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Location & Access Named after the Dakota people who lived in Minnesota and surrounding states, Dakota County means “alliance.” This closely knit county comprises 20 cities and 13 townships situated just south of Saint Paul. The winding Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers form the county’s northern and eastern borders, creating a picturesque landscape.
Major Industries & Workforce The county’s diverse economy encompasses large and small businesses in information technology, aerospace, insurance, transportation and other high-growth sectors. Major employers include Northwest Airlines, CHS cooperative, Thomson Reuters legal researchers, Coca-cola Bottling, Pepsi Bottling, and Flint Hills Resources oil refinery.
Population & Workforce Once predominantly agricultural, Dakota County now embraces urban, rural and suburban communities. As one of the fastest growing counties in the 11-county Metro MSP region, it expects to attract more than 164,000 new residents and 60,000 new jobs between 2000 and 2030 (Metropolitan Council). Its total labor force is projected to exceed 266,000 during that same period (Minnesota Office of State Demographer).
Transportation Dakota County connects businesses via three Interstates: 35W, 35E and 494. Easy access to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and the Mall of America make it ideally suited for business development and expansion. Interstate highways, rail service and river barges handily move people and goods to global markets. Three airports within the county provide year-round service to employers and residents.
Utilities Dakota County is well served by private-sector companies for electricity, natural gas and telecommunications. Electricity is provided primarily by Dakota Electric Association and Xcel Energy. MN Energy Resources and Xcel Energy are the main providers of natural gas. Telecommunications services are competitive in many communities. Frontier Communications, Embarq and Qwest serve as the primary local exchange carriers. Comcast and Charter are telecom providers.
Quality of Life Dakota County is built on a tradition of collaboration. Working in partnership, its leaders have built a vibrant business community, high quality neighborhoods, and an excellent system of schools, libraries, parks and public services. The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, is one of the best in the country.
Demographics Demographic profile of Dakota County
Colleges & Universities Brown College, Mendota Heights Dakota County Technical College Rasmussen College, Eagan Campus
Major Cities & Populations
Population Estimates: Metropolitan Council, April 1, 2006
Economic Development Contact Dan Rogness, Director of Community Revitalization
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