New & Noteworthy

INSIGHTS Jacob Wascalus December 2018

How will the Southwest LRT affect people, places, and jobs?

The proposed Southwest Light Rail line (LRT) took a step closer to reality after the Federal Transit Administration approved a major source of funding for the project. The LRT has drawn a lot of speculation on its purported benefits. We take a look at some possible outcomes.

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MORE Insights

Recent articles highlighting key trends and issues:

Choose Your Data Adventure: Build Your Own Data Profile!

Race data disaggregation: What does it mean? Why does it matter?

On the road with Minnesota Compass

Featured trend

FEATURED TREND | December 13, 2018

Gap in employment by race has narrowed

In 2012, 15 percentage points separated the shares of non-Hispanic whites and people of color who were working; today, the gap stands at 10 percentage points. We now see higher levels of employment among both groups, but gains in employment have been stronger for workers of color. In particular, we have seen strong gains in employment among black and Hispanic Minnesotans over the last several years.

See more data on proportion of adults working.

Data Update

Across Minnesota's counties, median household income ranges from $102,500 in Carver County to $43,600 in Mahnomen County.

Minnesota and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area have both experienced eight years of positive, year-over-year growth in economic output (GDP).

At 8 percent, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area is home to one of the lowest poverty rates among the nation's largest metros.

Nine percent of Minnesotans are foreign-born. Foreign-born residents from Asia have been our state's largest immigrant group since 1990; foreign-born residents from Africa now constitute the second largest immigrant group in Minnesota.

Today, one in five Minnesotans is a person of color. Minnesota has seen 26 percent growth in its population of color since 2010 – seventh highest among states.

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2018 Compass Points

Minnesota Compass has released Compass Points 2018 (PDF).
Our annual indicator report includes data and analysis about notable trends, key demographics, and a dashboard that highlights how Minnesota is doing in key topic areas. The information is used by policymakers, business and community leaders, and others working to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Minnesota residents and communities.

Racial Equity Resource Directory

View a statewide listing of racial equity programs and training providers serving faith communities, civic organizations, educational institutions, and anyone working to combat racism and increase cultural competence.