Anoka County

County in east-central Minnesota, USA; area 1,114 sq km/430 sq mi; population (1990) 243,600. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the southwest. The town of Anoka, its administrative headquarters, and the communities of Ham Lake, Ramsey, and Coon Rapids are among the many Twin Cities suburbs that make up the southern region of the county, which is situated to the north of Minneapolis and St Paul. The rest of the county is largely agricultural, raising grain, dairy cattle, and other livestock. The Carlos Avery Wildlife Area is in the northeast corner.