St. Cloud Community Profile

St. Cloud is home to both small and large businesses with three  industries having a long history in the area:  granite, printing and lens manufacturing.  Businesses are served by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, which provides information, education, and support to both new and existing businesses.  For information about our community, please contact the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

Quality of life in the area is high, with St. Cloud's cost of living index consistently lower than  other cities of comparable size in the upper midwest. The varied range of cultural, social and recreational events available provide residents with entertainment and fun year-round.

Education is a priority in St. Cloud with area high schools ranking among the best in the nation. Area high school graduation rates are five percent above the state average, with SAT scores in the top 20 percent.

A thriving arts community and an array of local festivals and cultural events abound in the area. Theater groups provide a changing schedule of entertainment, art galleries showcase local artists, and area schools welcome visiting artists-in-residence.

St. Cloud is subject to frequent outbreaks of cold Canadian air throughout the winter season. The normal winter will have 5 to 10 days with temperatures in the –20 and –30 F range. Although winters are cold, they are not unpleasant since strong winds and high humidity are generally absent on the coldest days.

Spring, summer and fall are very pleasant. Extremely hot days with temperatures of 100 degrees (F) or higher occur only once in every 5 to 10 years and are rarely recorded on successive days.

FAST FACTS