As of the census of 2000, there were 1,353 people, 645 households, and 341 families residing in the city. The population density was 506.7 people per square mile (195.7/km²). There were 722 housing units at an average density of 270.4/sq mi (104.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.97% White, 2.81% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 1.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.74% of the population. 23.3% were of Norwegian, 20.2% German, 11.8% Swedish, 7.0% Irish and 6.1% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 645 households out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.1% were non-families. 42.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.73.
In the city the population was spread out with 18.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 26.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,493, and the median income for a family was $46,563. Males had a median income of $31,500 versus $23,393 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,863. About 7.4% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.9% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.