Median age:

35

Per capita income:

$33,419

Individuals below poverty level:

4.9%

Ethnicity:

White: 90.2%; Black: 3%; Asian: 3.6%; Hispanic: 3.7%; American Indian: 0.4%

Distribution:

Urban: 80%; Rural: 20%

2nd Congressional District

With the exception of the northern ends of the 6th District, there are few areas of Minnesota more strongly Republican than the 2nd Congressional District.

The 2nd District is the poster child for political power now wielded by Minneapolis-St. Paul's suburbs. It encompasses the fast-developing communities of Eagan, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Cottage Grove, Mendota Heights and Burnsville in the Twin Cities' southern region. The district also includes farm communities and college towns, such as Northfield, home to Carleton College and St. Olaf College.

This area once was marginally Democratic, but was in play in 1998 when Jesse Ventura carried each county in the district. In 2000, George W. Bush narrowly won Dakota County. In 2002, the district also went big for Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Republican John Kline captured the seat in 2002 and has easily won re-election since then. In 2004 George W. Bush defeated John Kerry 54 percent to 45 percent, and in 2008 John McCain won 50 percent of the 2nd District vote compared to Barack Obama's 48 percent.