Metro area profile · Minnesota
St. Cloud, MN metro area market data
How the St. Cloud metro area compares with other metro areas for 56 business types: competitors, household spending, official counts and growth.
- Population, 2025
- 205,854
- +3.0% since 2020
- Households
- 78,122
- Median household income
- $76,497
- +23.4% vs. 2015–2019, before inflation
- Median home value
- $272,800
- Jobs located here
- 101,570
- Highest market score
- 85
- Primary care and pediatrics, #9 of 387 scored metro areas
A site report maps the competitors on map listings around any address in the St. Cloud metro area by name and distance, and the households and spending within reach. Or open the report at the center of the St. Cloud metro area. Signed out, you see a blurred preview; on an account, each report is one action.
Free10 actions over 3 days, no cardSurvey estimates 2020–2024 · population estimates 2025 · official business counts 2023 · map listings September 2026 · Data credits · How we measure
What this means
The St. Cloud metro area has an estimated 205,854 people and 78,122 households. Population estimates put the population change in the St. Cloud metro area from 2020 to 2025 at +3.0%, in step with the U.S. (+3.1%). Median household income in the St. Cloud metro area is $76,497, 5% below the U.S. median of $80,734. Against the 2015–2019 survey, the median rose 23.4%, before inflation.
Relative to the U.S., household spending in the St. Cloud metro area runs highest on vehicle maintenance and repairs (an index of 118, where 100 is the U.S. average) and lowest on child care and other personal services (70).
Of the business types scored in the St. Cloud metro area, primary care and pediatric clinics (85), physical therapy clinics (78) and dentists and orthodontists (75) have the highest Groundwork market scores. For primary care and pediatric clinics, that ranks #9 of 387 scored metro areas.
The St. Cloud metro area takes in 2 counties: Stearns County and Benton County. Against the U.S., map listings per household run highest for electricians (76% above the U.S. rate) and lowest for barbershops (55% below the U.S. rate).
All 56 business types in the St. Cloud metro area
Highest Groundwork market score first. Each score compares the St. Cloud metro area with other metro areas for that business type, from 0 to 100. Spending per listing divides a whole spending line (all vehicle repairs, all eating out) by one type’s listings: the demand for each competitor, not a business’s revenue. Compare it across markets with its index, where 100 is the U.S. figure for the same type; the real estate types, whose line is all housing costs, show the index only. How the score works.
| Business type | Score | Rank among metro areas | Listings | Per 10k households | Spending per listing | Spending per listing vs. U.S. (100) | Official establishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary care and pediatrics | 85 | #9 of 387 | 26 | 3.3 | $4.2M | 238 | 50 |
| Physical therapy | 78 | #13 of 386 | 24 | 3.1 | $4.6M | 191 | 25 |
| Dentists and orthodontists | 75 | #22 of 387 | 78 | 10.0 | $1.4M | 144 | 63 |
| Doctors, dentists and clinics | 74 | #36 of 387 | 602 | 77.1 | $183K | 120 | 202 |
| Bakeries and dessert shops | 73 | #22 of 387 | 49 | 6.3 | $6.2M | 150 | 41 |
| Sit-down restaurants | 73 | #32 of 387 | 351 | 44.9 | $866K | 130 | 127 |
| Pest control | 72 | #34 of 345 | 5 | 0.6 | $19.2M | 188 | 4 |
| Restaurants and cafes | 72 | #49 of 387 | 714 | 91.4 | $426K | 115 | 318 |
| Tire shops | 71 | #61 of 386 | 32 | 4.1 | $2.8M | 110 | 9 |
| Yoga, Pilates and fitness studios | 68 | #42 of 347 | 9 | 1.2 | $7.7M | 190 | 23 |
| Oil change and quick lube | 68 | #55 of 290 | 6 | 0.8 | $14.7M | 107 | 5 |
| Spas and skin care | 64 | #67 of 387 | 73 | 9.3 | $1.1M | 121 | 14 |
| Barbershops | 62 | #94 of 387 | 19 | 2.4 | $4.1M | 216 | 7 |
| Fast food and sandwich shops | 61 | #128 of 387 | 102 | 13.1 | $3M | 98 | 149 |
| Pet stores | 60 | #124 of 382 | 16 | 2.0 | $4.1M | 91 | 3 |
| Pet grooming and boarding | 59 | #125 of 386 | 26 | 3.3 | $2.5M | 100 | 14 |
| Clothing, shoes and laundry | 58 | #141 of 387 | 154 | 19.7 | $998K | 113 | 70 |
