Willmar, All America City 2005

The current population of Willmar is just under 20,000 with approximately 25,000 being employed within the Willmar city limits. Willmar is located in Kandiyohi County and in the heart of lake country. The major industry is quite diverse, giving the community a stable economic base. The focus is still on agricultural related services: farming, turkey and feed processing, turkey hatching, agricultural equipment and supplies manufacturing. Other major industries include medical services, steel fabrication, transportation and of course tourism. Willmar’s major employers include Affiliated Community Medical Center, Bethesda Homes, Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Kandiyohi County, Marketing Concepts of MN, Inc., Rice Memorial Hospital, Ridgewater College, Willmar Poultry Co. and Willmar Regional Treatment Center. Willmar's retail area includes a 60 miles radius and serves a wholesale population extending 125 miles and more than 250,000.

Willmar has over 300 acres of parkland, which includes 37 parks and a public beach at Robbins Island. Recreation abounds with 9-hole and 18 holes golf courses; 7 lighted baseball/softball diamonds; 27 tennis courts – 12 of which are lighted; a 6 screen movie theater; 24 lane bowling alley; bike paths throughout the City; indoor shooting range and archery; exercise facilities; and civic center arena.