St. Paul - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today issued a report that analyzes the demographic, economic and educational trends and disparities of Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans as part of a series of articles that disaggregate data to take a closer look at racial and ethnic trends and disparities in our state.

"As Minnesota's Latino population continues to grow and make important contributions to our state's economy and culture, it is essential that we address the persistent disparities in educational attainment, poverty rates, household income, and unemployment rates that affect many members of our community," said Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs Legislative and Policy Director Nicauris Heredia Rosario. "We welcome this report from DEED, which provides important insights into the challenges facing our community."

"DEED is focused on breaking down systemic barriers to economic growth, as outlined in our five equity commitments," said DEED Temporary Commissioner Kevin McKinnon. "Many of the labor force indicators and other economic measures for Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans have improved in recent years – but major disparities remain. We must address the issues at the heart of those disparities."

Racial and ethnic economic disparities persist in Minnesota and across the country. Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans have lower educational attainment, lower household income and higher unemployment and poverty rates than white Minnesotans. Many Minnesotans who identify as Hispanic or Latino face persistent systemic barriers to prosperity. As policymakers, community leaders, businesses, and workforce leaders develop approaches to address barriers, it is helpful to have disaggregated data by race and ethnicity. Understanding the demographic trends and scope of disparities is an important tool for crafting effective solutions.

Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans now account for more than 6% of the state's population and 5% of the state's workforce. Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans have a higher labor force participation rate than white Minnesotans, owing in part to their younger age demographic. Attracting, welcoming, retaining, and training workers from all backgrounds is essential as Minnesota's white population continues to skew older, and with a large number of white Minnesotans retiring from the labor force. 

"Making sure all people see Minnesota as a place of opportunity for workers, entrepreneurs and small business owners is important to strengthening our workforce and the future economic growth in our state," said DEED Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development Marc Majors. "With a tight labor market, we need to engage and include populations that have been overlooked and make investments to create greater opportunities for all residents, so they can be successful and help grow Minnesota's economy."

The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs 2023 Latine Day at the Capitol is taking place today, Monday, April 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. It will focus on issues important to Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans and celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans to our state's economy, culture and society. Find out more about Latine Day at the Capitol.

Access the full report, Hispanic and Latino Minnesotans: An analysis of employment, educational and other economic trends and disparities related to the labor force, in the current edition of Minnesota Economic Trends.