Minnesota’s Economy Masks a Growing Divide: Who Really Thrives?

At first glance, Minnesota’s economy seems to be thriving. Employment numbers hover near record highs, major employers like Mayo Clinic and 3M continue hiring, and the unemployment rate remains comfortably below the national average. Yet, beneath these surface-level indicators lies a starkly different reality for many Minnesotans—a reality where rising costs and stagnant wages create a growing economic chasm. Why Are Prosperity and Struggle Coexisting in Minnesota? This apparent contradiction is no accident. It reflects what economists call a "K-shaped" recovery—a split economy where the top earners surge ahead while numerous others fall behind or stagnate. According to Tyler Schipper,...