Population and Workforce

Population

Isanti County’s ranked as the 14th fastest growing of the 87 counties in MN from 2010-2018 and is now the 26th largest county in the state.  The county enjoyed a natural increase – more births than deaths from 2010-2018, and also experienced net in-migration. (MN DEED Isanti County Profile, March 2020) Young families are attracted to regional center amenities, reasonable housing prices, and ready access to employment opportunities locally and in the metro area. 

2019 Population: 40,566 2019                  2019 Households: 15,208 (MN Demographic Center)

Workforce

Young families are attracted to Isanti County by the opportunity to raise a family in a less-congested environment with quality schools and regional center opportunities and amenities. Isanti County’s workforce has a higher percentage of people with an associate degree and a lower percentage of people with a Bachelor’s degree or higher than the state (US Census, 2014-2018 American Community Survey).  The workforce is attracted from 14 surrounding counties – including employees who "reverse commute" from more urbanized parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Nearly half of the workforce currently commutes to the Twin Cities.  Expanding local employment opportunities has the potential to keep more of these employees in the county.

The talents of area residents are developed through two well-regarded area colleges that work closely with area employers. Anoka Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Coon Rapids and Cambridge, annually serves more than 12,500 learners of all ages as they pursue associate’s degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, or certificate programs focused on specific careers. Nearby Pine Technical and Community College offers programs in Computer Science and Information Technology, including programming, network administration and cyber security.  Advanced Manufacturing programs include applied engineering technology, automated systems, precision machining technology, welding technology and 360 online manufacturing.