Community Profiles

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Greater Mankato is a vibrant and dynamic regional marketplace that includes the Mankato - North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (encompassing Blue Earth and Nicollet counties).

Greater Mankato is a vibrant and dynamic regional marketplace that includes the Mankato – North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (encompassing Blue Earth and Nicollet counties). Located in a “sweet spot” of Southern Minnesota, our residents and businesses have access to “bigger city” services and amenities in the core cities of Mankato and North Mankato, surrounded by delightful smaller towns and rural areas, with the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area just a short drive north.

Our residents can enjoy their morning coffee at their home located in the city, on a farm, or by a lake, while making it to their workplace in 16 minutes or less. After work, they can take advantage of the area’s many activities and attractions before enjoying a quick and easy drive home.

Our businesses capitalize on our diverse economy, productive supply chain, and highly-educated and broad talent pool. They leverage the region’s growing consumer base while creating long-lasting relationships with a wide range of business partners.

Residents are not alone in recognizing the unique combination of economic vitality, talent, livability, business environment, and resources found only in Greater Mankato. This region continues to receive national recognition in areas such as livability, economy, and leisure.

Mankato

Mankato, Minnesota is a major regional center that has been designated as a Metropolitan Statistical Area and has earned several livability awards. Recently, it was reported that Mankato’s economic growth leads Minnesota and is among the top in the nation. Low office and energy costs, as well as productive workforce, make Mankato one of the least expensive places to do business in the Upper Midwest and places it in the top 17 percent of the nation.

NORTH MANKATO

North Mankato is part of the urban center of the Mankato – North Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area and is located just one hour south of Minneapolis/St. Paul, with convenient access right off highways 169 and 14. Nestled along the bluffs at the bend of the Minnesota River in south central Minnesota, North Mankato is home to 13,500 residents. In addition to the city’s lively economic development scene and low cost of doing business, North Mankato also offers a high quality of living. From numerous parks and trails to the home of the state renowned Caswell Park, this city offers a multitude of adventurous opportunities.

St. Peter

Saint Peter was incorporated in 1873 and is located approximately 60 miles south of Minneapolis/Saint Paul in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley (10 miles north of Mankato). The city has a population of over 11,400 and was originally intended to be the capital of the State of Minnesota. As the legislators were preparing to vote on the location of the capital, Joe Rolette stole the bill that would have named Saint Peter as capital and hid with it until after the legislature voted for Saint Paul.

Eagle Lake

Named the second fastest growing city in Minnesota in 2016, Eagle Lake is a small city with a family friendly atmosphere: a safe, quiet community located just a few minutes from the large regional center of Mankato. Although many residents work outside of the city, they enjoy the friendly neighborhoods they come home to. The ease of meeting the daily needs of life make Eagle Lake a great place to live.

Lake Crystal

Lake Crystal is located in Blue Earth County, 12 miles southwest of Mankato off of MN State Hwy 60. Lake Crystal is located on the shores of Crystal Lake with a population of 2,593.

Madison Lake

Madison Lake is a quiet, friendly community located just ten miles east of Mankato on State Highway 60. The Sakatah Trail runs right through town, so you can even hike or bike on over! Madison Lake has three recreational lakes, parks, restaurants, and many locally owned businesses making Madison Lake a great place to live, work, and play!

Blue Earth County

Nestled in the heart of the Minnesota River Valley in the south central part of the state, Blue Earth County encompasses 764 square miles of several lakes, rivers, streams, and rich agricultural land. The County has 368 miles of rivers and is beautifully landscaped with wooded bluffs. Blue Earth County is known for its many parks, trails, and campgrounds.

Nicollet County

Nicollet County, named in honor of French explorer Joseph N. Nicollet, lies in south central Minnesota and closely resembles an isosceles triangle with 104.6 miles of Minnesota River front. Within the 280,866.22 total acres in the county, almost 245,000 acres is farmland with 24,000 acres of forest land and 12,000 acres of wetland. The county is composed of 5 cities and 13 townships.