Carver County

www.carvercda.org/

Community Profile of Carver County

Location & Access

Located 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Carver County is accessible enough to be considered metro and far enough out to preserve its rural character.

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Major Industries & Employers

The county enjoys a diverse industrial base, with strong concentrations of manufacturing and bioscience businesses. Major employers include Entegris, Rosemount, Supervalu, Lake Region Manufacturing, Beckman Coulter and General Mills.

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Population & Workforce

Carver County is one of the fastest growing counties in the 11-county Metro MSP region – in population, housing and business expansions.

• Carver County’s population is expected to double by 2020, topping 163,830, according to the Metropolitan Council.

• The U.S. Census Bureau ranked it among the “Top 100 Fastest Growing Counties in the US” in 2000-2005.  

• Carver County supports one of the strongest housing markets in the Twin Cities metro area, outperforming the region even during the recent housing slowdown. 

• New business developments are underway throughout the county – including a major BioTech Center in Chaska, an open-air lifestyle center in Chanhassen, a mixed-use development in Waconia, and industrial parks in Norwood Young America and Waconia.

Labor Force Profile of Carver County

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Transportation

Growth has been spurred by the long-awaited Highway 212 extension and major improvements to Highways 5 and 212. Both are well-used commuter routes for the southwestern suburbs.

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Quality of Life

The county's popularity is bolstered by national recognition of its outstanding quality of life. For two years straight, Money Magazine ranked Chaska, the county seat, “the nation’s eighth best city to live in.” (2006 and 2007)

Carver County is distinguished by its upscale communities and breathtaking natural surroundings. Pristine lakes dot the landscape. Scenic parks and trails are abundant. Most communities have managed to retain their small-town character, despite their proximity to a bustling metro area.

The county is steeped in history and popular attractions – including the Chanhassen Dinner Theater and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. It is home to several championship golf courses, including Hazeltine National, site of the 1999 U.S. Open.

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Demographics

Demographic profile of Carver County

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Consumer Spending

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Colleges & Universities

University of St. Thomas, Chaska Campus

Dunwoody College of Technology, Southwest Campus

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Major Cities & Populations

2010 population estimates are provided by Applied Geographic Solutions.

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Economic Development Contact

John Sullivan , Economic Development Director
 

www.carvercda.org/

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