RANK #336 / 996 · POP 142,543 · MN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Wright County, Minnesota, distinguished by its numerous lakes and position along the Mississippi River, offers a blend of natural scenery and suburban living. Located approximately 30 miles northwest of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, it provides a commute to the Twin Cities. The county seat, Buffalo, is a notable town with a downtown area. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with 298 lakes and over 4,700 acres of parkland, including Lake Maria State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and water activities. The community generally maintains a safe, small-town feel despite its growth.
Life in Wright County often appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance between rural charm and access to urban amenities. The public schools in the county are highly rated, with several districts serving the area. Commute options include major highways like I-94 and U.S. Highway 12. Public transit, such as Trailblazer Transit, also provides dial-a-ride bus service throughout Wright, Sibley, and McLeod Counties. The local economy is experiencing development, with a focus on attracting investment and supporting businesses in sectors like data centers and industrial/logistics, contributing to job creation and a growing labor force.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Monticello Tech Campus
Frattalone Companies
|
$2,500M | Proposed |
|
Scannell Technology Park (Monticello Data Center)
Scannell Properties
|
$500M | Planned |
|
New Government Center and Law Enforcement Training Facility
Wright County
|
$60M | Completed |
|
Community Solar Portfolio (multiple projects)
Various (e.g., Minnesota Solar CSG 1, LLC, Great River Energy, Enel Green Power NA, Inc.)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
I-94 Construction Between Monticello and Albertville
MnDOT
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Broadband Infrastructure Expansion
Various Internet Service Providers (e.g., Arvig)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Wright County has a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, ranking #336 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.2% and a median household income of $102,980, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Wright County is $310,900 with median rent at $1,149/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3312, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.2%. Home values changed +1.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.22% of Wright County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.