Regional Facts

With a combined population of about 274,000, the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) represents the economic heart of northeast Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. Located just south of the Canadian border and approximately two hours north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the Duluth-Superior MSA serves as the shipping, commercial and manufacturing epicenter of northern Minnesota. Situated in the heart of North America, on the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, the Port of Duluth-Superior provides easy access to international shipping lanes via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Natural resource-based industries such as iron and timber remain active and important components of the regional economy, although this area has also benefited in recent years from significant growth among a cluster of employers in the manufacturing, metal fabrication, clean energy technology, aerospace, telecommunications, education, healthcare, and transportation sectors.

Additional highlights include an international airport, strategically located along major great circle routes from Asia and Europe; a top-rated convention center; two world-class healthcare systems; outstanding cultural and recreational amenities; a wide variety of first-rate historic and tourist attractions; and vibrant downtown areas in the many unique communities across the Northland.