UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Demographics Indicators

Population

Total Population

  • The total population of the St. Croix River Valley counties fall into three groups – Washington County is, by far, the most populous; Pierce, Polk, St. Croix and Chisago fall into a middle group with between 40,000 and 90,000 people; Burnett County is, by far, the least populous.

Population Change

  • Minnesota and its St. Croix River Valley counties have tended to have faster population growth since 2010; for perspective, the U.S. population grew by 6% between 2010 and 2019.
  • Wisconsin, with a population of 5.79 million according to the U.S. Census, has grown at half the rate of Minnesota with its slightly smaller population (5.56 million).
  • Pierce and St. Croix counties have grown relatively rapidly because of their proximity to the Twin Cities – 38% of Pierce County workers and 41% of St. Croix County residents are employed in another state.
  • The negative rate of population change in Polk and Burnett counties is concerning.

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