​​​Cass County, Minnesota, established in 1851, spans over 2,400 square miles and is known for its abundant forests, over 500 lakes, and its status as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s lake and cabin country. The county was named after Lewis Cass who, with Henry Schoolcraft, discovered the source of the Mississippi River in 1820.With county seats in Walker, Cass has long been a hub for tourism, outdoor recreation, and natural resource management.

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While Cass County has experienced slow population growth, its future outlook is shaped by an aging workforce and seasonal residency patterns. The area continues to attract retirees and seasonal homeowners, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the local labor market. Despite population increases over the past two decades, the labor force is projected to decline due to demographic shifts, mirroring broader rural trends across Minnesota.

The Education and Health Services sector leads county employment, followed by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, and Leisure and Hospitality, which reflects the strong tourism economy. While job levels have fluctuated over the years, recent trends show modest growth in tourism-related employment, especially during peak travel seasons

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Tourism is a major industry in Cass County with numerous family resorts, museums, and places to hike, camp, and shop. The county contains Leech Lake, the third largest lake in Minnesota, popular for fishing and water activities. Tourism is expected to remain a significant industry in the future.