US Census Survey: Economic Improvements Are Reaching More Minnesotans
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- More Minnesotans are on firmer economic footing in 2015 than in 2014, according to a new survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.
On Thursday, the Minnesota Dept. of Administration announced the release of the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. It shows that, overall, Minnesotans between 16 and 64 years old are more likely to be working, working full-time, and earning higher wages and salaries in 2015 than in 2014.
The share of workers in the aforementioned age range working full-time increased from 62.7 percent to 63.7 percent – for both men and women.
"This exceptionally strong evidence of economic improvements in just one year is heartening," said Minnesota State Demographer Susan Brower, who analyzed the data with her staff at the MN State Demographic Center.
Poverty also fell from 11.5 percent to 10.2 percent, with about 65,000 fewer Minnesotans living in poverty in 2015 than in 2014.
For Black Minnesotans, while last year's 2014 data showed a troubling decline in median household income, 2015 saw increases in median incomes for all Minnesotans. Median household income increased from $27,000 to $30,300. However, the change was not a statistically significant change.
The share of Black Minnesotans working (ages 16-64) also rose to 66 percent in 2015, which is a 3 percent increase from 2014. About 13,000 less Black Minnesotans lived in poverty in 2015 than in 2014, too. The poverty rate of 32 percent is the lowest rate in the last six years.
Despite declines in poverty and unemployment for some minority populations, they continue to far more likely face economic hardship than non-Hispanic White Minnesotans.
"This gives added urgency to the work of increasing opportunities and improving equity for our fast-growing populations of Color," said Brower. "Numerous indicators reveal that populations of color experience very different opportunities and outcomes in our stake. We have to continue to build on these positive economic trends for Minnesotans of Color, as well as all Minnesotans, to strengthen our families, communities, and the state as a whole."
More information from the U.S. Census Bureau can be found here.