Community Profile
About the Community
Our Community at a Glance
Built on Talent. Driven by Youth.
The Talent Pipeline & Demographics
A Young, Highly Skilled Workforce
Dunn County is powered by a dynamic and growing population of over 46,000 residents. What truly sets our workforce apart is our youth and vitality: the median age in Dunn County is just 35.8 years old, significantly younger than both the Wisconsin state average (40.1) and the national average. This youthful demographic provides expanding businesses with a deep, energetic, and long-term talent pool.
Powered by Premier Educational Institutions
Our community’s age and skill level are directly fueled by our robust higher-education ecosystem. Anchored by the University of Wisconsin-Stout—Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University—and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), Dunn County benefits from a continuous, reliable pipeline of highly skilled graduates. With specialized training in advanced manufacturing, polymer engineering, healthcare, and business management, our local talent is uniquely equipped to meet the technical demands of modern industry the day they graduate.
Built to Scale With You
Strategic Community Capacity
Removing Barriers to Growth
In Dunn County, economic development is not a passive effort. We actively partner with expanding businesses and developers to eliminate the traditional bottlenecks that limit workforce expansion, ensuring our community has the infrastructure to support your investment.
Proactive Housing Expansion
We understand that a growing workforce requires diverse and accessible housing. Through Dunn County’s Development Friendly Municipality Certification Program, we are aggressively working alongside local communities to streamline residential development. By cutting red tape, clarifying zoning, and prioritizing infrastructure, we make it faster and easier for developers to build the housing our workforce needs.
Holistic Workforce Support
Attracting top talent requires a supportive environment for working families. Dunn County’s leadership tackles ground-level workforce hurdles head-on. Through targeted local advocacy—including initiatives driven by the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce—our community is actively working to expand local childcare capacity and support community infrastructure. When you bring your business to Dunn County, you are joining a community that actively invests in the resources your employees need to thrive.
Powered by Industry. Strengthened by Diversity.
Key Economic Drivers & Industries
Advanced Manufacturing & Technology
Dunn County is a regional powerhouse for advanced manufacturing, polymer and plastics engineering, and technology-driven production. Home to major industry leaders like 3M, Andersen Corporation, Phillips-Medisize, and Cardinal Glass, our manufacturing sector is the largest employer in the county. Supported directly by specialized workforce training and the Manufacturing Outreach Center at UW-Stout, our industrial base has the continuous technical support and talent it needs to innovate, optimize, and scale.
Value-Added Agriculture & Food Processing
Agriculture is deeply rooted in our community’s identity and serves as a massive economic engine for the region. Family-owned farms, large-scale food processors, and agriculture-related businesses—including major employers like Conagra Brands and the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery—generate nearly $1 billion in annual economic activity. This sector provides thousands of jobs and cements Dunn County as a leading hub for dairy, specialized crop production, and agricultural innovation.
Healthcare & Regional Distribution
Our diverse economy is further stabilized by a robust healthcare sector and a strategic logistics network. Anchored by the Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar, residents and employees have access to premier, comprehensive medical care right at home. Additionally, major logistical operations like the Walmart Distribution Center capitalize on our exceptional highway infrastructure, including immediate access to Interstate 94, to efficiently move goods across the Midwest.
Where Opportunity Meets Lifestyle
Quality of Life
Unmatched Outdoor Recreation
Dunn County offers an abundance of year-round recreational opportunities that make it easy to step out of the office and into nature. The iconic Red Cedar State Trail offers miles of scenic biking and cross-country skiing, while Lake Menomin, the Chippewa River, and the 4,200-acre Dunnville Wildlife Area provide endless access to kayaking, fishing, and hiking. With over 40 miles of local trails and expansive park systems, Dunn County is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
A Vibrant Arts & Cultural Scene
Beyond the outdoors, Dunn County boasts a rich cultural landscape fueled by its dynamic college-town energy. Downtown Menomonie features a thriving, walkable district filled with local boutiques, independent restaurants, and breweries. The community’s creative spirit is anchored by the breathtaking, historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. Alongside a highly active community theater and performing arts scene, the area provides a continuous lineup of live music, theater productions, and community events that keep residents deeply engaged and connected.
A Welcoming, Forward-Thinking Community
Ultimately, Dunn County is defined by its people. We are a community that champions collaboration, sustainable development, and engaged local leadership. Whether you are launching a career, raising a family, or expanding a business, Dunn County offers a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment where you can truly put down roots.
