Today's economic outlook is as good in the St. Cloud metro area as it has been in the region's recorded history. The area still has high manufacturing employment relative to the rest of the state and the nation. In fact, the St. Cloud area has a greater proportion of employment through manufacturing than the state of Minnesota or the United States as a whole. The service sector here is focused on consumer services and less on business-to-business services.
The St. Cloud area continues to plan and grow. The goals of the planners include creating a place where natural resources are preserved, development is compatible with the environment and economic opportunity, a strong, diverse and growing downtown is aesthetically pleasing, and quality neighborhoods include quality education and superior health care.
Improvements and adjustments will continue to be made, but right now, Central Minnesota is one of the most thriving regions in which to start a business and raise a family.