Blandin Foundation’s Rural Pulse Survey shows 31-percent of residents in Greater Minnesota felt their local economy had improved over the last year:
Blandin President Kathleen Annettte says those with the lowest incomes–35-thousand or less–and those age 50 and older were least likely to believe the economy has improved.
A majority of residents in rural Minnesota believe their community is strong, resilient and able to recover from difficult situations.
“Seven in 10 feel that the quality of life will improve over the next five years. To me that’s really inspiring because our rural communities — to be vibrant — I think they must have optimism. And that’s there, that comes through in the perception of folks.”
Annette says the survey also found that 53 percent of rural residents felt their community’s ethnic or racial makeup has become more diverse over the past five years.
She says the optimism continues in our rural communities.
Full results can be found at http://www.ruralpulse.org