| Car washes and detailing | 58 | #142 of 387 | 44 | 5.6 | $2M | 80 | 9 |
| House cleaning | 57 | #114 of 375 | 12 | 1.5 | $8M | 125 | 39 |
| Salons, barbers and spas | 57 | #119 of 387 | 307 | 39.3 | $252K | 119 | 98 |
| Martial arts and dance studios | 57 | #120 of 387 | 32 | 4.1 | $2.2M | 108 | 19 |
| Nail salons | 53 | #163 of 387 | 35 | 4.5 | $2.2M | 132 | 25 |
| Laundromats | 53 | #167 of 364 | 15 | 1.9 | $10.2M | 82 | 3 |
| Clothing and shoe stores | 53 | #186 of 387 | 114 | 14.6 | $1.3M | 106 | 64 |
| Hair salons | 51 | #170 of 387 | 172 | 22.0 | $450K | 105 | 52 |
| Gas stations | 51 | #187 of 387 | 80 | 10.2 | $2.8M | 117 | 104 |
| Auto repair shops | 51 | #195 of 387 | 182 | 23.3 | $485K | 109 | 131 |
| Coffee shops and cafes | 50 | #198 of 387 | 93 | 11.9 | $3.3M | 88 | 38 |
| Convenience stores | 50 | #205 of 387 | 91 | 11.6 | $5.2M | 66 | 8 |
| Gyms, studios and classes | 49 | #198 of 387 | 119 | 15.2 | $583K | 88 | 42 |
| Pet businesses | 49 | #198 of 387 | 86 | 11.0 | $768K | 87 | 42 |
| Pizza | 49 | #208 of 387 | 75 | 9.6 | $4.1M | 80 | 149 |
| Grocery stores | 49 | #208 of 387 | 45 | 5.8 | $10.5M | 113 | 38 |
| Property management | 48 | #204 of 374 | 17 | 2.2 | Index only | 116 | 41 |
| Roofing and gutters | 48 | #210 of 381 | 30 | 3.8 | $7.1M | 84 | 14 |
| Lawn, cleaning and pest control | 47 | #196 of 387 | 62 | 7.9 | $1.5M | 92 | 128 |
| Auto repair and car care | 47 | #229 of 387 | 338 | 43.3 | $261K | 97 | 162 |
| Mortgage brokers and lenders | 42 | #244 of 373 | 28 | 3.6 | Index only | 100 | 13 |
| Grocery and convenience stores | 42 | #255 of 387 | 187 | 23.9 | $2.5M | 75 | 46 |
| Gyms | 41 | #273 of 387 | 78 | 10.0 | $890K | 68 | 23 |
| Collision repair and body shops | 40 | #264 of 381 | 31 | 4.0 | $2.8M | 92 | 36 |
| Veterinarians | 38 | #275 of 384 | 30 | 3.8 | $2.2M | 81 | 25 |
| Optometrists and eye care | 37 | #303 of 386 | 43 | 5.5 | $2.6M | 82 | 19 |
| Real estate | 36 | #322 of 387 | 275 | 35.2 | Index only | 92 | 152 |
| Home inspectors | 35 | #186 of 243 | 6 | 0.8 | Index only | 70 | Under 3 |
| HVAC and plumbing | 35 | #307 of 387 | 54 | 6.9 | $3.9M | 82 | 85 |
| Chiropractors | 34 | #326 of 386 | 69 | 8.8 | $1.6M | 67 | 45 |
| Real estate agents and brokers | 34 | #346 of 387 | 224 | 28.7 | Index only | 90 | 80 |
| Landscaping and lawn care | 33 | #297 of 385 | 45 | 5.8 | $2.1M | 73 | 85 |
| Child care and preschools | 32 | #315 of 387 | 40 | 5.1 | $797K | 80 | 61 |
| Home repair trades | 31 | #345 of 387 | 118 | 15.1 | $1.8M | 74 | 167 |
| Funeral homes | 28 | #322 of 377 | 22 | 2.8 | $482K | 71 | 15 |
| Electricians | 25 | #359 of 383 | 34 | 4.4 | $6.2M | 52 | 68 |
| Insurance agencies | 20 | #364 of 387 | 166 | 21.2 | $813K | 65 | 126 |
| Dry cleaners | Not scored | Not scored | 4 | 0.5 | $38.4M | 245 | 3 |
| Urgent care and walk-in clinics | Not scored | Not scored | 2 | 0.3 | $55.2M | Too few | Under 3 |
Household spending in the St. Cloud metro area
What households here spend in a year on each line, in total and per household, with the index against the U.S. average (100).
| Spending line | A year, all households | Per household | Index vs. U.S. (100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle maintenance and repairs | $88.2M | $1,129 | 118 |
| Gasoline and other fuels | $223.1M | $2,856 | 110 |
| Food away from home | $303.9M | $3,890 | 96 |
| Groceries | $472.3M | $6,046 | 96 |
| Personal care products and services | $77.4M | $991 | 99 |
| Child care and other personal services | $31.9M | $408 | 70 |
| Memberships, classes and admissions | $69.4M | $889 | 90 |
| Medical and dental services | $110.4M | $1,413 | 110 |
| Pets | $66.1M | $846 | 93 |
| Clothing, shoes and related services | $153.7M | $1,968 | 96 |
| Vehicle insurance | $134.9M | $1,727 | 88 |
| Home repairs, maintenance and insurance | $211.9M | $2,713 | 90 |
| Lawn care, cleaning and other household services | $96M | $1,229 | 87 |
| Rent and homeowner costs | $1.1B | $14,030 | 84 |
Household spending is estimated from the incomes of the households in each neighborhood, using what households at each income spent nationally in 2024, adjusted for the region. It counts what residents spend, wherever they spend it.
