Talent & Workforce

As of the first quarter of 2025, Hubbard County’s civilian employment stood at about 5,717 workers, with the county’s total employment and wages data reflecting a modestly growing local economy. Unemployment and workforce participation align with a small, tourism- and agri-food–driven rural economy; local labor force patterns show many residents commuting within the region for work and a sizable share employed in service, manufacturing, and retail sectors. 

Per HLDC’s 2025 Strategic Implementation Plan, Park Rapids is targeted for growth to about 5,000 residents and roughly 25,000 across Hubbard County by 2035, alongside a 40% increase in tax capacity. These targets emphasize a balanced approach to BRE, housing, and quality-of-place investments, to attract residents, workers, and employers in manufacturing, agri-food, retail, and tourism sectors. Data-driven growth aligns with the county’s mix of manufacturing, services, and tourism employment.

Key Sectors

Manufacturing remains one of Hubbard County’s top employment pillars, alongside retail trade, health care and social assistance, and accommodation/food services. In 2017, these sectors accounted for a large share of total employment, and continued activity in manufacturing remains a core element of the regional economy due to durable goods production and related supply chains. Ongoing interests in advanced manufacturing and precision machining in the HLDC service area reflect this continuity. 

Retail, tourism, and hospitality together represent a major portion of employment, supported by the Heartland Lakes “live where you vacation” lifestyle and shoulder-season visitation strategies. This mix complements a growing entrepreneurship and small-business ecosystem, including coworking and startup supports. 

Agriculture and food processing anchor a significant share of regional employment, with large potato-driven facilities and food-product processing shaping demand for skilled workers in manufacturing and operations roles. 

Major Employers

  • Lamb Weston/RDO Frozen Foods (Park Rapids): A major potato-processing facility and employer in Park Rapids, part of the Lamb Weston/RDO Frozen family; the Park Rapids site operates with high-volume production and multiple shift opportunities, including roles in production supervision and process operations. This facility is a cornerstone of the local manufacturing footprint and a top employer in the region. 
  • L&M Fleet Service (Park Rapids area): Regional retail and service employer with a presence in Park Rapids; contributes to local employment in retail, logistics, and customer service roles. 
  • Itasca State Park and related outdoor recreation operators: Seasonal and year-round employment connected to the Heartland Lakes tourism corridor, contributing to hospitality, park service, and interpretive/outdoor recreation roles. 
  • Other notable regional employers and anchors include health care and public administration sectors, reflecting the county’s diversified employment base and the presence of healthcare facilities and county/state services that provide stable, professional and support roles.