By William Smith
Major Sectors Employing Residents
Inver Grove Heights’ economy is supported by a diversified set of industries. The three sectors employing the most residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. These areas not only offer significant job numbers but also show stability in wages and growth. The Finance & Insurance sector also ranks among the top in earnings, reflecting a strong demand for financial professionals in the city.
Health Care & Social Assistance
This is the largest individual sector by employment in IGH, employing more than 13% of working residents. The growth in this field has been driven by expanding clinics, senior living facilities, and increased demand for in-home care services as the population ages.
Manufacturing and Technical Services
Manufacturing provides jobs for around 10% of residents, with many working in durable goods, logistics or equipment production. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services—offered by companies in software, engineering, consulting—employs a similar share and tends to offer among the higher median wages in town.
Who the Major Employers Are
Several large employers anchor the local economy. CHS Cooperatives is the top employer by far, followed by ISD 199 (local public school district), Gertens, the City government, Inver Hills Community College, and key construction, retail, and senior living facilities. These employers collectively provide thousands of jobs, and many are also community focal points in terms of infrastructure and services.
Other Noteworthy Economic Trends
- Private-sector dominance: Nearly 80% of employed residents work for private companies, with roughly 9% self-employed and another 11% in government or nonprofit roles.
- Growth in commuting: While many IGH residents still work locally, many also commute to St. Paul, Eagan, Minneapolis, and nearby suburbs. This suggests the regional economy and transit availability continue to influence job patterns.
- Increasing commercial land use: The city has seen modest growth in retail and commercial development, and space set aside for industrial or utility use is also under pressure. This reflects greater demand for both warehouse/distribution operations and local service businesses.
- Wage variation by industry: Fields like finance, professional services, and utilities tend to have higher median earnings, while sectors like retail and hospitality lag behind.
Looking Ahead: What Entrepreneurs Should Note
Local business owners and prospective entrepreneurs should consider where demand is growing—especially in health services, senior care, and professional technical services. Retail remains important, but success increasingly depends on location, online presence, and complementary services. For manufacturing and logistics businesses, zoning and utility access are key, as is knowledge of the regional workforce.
With a strong local employer base, a well-educated workforce, and solid infrastructure links to broader Twin Cities metro, Inver Grove Heights is well-positioned for continued economic strength—especially for those willing to align with its leading industries.