Population and households in the St. Cloud metro area
- Population, 2025 estimate
- 205,854+3.0% since 2020
- Households
- 78,122
- Median age
- 37.2
- Homes lived in by their owners
- 68%
- Vehicles per household
- 2.0
- Land area
- 1,751 sq. mi.
- People per square mile
- 116
- Median household income
- $76,497+23.4% vs. 2015–2019, before inflation
- Average household income
- $97,113
- Median home value
- $272,800
- Jobs located here
- 101,570
- Daytime population
- 207,575Residents who don’t work, plus everyone whose job is here
Looking at a specific site in the St. Cloud metro area?
These figures cover the whole metro area. A site report draws rings around one address and counts what’s inside them: households, spending, jobs, and the competitors on map listings by name and distance, for any of the 56 business types.
Or open the report at the center of the St. Cloud metro area. Signed out, you see a blurred preview; on an account, each report is one action.
Free10 actions over 3 days, no cardRelated markets
Counties in the St. Cloud metro area 2
- Stearns County, MN160,865 people
- Benton County, MN41,593 people
Other markets based in Minnesota 12
- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metro area3,713,668 people
- Duluth, MN-WI metro area280,870 people
- Rochester, MN metro area228,522 people
- Mankato, MN metro area104,282 people
- Brainerd, MN area98,678 people
- Faribault-Northfield, MN area67,917 people
- Fergus Falls, MN area60,475 people
- Winona, MN area49,779 people
- Red Wing, MN area47,943 people
- Bemidji, MN area46,512 people
- Grand Rapids, MN area45,275 people
- Willmar, MN area44,079 people
Questions
How fast is the St. Cloud, MN metro area growing?
Population estimates put the St. Cloud metro area at 205,854 people in 2025, up 3.0% since 2020, in step with the U.S. (+3.1%). It has 78,122 households. Median household income rose 23.4% from the 2015–2019 survey, before inflation.
How much do households in the St. Cloud, MN metro area spend?
Households in the St. Cloud metro area spend about $1.1B a year on rent and homeowner costs, $472.3M on groceries and $303.9M on food away from home. Set against the U.S., households in the St. Cloud metro area spend the most on vehicle maintenance and repairs (an index of 118, where 100 is the U.S. average) and the least on child care and other personal services (70).
Which business types have the highest market scores in the St. Cloud, MN metro area?
The highest Groundwork market scores in the St. Cloud metro area are for primary care and pediatric clinics (85), physical therapy clinics (78) and dentists and orthodontists (75). The St. Cloud metro area ranks #9 of 387 scored metro areas for primary care and pediatric clinics.
How does the St. Cloud, MN metro area compare with the U.S.?
The median household income in the St. Cloud metro area is $76,497 a year, 5% below the U.S. median of $80,734. The population rose 3.0% from 2020 to 2025, against +3.1% for the U.S. The median home value is $272,800, against $332,700 for the U.S. For its number of households, the St. Cloud metro area has the most map listings, relative to the U.S., for electricians (76% above the U.S. rate) and the fewest for barbershops (55% below the U.S. rate).
What is the Groundwork market score?
The Groundwork market score runs from 0 to 100 and compares a market with others of its kind for one business type: states with states, metro areas with metro areas, small-town markets and counties with their own. It weighs household spending per competitor (35%), households per business with payroll (25%), population growth (20%) and spending power (20%), each ranked against those peers. A higher score means that, taken together, the market has more household spending and more households for each business already there, faster population growth and more spending per household than similar markets. It describes a market, not any one site or deal. 54 of the 56 business types have a score in the St. Cloud metro area, each ranked against other metro areas.
How can I see the market around a specific site?
Run a Groundwork site report on an address in the St. Cloud metro area. It maps the competitors on map listings near the site and sizes the households and spending within the distance you choose. New accounts get 10 actions over 3 days, no card.
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Screening a site or an acquisition in the St. Cloud metro area?
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The button opens the report at the center of the St. Cloud metro area. Signed out, you see a blurred preview; on an account, each report is one action.
This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
Figures are estimates for research only. Not investment or real estate advice.