Welcome to the Heart of Minnesota
The St. Cloud area’s deep agricultural and industrial roots make it a thriving regional center of commerce within central Minnesota. The city’s history dates back to 1856 after the merging of three separate settlements located along the Mississippi River.
Fur trading, farming and lumbering were prominent in the city’s earlier years. The printing industry was, and still is, a central component of the local economy. But it was the area’s natural resources—enhanced by the Mississippi and Sauk rivers, wetlands, streams, floodplains and shore lands—that guided the way to economic prosperity.
It was not long after the city was established that large granite deposits were discovered, prompting the establishment of many area granite companies. After the unearthing of colored granite deposits in 1868, the rock and stone industry mushroomed, ultimately leading to the area’s current-day recognition as “Granite Country U.S.A.”
Today, St. Cloud is recognized as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the state, featuring the best in education, healthcare, business services and cultural and recreational offerings—not to mention expanding economic development that continues to raise the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
ST. CLOUD AREA INFORMATION
POPULATION
- St. Cloud — 66,948
- Sauk Rapids — 12,013
- Sartell — 13,915
- Waite Park — 6,796
- St. Joseph — 6,114
- Stearns County — 147,076
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Benton County — 39,878
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, November 5, 2009 (Annual Estimate)
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
- St. Cloud — $42,064
- Sauk Rapids — $53,118
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Sartell — $63,962
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Waite Park — $41,159
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St. Joseph — $47,411
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Stearns County — $52,296
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Benton County — $51,187
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, November 5, 2009 (Annual Estimate)
MEDIAN AGE
- St. Cloud — 29.0
- Sauk Rapids — 33.0
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Sartell — 30.9
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Waite Park — 29.2
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St. Joseph — 21.8
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Stearns County — 33.2
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Benton County — 33.2
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Minnesota — 37.1
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, November 5, 2009 (Annual Estimate)
GETTING HERE
CITY — *MILES FROM ST. CLOUD
- Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN — 65
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Duluth, MN — 145
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Rochester, MN — 154
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Fargo, ND — 171
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Sioux Falls, SD — 230
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Des Moines, IA — 309
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Madison, WI — 337
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Winnipeg, Manitoba — 394
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Chicago, IL — 474
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St. Louis, MO — 626
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Denver, CO — 981
*Distance from the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce office in downtown St. Cloud.
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