Community Profiles
The strengths of the Alexandria area and Douglas County set the region apart as one of the leading micropolitans in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. The area features a strong economic climate and is home to a diverse group of major industry sectors (manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, service, and tourism). In addition, the area is home to an excellent transportation network that includes Interstate Highway 94 and MN State Highways 29 and 27. The Alexandria/Douglas County area is comfortably located within 1.5 hours of Fargo/Moorhead and 2/5 hours of Minneapolis/St. Paul – with I-94 providing easy access to both metropolitan areas and beyond.
Workforce Commuting Patterns
The Alexandria, MN workforce is made up of approximately 17,236 individuals who live throughout Douglas County and the surrounding region. As highlighted by the Alexandria Laborshed map, local employers draw workers from throughout the region to Alexandria. These individuals not only work in the Alexandria area, but they often shop/receive services in the Alexandria area. This impact of these regional customers on the local shopping market has allowed for the Alexandria area to sustain businesses that would not normally be able to survive in a community of 12,000+.
Source: 2008 Alexandria & Douglas County Labor Market Profile - MN DEED