Why North Branch, Minnesota?
Start or Grow Your Business
A strong business community is the cornerstone of a vibrant city. Economic development encompasses the policies and activities that improve the long term economic and social wellbeing of the community. Communities with strong economies have financial resources to support the levels of service that their residents need and desire. Successful communities realize that economic development s about bringing together social, natural, infrastructure, and economic assets in the community to sustain the “whole” community.
Median Household Income
$77,720
Population
10,910
Median Age
35.8
Chisago County has a highly skilled labor force that is readily available since 2/3 of the workers currently commute outside the County for work
A Regional center anchored by the North Branch Outlet stores and furniture outlet stores as well as Jerry’s County Market provide retail services
Based 2017 MnDOT traffic data, daily traffic counts along I35 heading north to North Branch average 37,500. An estimated 22,400 cars move west from I35 along TH95 each day. The daily traffic count is estimated at 22,500 cars moving east from I35 along TH95. An estimated 15,400 cars pass through the intersection of TH95 and Co. 30.
The story of the geographical area that the municipal government of North Branch has encompassed since its incorporation as a township in 1861 has come full circle. In 1881 the citizens of the township continued under one municipal government when North Branch incorporated as a township-size village (36 square miles).
In 1901, however, the jurisdiction divided. A one-square mile area of the township detached from the original village and reincorporated itself as the village of North Branch. The village of North Branch was more urbanized and was centrally located within the original 35 square mile rural area that reverted its status back to township and named itself Branch.
In 1961 Branch became a village, still surrounding the village of North Branch. When both communities grew rapidly after the completion of 1-35 in 1969, North Branch continued to be the more densely populated urban area of the community while Branch became home to many commuters who built homes on one-acre or larger lots. Farms comprise the remainder of the area.
In 1974, both communities became statutory cities under the state law that encouraged uniformity in municipal government. Within the next 10 years citizens began to reconsider the benefits of consolidating the governments and services of the communities.
A special election in 1984 proposed a study of merging the two cities. The proposal failed, and for the next 10 years the area experienced detachment/annexation proceedings, requests for extension of North Branch's municipal services, citizens' petitions to respective city councils and a study on consolidation by the Minnesota Municipal Board and a 20-member citizens' task force.
The Municipal Board granted the consolidation and the North Branch City Council adopted it. However, the Branch City Council defeated the measure. A sufficient number of Branch residents petitioned for a referendum on consolidation, which was held on September 13, 1994 to coincide with the primary election. Large majorities of the voters in both Branch and North Branch voted for consolidation. As a result, the Municipal Board met and called for election of officers for the new city at the general election. The city officials were sworn in and the new city name came into existence on November 14, 1994.
The Story of North Branch
40 minutes to Twin Cities
30 minutes to Wisconsin Border
1.5 hours to Duluth
Conveniently located 40 minutes north of Minneapolis/St. Paul, North Branch offers a small town feel with big cities conveniences. North Branch has room for your business to grow, and a city government that will assist and advocate for you throughout business growth.
Desirable Location
