DEED data outlines northeast trends, projects growth for Cook County

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released data outlining labor market and population trends for northeast Minnesota, including Cook County.

Carson Gorecki, a northeast Minnesota regional analyst for DEED based in Duluth, said the recent unemployment and labor market data show a “bit of a mixed picture” for the region. There was a loss of jobs in various sectors, including the federal government, transportation, and mining, which stood out in the most recent 2024 data, Gorecki said.

DEED also tracks population trends for each northeast county and outlines population projections. Gorecki said the data show an estimated 5% decline in the northeast Minnesota population from 2025 to 2045. The projections are based on data produced by the Minnesota State Demographic Center.

While the larger northeast region is projected to decline slightly in population, Gorecki said the data show that Cook County has a “positive population projection.”

Cook County is projected to grow by 800 people over two decades.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Carson Gorecki, a regional analyst for the northeast region of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Gorecki discusses labor market trends for the northeast region, including Cook County, as well as population trends and projections for Cook County. Audio is below.

Kalli Hawkins April 27, 2026