since grown to include more than 75 attractions on 90 acres. It draws more than one million people to Shakopee every year.
In 1985, a new horse racing track, Canterbury Downs, opened to much fanfare.
In 1994, the track was renamed to Canterbury Park. Today, live racing, a 24-hour card club, and entertainment events annually draw more than 600,000 people.
Valleyfair Amusement Park put Shakopee on the map when it opened in Shakopee in 1976. The park has since grown to include more than 75 attractions on 90 acres. It draws more than one million people to Shakopee every year.
In 1985, a new horse racing track, Canterbury Downs, opened to much fanfare.
In 1994, the track was renamed to Canterbury Park. Today, live racing, a 24-hour card club, and entertainment events annually draw more than 600,000 people.
The opening of the Bloomington Ferry Bridge in 1995 spurred unprecedented growth in the city, which saw its population double in the succeeding 10 years.
The new bridge opened the City to new business and residential growth, making it accessible for people looking to work in the metro but wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of a small town.
The new growth brought the need for new City buildings. Shakopee Fire Station 1 opened in 1998. Both a new Shakopee Police Department and a new Public Works building were completed in 2003. A new public library also opened that year.
In 2007, the City celebrated its 150th Sesquicentennial with a celebration that included the opening of Huber Park along the downtown riverbank.
The new bridge opened the City to new business and residential growth, making it accessible for people looking to work in the metro but wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of a small town.
The new growth brought the need for new City buildings. Shakopee Fire Station 1 opened in 1998. Both a new Shakopee Police Department and a new Public Works building were completed in 2003. A new public library also opened that year.
In 2007, the City celebrated its 150th Sesquicentennial with a celebration that included the opening of Huber Park along the downtown riverbank.
In 2010, the City of Shakopee had a population of 37,076.
Improved transportation systems, available land, and a host of recreational amenities continued to make Shakopee attractive to businesses and residents.
Several national companies established new facilities in Shakopee, including Amazon, Shutterfly, Entrust Datacard, AmeriSource Bergen, and Emerson Process Management.
In 2017, the City opened its new City Hall building on Gorman Street, creating a City campus to better serve customers with the Police Department attached and Public Works across the street.
The City also completed a two-year renovation of the Shakopee Community Center, which included in a two-sheet ice arena, indoor aquatic center, senior lounge, and more.
Improved transportation systems, available land, and a host of recreational amenities continued to make Shakopee attractive to businesses and residents.
Several national companies established new facilities in Shakopee, including Amazon, Shutterfly, Entrust Datacard, AmeriSource Bergen, and Emerson Process Management.
In 2017, the City opened its new City Hall building on Gorman Street, creating a City campus to better serve customers with the Police Department attached and Public Works across the street.
The City also completed a two-year renovation of the Shakopee Community Center, which included in a two-sheet ice arena, indoor aquatic center, senior lounge, and more.
In 2020, the Shakopee City Council adopted the 2020-24 Strategic Plan to guide the City's development into the future.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing lockdowns and other social restrictions in 2020-21, the City continued to operate and offer services and programs in line with the state's public health recommendations and guidelines.
Shakopee's growth boom hasn't slowed into the 2020s, with several new residential, commercial, and parks developments popping up across the city.
The City's iconic sandbottom pool, SandVenture Aquatic Park, underwent major renovations and improvements in 2024, including the addition of a restaurant space that adjoins with the pool building.
In summer 2025, a 19,000-seat outdoor amphitheater next to Canterbury Park is set to open, and the City Council has provided initial approvals for a major residential, commercial, and retail development at the gravel pit site located off Mystic Lake Drive just south of 17th Avenue.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing lockdowns and other social restrictions in 2020-21, the City continued to operate and offer services and programs in line with the state's public health recommendations and guidelines.
Shakopee's growth boom hasn't slowed into the 2020s, with several new residential, commercial, and parks developments popping up across the city.
The City's iconic sandbottom pool, SandVenture Aquatic Park, underwent major renovations and improvements in 2024, including the addition of a restaurant space that adjoins with the pool building.
In summer 2025, a 19,000-seat outdoor amphitheater next to Canterbury Park is set to open, and the City Council has provided initial approvals for a major residential, commercial, and retail development at the gravel pit site located off Mystic Lake Drive just south of 17th Avenue.
Local History Resources
Shakopee Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that was established in 1999.
The SHS has a board of seven elected members that help manage Shakopee collections and archives, publications, and membership events.
Meetings are held monthly, and anyone can become a member.
Visit the SHS website at www.ShakopeeHeritage.org.
The Scott County Historical Society & Museum is a nonprofit museum, historic house, and research library founded in 1969 with a mission to search, save, and share Scott County's history.
The SCHS is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursdays from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission to exhibits and programs is free for people of all ages!
Visit the SCHS website at www.ScottCountyHistory.org
The SCHS is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thursdays from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission to exhibits and programs is free for people of all ages!
Visit the SCHS website at www.ScottCountyHistory.org
Additional Resources
| Metropolitan Council Community Profile | Minnesota State Demographic Center |
| US Census Bureau | Shakopee Through the Years Documentary Series |