WINONA, Minn. – The number of households in financial hardship in Minnesota is far greater than most people realize, according to a new study using 2022 data. The study, funded by United Ways of Minnesota, found more than a third of Minnesota households were in poverty or living paycheck to paycheck. Statewide this was 2.3 million Minnesotans – 36%. These people included both those below the federal poverty level and also others whose income fell short of affording household basics: “We all know these workers, and rely on them every day. They are our healthcare or child-care providers, teachers, long-term care professionals, retail clerks, those who maintain our infrastructure, and many others.” The report, titled “A Study of Financial Hardship,”, called for finding ways to help these households meet basic needs. The data for southeast Minnesota:
Fillmore County: 36% (8,400)
Houston County: 31% (8,000)
Olmsted County: 33% (68,700)
Wabasha County: 30% (9,200)
Winona County: 40% (20,200)
Barely surviving financially. The study examined the extent of asset-limited, income-constrained employed Minnesotans. Their median wage: $15.11 an hour.