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www.chisagocounty.org/resources.htm Community Profile of Chisago County Location & Access Chisago County is located 30 miles north of Minneapolis/Saint Paul on the western bank of the scenic St. Croix River. It is bisected by Interstate 35, the major transportation corridor between the Twin Cities and Duluth. More than 470 acres of commercial and industrial land is available in Chisago County – all eligible for tax-free JOBZ benefits. Industrial parks are located in Chisago City, North Branch, Rush City, Stacy and Wyoming.
Major Industries & Employers This thriving county is home to more than 160 retail establishment, nearly 100 manufacturers and 85 health and care facilities. Polaris Industries and Anderson Windows recently built facilities there. The companies were drawn by Chisago County’s well-educated, available workforce, two-thirds of whom drive outside the county for employment. Employment is spread across several diverse industry sectors. Most Chisago County residents work in healthcare and human assistance, manufacturing, retail, education, accommodation/food services, public administration and construction. The largest employer is Hazelden, a national leader in addiction recovery which opened its first campus in Center City more than 50 years ago. Other major employers include Plastech Research, Rush City Correctional Facility, Dennis Kirk (catalog sales), North Branch Outlet Center, Plastic Products, Premiere Marine and Shafer Contracting. Several sectors actually added jobs in 2007, despite statewide trends to the contrary. Since early 2007, Chisago County has begun or completed construction on more than 250,000 sq. ft. of commercial and industrial space. Another 140,000 sq. ft. of industrial building is planned for 2009.
Population & Workforce Chisago County was the sixth fastest-growing county in Minnesota this decade – expanding by 22% through 2007. Most of the growth was due to in-migration, according to the Minnesota Office of State Demographer. It called Chisago County “a magnet for new residents in the last 15 years.” The 2007 population, estimated at 51,056 by MSP Prospector, is projected to increase half again by 2020. Chisago County’s estimated workforce of 29,228 is expected to follow its population growth patterns. Since most commuting residents have indicated a preference to work closer to home, the actual size of the available workforce is greater than unemployment numbers might indicate. (Labor Force Assessment, 2001). Local employers consider Chisago County’s high quality workforce to be its greatest asset. The statistics support their perception. Close to 89% of residents 25 and older have a high school diploma – nearly a point higher than the state average and well above the U.S. average. Chisago County also outperforms the state and nation in the percent of residents with some college experience. They weigh in at more than 27%. In addition, labor force participation is exceptionally strong. At 72.6%, it outstrips the state average – already one of the best in the nation. Beyond an exceptional workforce, employers rank Chisago County’s proximity to I-35, tax benefits, inexpensive land and leasing costs, and shovel-ready site availability high on the list of business advantages. (Business Retention & Expansion Survey, 2006) Wages in most industry sectors are lower than those in the Twin Cities MSA – another bottom-line advantage to local employers. Labor Force Profile of Chisago County
Transportation Thirty miles of I-35 cut through Chisago County, providing businesses with excellent access to customers, employees and suppliers. U.S. Highway 8 and Minnesota Highways 61, 95 and 243 provide ready access to this major transportation corridor. Rush City Regional Airport features a 4,400 ft. paved, lighted runway, well suited for commuter planes. St. Croix Valley Railroad runs 37 miles of track through Chisago County, connecting North Branch to Hinckley. Due to easy transportation access to downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, businesses enjoy both the atmosphere of a smaller community and the resources of a metropolitan area. They also benefit from the diverse skills of the Twin Cities’ talent pool. Many residents of the northern metro area reverse-commute to Chisago County.
Quality of Life Employees are attracted to Chisago County for its affordable housing options, tight-knit communities and high quality of life. The K-12 educational system offers superior academic opportunities. All three school districts outperform the state in percentage of students who pass the basic skills tests in reading and math. Chisago County is known for its lush parks, lakes and recreational rivers. The Interstate State Park is defined by spectacular glacial rock formations along the St. Croix River. Wild River State Park also follows the popular St. Croix.
Demographics Demographic Profile of Chisago County
Consumer Spending Consumer Spending profile of Chisago County
Major Cities & Populations
2010 population estimates are provided by Applied Geographic Solutions.
Colleges and Universities Pine Technical College (within five miles)
Economic Development Contact Christopher Eng, Executive Director www.chisagocounty.org/resources.htm
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