Let's grab a coffee and chat about what it is really like to work and live in our beautiful river town. When you are thinking about moving to Stillwater, MN, the historic downtown architecture and scenic river views are usually what catch your eye first. But beneath that postcard-perfect surface is a surprisingly robust local economy that makes this area as practical as it is picturesque.
Situated right here in Washington County, Stillwater is home to roughly 19,300 residents who enjoy a fantastic balance of small-town charm and big-city access. We are just a short drive from the broader Twin Cities metro area, which opens up endless career possibilities for locals.
However, you do not have to leave town to find a great career. The local job market in Stillwater, MN is supported by a healthy, diverse mix of healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and education. It is a community that has successfully transitioned from its historic lumber town roots into a modern, thriving economic hub.
Major Industries Driving Stillwater's Economy
It is always smart to look at the major industries in Stillwater, MN to understand what keeps the local economic engine humming. Having a diverse business landscape provides stability, meaning our town does not rely entirely on just one sector to survive.
Here is a quick glance at the primary fields driving growth and providing jobs in our area:
- Tourism and Hospitality: This sector accounts for roughly 30% of all local business activity. If you are looking strictly at the historic downtown area, that number jumps to an estimated 50%. The boutique shops, incredible dining scene, and events along the St. Croix River keep this industry thriving year-round.
- Healthcare: Medical and administrative roles are growing rapidly here. This sector offers high-paying, stable career paths without the need to commute into the city.
- Manufacturing and Technology: Far from the old mill days, our modern manufacturing sector includes local facilities heavily focused on biomedical advancements and innovative consumer products.
- Education and Government: County government services and the local school district are massive pillars of our daily economy, providing reliable employment for hundreds of residents.
Top Employers in Stillwater, MN
Beyond the broader industries, a few specific organizations truly anchor our local employment landscape. If you are exploring neighborhoods in Stillwater, you will likely meet plenty of neighbors who work at one of these major community hubs.
Some of the top employers in Stillwater, MN include:
- Lakeview Hospital (HealthPartners): As a cornerstone of our local healthcare system, this hospital is a major source of well-paying medical, technical, and administrative jobs.
- Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834): Our local education system is a massive economic driver. The district employs roughly 900 staff members, ranging from classroom educators to support and administrative teams.
- Diasorin: This company is a major global player in the manufacturing and biotechnology space, and they maintain a highly significant local footprint right here in town.
- Andersen Corporation: While their massive corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant are technically just down the road in neighboring Bayport, they are a primary employer for a huge number of Stillwater residents.
Economic Statistics: Income and Unemployment Rates
From there, it is helpful to dive into the numbers that show the true financial health of our community. When you look at the data, the ongoing Stillwater economic growth becomes very clear. Recently, the Stillwater, MN unemployment rate sat around an impressive 3.6% in Washington County.
That number is noticeably lower than the Minnesota state average of roughly 4.1%. For a homebuyer, a low local unemployment rate points to a very stable environment where businesses are actively retaining and hiring talent.
Because we have a high concentration of professional, technical, and management roles, the average salary in Stillwater, MN trends quite well. The median household income is approximately $105,853. If you look at a five-mile radius around town, that figure climbs even higher to roughly $115,990, giving residents strong purchasing power when evaluating the cost of living in Stillwater, MN.
Commuting from Stillwater to the Twin Cities
Even with all these excellent local opportunities, many residents choose to tap into the massive Minneapolis-St. Paul job market. Stillwater is widely considered one of the best Twin Cities commuter towns because of its incredibly convenient geographic location.
The average commute time is roughly 20.1 minutes. Highway 36 acts as a straight, easy route right into St. Paul and Minneapolis, making daily Stillwater, MN transportation highly efficient. This setup offers an incredible live-work balance for professionals.
You get to come home to a peaceful river valley while still advancing your career at major Fortune 500 companies in the metro. Furthermore, with the recent surge in remote and hybrid work schedules, living in Stillwater has become even more attractive for Twin Cities professionals who only need to commute into the office a few days a week.
How the Job Market Impacts Stillwater Real Estate
All of this economic data directly ties into what we see every day when looking at homes for sale in Stillwater. Strong job growth and high household incomes create consistent, reliable demand for housing in our area.
When highly paid professionals move into the community, it supports a very robust property market. Recent data shows the median property value in Stillwater reaching over $414,200. This reflects strong confidence from buyers who recognize the value of living in a thriving local economy.
Ultimately, keeping an eye on Stillwater real estate market trends shows that our stable local economy makes purchasing a home here a secure choice for long-term investment. It is an environment where you can feel incredibly good about putting down roots and building your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median household income in Stillwater, MN?
The median household income in Stillwater is approximately $105,853. If you expand your search to a five-mile radius around the city limits, that average increases to roughly $115,990, reflecting the strong presence of well-paying management and professional roles in our area.
Who are the largest employers in Stillwater?
Some of the top employers anchoring our local economy include Lakeview Hospital, the biotechnology firm Diasorin, and the Stillwater Area Public Schools, which employs over 900 people. Additionally, the Andersen Corporation in nearby Bayport is a massive source of jobs for local residents.
Is Stillwater, MN a good place to live for commuters?
Yes, Stillwater is highly regarded as a premier commuter town for the Twin Cities metro area. Residents enjoy a highly manageable average commute time of just over 20 minutes, with Highway 36 providing a direct route to major employment hubs in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
