The St. Cloud area is a thriving regional center of commerce in Central Minnesota with deep agricultural and industrial roots and a modern history that dates back to the settlement of Sauk Rapids at the confluence of the Sauk and Mississippi Rivers in 1851.
Enhanced by those rivers, the area’s natural resources guided the way to economic prosperity, with prominent activity early on in fur trading, farming, lumber and printing industries.
Not long after St. Cloud was established in 1856, large granite deposits were discovered, prompting the establishment of many area granite companies. The rock and stone industry mushroomed after colored granite deposits were discovered in 1868.
St. Cloud is the third largest metropolitan area in the state and one of the fastest growing, featuring the best in living, education, health care, commercial, cultural and recreational offerings – not to mention expanding economic development that continues to raise the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
POPULATION
St. Cloud 67,984
Sartell 17,752
Sauk Rapids 13,722
Waite Park 7,481
St. Joseph 7,126
Stearns County 157,822
Benton County 39,937
Sherburne County 94,570
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 estimate
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2010)
St. Cloud $45,223
Sartell $71,959
Sauk Rapids $48,164
Waite Park $40,119
St. Joseph $50,572
Stearns County $56,977
Benton County $51,841
Sherburne County $78,081
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State and County Quickfacts, 2018 (2012-2016 estimates)
MEDIAN AGE
St. Cloud: 28.8
Sartell: 32.7
Sauk Rapids: 32.8
Waite Park: 32.6
St. Joseph: 22.7
Stearns County: 33.3
Benton County: 34.1
Sherburne County 33.9
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
Metropolitan Statistical Area
2014 Population 193,000
(American Community Survey estimate)
2018 Labor Force 111,500
August 2018 Unemployment Rate 2.5%
2014 Private Sector Payroll $3.4 billion
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Getting Here
City *Miles from St. Cloud
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN 65
Duluth, MN 145
Rochester, MN 154
Fargo, ND 171
Des Moines, IA 309
Madison, WI 337
Winnipeg, Manitoba 394
*Distance from the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce office in downtown St. Cloud