St. Croix County often lands in the spotlight when it comes to site selection — where businesses consider locating, relocating, or expanding — due to our unique economic development factors. Site selectors and businesses typically evaluate eight key categories when deciding on a location. And St. Croix County, in fact, checks all the boxes.

1. Geography: Our county’s strategic location within the Twin Cities metro offers unparalleled connectivity, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking regional accessibility. St. Croix County is less than an hour’s drive to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, providing convenient national and international travel. Additionally, our proximity to major highways like I-94 assists in logistics for transportation and distribution. We also have lovely natural landscapes, so businesses enjoy both strategic benefits and a scenic setting.

2. Cost: When it comes to affordability, St. Croix County often outperforms its neighboring competitors. Wisconsin’s cost of doing business is highly competitive and our county frequently compares favorably to our neighboring states.

3. Labor Market: With a population nearing 100,000, St. Croix County offers a highly educated and skilled workforce. Over 18,000 residents hold bachelor’s degrees, while 7,400 have attained graduate degrees, adding to the talent pool available to businesses. The median age of our residents is 39, indicating a younger, but still experienced, workforce. Moreover, the Twin Cities and Eau Claire are within commuting distance, significantly expanding the talent base for employers seeking specialized skills or larger labor pools.

4. Infrastructure: Infrastructure is a critical component for businesses and St. Croix County delivers. In addition to I-94, several state highways provide critical links for supply chains and commuting. Businesses also benefit from the New Richmond Regional Airport and quick access to the larger Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

5. Regulations: Wisconsin’s stable, business-friendly environment makes St. Croix County an attractive option for growth. Our state boasts a balanced budget and the highest public pension funding ratio in the nation, which translates into long-term financial stability and a low risk of unexpected tax hikes. This predictability helps businesses plan for the future without concerns over regulatory surprises.

6. Market Access: St. Croix County residents contribute to a larger economic engine, being part of the 15-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, with over 3.75 million people. This metro area is the 16th largest in the U.S., offering businesses access to a vast and diverse customer base.

7. Quality of Life: One of the most compelling aspects of St. Croix County is its exceptional quality of life. While semi-rural, the county enjoys a vibrant arts scene, numerous cultural and entertainment events year-round and a robust park system that supports outdoor recreation in all four seasons. These factors contribute to a balanced work-life experience, attracting employees who seek both career opportunities and a high standard of living.

8. Risk Factors: Lastly, St. Croix County enjoys a lower risk from natural disasters and the adverse effects of climate change compared to many other regions. This factor alone can significantly impact long-term business operations, offering an added layer of security for companies looking for a stable environment.

From strategic location and cost advantages to an educated workforce and high quality of life, St. Croix County offers businesses everything they need to thrive. It’s no wonder that more and more companies are choosing our county as their destination for growth.

Meschke is the Executive Director of the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation, starting in 2024. She was also named to the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment.

Published in the Hudson Star Observer – see full article posting here