A Region Positioned for Growth
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.
Quick Facts
Regional population of about 257,000 (age 25 and older)
International seaport and airport access
Productive, loyal workforce
Competitively-priced, reliable power
Superb quality of life
Education
91.6% high school graduates (age 25 and above)
32.7% bachelor degree or higher (age 25 and above)
Two public universities (one with a medical school), two private colleges, and eleven community and technical colleges
Excellent K-12 public, private and charter schools
2015 ACT scores surpassed state and national averages
Health Care
18 hospitals in region
Two world-class health systems (St. Luke’s and Essentia)
Affordable Housing and Other Statistics
Average selling price: $166,600
Median selling price: $142,000
Average monthly rent: $634
Cost of living index: 102-103
Northeast Minnesota has the lowest crime rate in the state
Infrastructure
Some of the most competitively-priced electric utility rates in the nation
Robust electric power distribution network
High-speed internet access with a fully developed fiber optics network, large bandwidth and SONET ring redundancy
Natural gas network
Efficient oil and propane gas delivery
Abundant freshwater, timber, and mineral resources, with well-established access roads and supply chain infrastructure