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Community Profile of Wright County Location & Access Wright County lies on the western edge of the Metro MSP region. It covers 716 square miles and is bordered on the north by the Mississippi River and Interstate 94. The Crow River creates its eastern boundary. The countys proximity to the Twin Cities and St. Cloud markets makes it one of the fastest growing rural counties in the state.
Major Industries & Employment Major industries in Wright County include health care, retail trade, power generation and manufacturing. Manufacturers produce electronic components, food products, engine drive components, machined and fabricated metal parts, and wood products
Population & Workforce Wright County has an estimated population of 119,000 (2007). The county is projected to grow by more than 13% in the next five years. Likewise, its workforce is on track to increase by more than 14%. Local businesses also tap the adjacent St. Cloud and Twin Cities labor markets. Labor Force Profile of Wright County
Transportation Wright County has a strong transportation network. It includes I-94, U.S. Highway 12, and State Highways 55, 101, 25 and 24. These thoroughfares are easily accessible through a vast network of well maintained county roads. Two active railway systems pass through Wright County. The Canadian Pacific Railroad parallels Highway 55, running through Rockford, Buffalo, Maple Lake, Annandale and South Haven. The BNSF follows Highway 12. It passes through Delano, Montrose, Waverly, Howard Lake and Cokato. Light air travel and transport is possible from two Wright County municipal airports, one in Buffalo, the other in Maple Lake.
Quality of Life Farmland, rivers and 298 lakes still define what was once known as “the Big Woods.” Residents value their natural surroundings, demonstrated by the 3,000 acres devoted to parks. The parks system includes 29 county parks, park reserves, forests, wayside rests and lake accesses. It also features 31 miles of trails. A number of top-notch golf courses dot the landscape. The county is becoming a golf destination with the expansion of existing courses and the opening of new ones.
Demographics Demographic profile of Wright County
Consumer Spending Consumer Spending profile of Wright County
Colleges & Universities In nearby St. Cloud and Hennepin County
Major Cities & Populations
Population Estimate: Minnesota Office of State Demographer, 2006
Economic Development Contact Noel LaBine, Executive Director
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