About Us
About the City of Kandiyohi
In the City of Kandiyohi, we are defined less by boundaries on a map than by the shared values our residents hold dear. Small-town character, guided growth, and a commitment to preserving our historical, cultural, and natural heritage are at the heart of what makes Kandiyohi a wonderful place to call home.
Our Community
The City of Kandiyohi is located in central Minnesota, approximately 93 miles west of Minneapolis–St. Paul, 60 miles south of St. Cloud, and 6 miles east of Willmar. Nestled within Kandiyohi Township, the community lies in a region known for its rolling, wooded hills and abundant water resources — a beautiful setting that reflects our area’s long-standing connection to nature.
Prior to its founding, the land was home to the Dakota (Sioux) and other Indigenous peoples of North America. The City’s name, Kandiyohi, comes from a Dakota word meaning “where the buffalo fish come,” a tribute to the region’s Dakota heritage and its rich environmental legacy.
Kandiyohi was platted in 1869 when the railroad reached the area. That same year, the Minnesota Legislature voted to make Kandiyohi the new state capital due to its central location — a proposal ultimately vetoed by Governor William Rainey Marshall, who believed the population center would develop further east.
Today, the City covers 0.34 square miles, featuring five family-friendly parks and a thriving sense of community. U.S. Highway 12 runs through town, serving as a main route for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Our Commitment
City operations are funded through a combination of property taxes, Local Government Aid (LGA), franchise fees, charges for services, grants, and revenues from rentals, licenses, and permits. Kandiyohi remains committed to strong fiscal management, efficient service delivery, and continued investment in public infrastructure and community amenities.
The Kandiyohi Volunteer Fire Department, consisting of about 20 firefighter/first responders, proudly provides fire protection and emergency services for Kandiyohi and surrounding areas.
The City of Kandiyohi is proud of its heritage, its people, and its enduring spirit of community. We look forward to continuing our mission of preserving our small-town charm while planning responsibly for the future.
Demographics
2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 555 people and 147 families living in the city. There were 215 households, out of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.09.
The median age was 28 years. 29.5% of residents were under the age of 18, 15.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 15.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% that were 65 years of age or older.
2010 Census
As of the census of 2010, there were 491 people and 130 families living in the city. There were 202 households, of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.02.
The median age in the city was 32.6 years. 28.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.4% that were 65 years of age or older.
2020 Census
As of the census of 2020, there were 569 people and 124 families living in the city. There were 208 households, of which 37% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.81.
The median age in the city was 38.5 years. 26.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16.8% that were 65 years of age or older.
