Geography of Stearns County
Stearns County is situated in central Minnesota, and is the largest county by area in the southern half of the state (14th in area overall). The total area of the county is 1,394 square miles or 892,160 acres, extending approximately 54 miles east to west and 36 miles north to south. Lakes and wetlands cover about 4% of the land area.
The population of Stearns County is 147,076 (2008 est.). Stearns County contains 30 cities and 34 townships . The population is concentrated on the east end of the county, in the St. Cloud area. St. Cloud, the County Seat, is 59 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis and extends into neighboring Benton and Sherburne Counties. The 2000 census estimate places the St. Cloud metropolitan area's population at 167,392, and the city population at 66,503.
Stearns County is considered a commercial and tourism gateway because of its strategic position along Interstate Highway 94, one of Minnesota's major traffic corridors. Our location and reasonable driving distance from the Twin Cities make the County attractive to businesses seeking affordable land and labor. Residents are also within easy driving distance to the many world-class events that take place in the larger Twin Cities metro area.
Our prime location is just one reason Stearns County attracts and retains so many of its residents. The people who live here take advantage of the area's growing economy, friendly communities, affordable cost of living, and quality health care. They also appreciate our educational opportunities, year-round recreation, and expanding cultural environment. All this, set against the backdrop of rolling hills, woodlands and scenic lakes, makes Stearns County the best of both city and country.
Browse a map of Stearns County using our Interactive Mapping tool