[3] The town was a major meat-packing location, and many residents are descended from immigrants of Southern European and Eastern European heritage, who came to work in the meat-packing plants in the early twentieth century.

It is home to a small general aviation airport, Fleming Field.

The main industry historically was the Saint Paul Union Stockyards.

[7] Since 2008, the stockyards have been closed,[full citation needed][8] and much of the area is now being redeveloped.

There were 8,666 housing units, at an average density of 1,533.8 per square mile (592.2/km2).

30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 8,313 housing units at an average density of 1,449.3 per square mile (559.6/km2).

28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.