Neighborhood Health
Within the Twin Cities, neighborhoods with high numbers low or underinsured individuals, and people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, resulting in a greater burden of disease and mortality. In greater MN, higher hospitalization rates and emergency room visits due to ozone and air pollution are seen among these communities as well. Additionally, underserved communities live in close proximity to highways, which increase noise and exposure to air pollution among these populations. These areas are also less walkable, leading to more fatal pedestrian crashes.
Transportation
- In 2024, the yearly average urban household mileage was 14,359 miles and the average suburban household mileage was 21,585 miles
- 7% of Twin Cities metro riders use transit weekly
- In 2021, 34% of Minnesotans walked or cycled on a weekly basis for travel
- Total public transit ridership has declined in Minnesota, especially due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Air Pollution in MN
Particulate matter (PM2.5) comes from smoke, dirt, dust, and soot. Burning fuel like gasoline or coal releases PM2.5 into the air. Because these particles are so fine, they’re easily inhaled and can cause heart and lung problems. Different areas of MN have different average concentrations of PM2.5 measured in micrograms per cubic meter of air.
Source: MDH
Suicide in MN
As of May 1, 2024, death certificates show 815 Minnesota residents died by suicide in 2023, which is a 5% decrease from the 860 suicide deaths recorded in 2022. This represents the tenth year in a row of over 700 Minnesotans death by suicide. The suicide rate in Minnesota females in 2023 was 5.7 per 100,000. Suicide rates were highest among 40-44 and 55-59 year olds. American Indian or Alaska Native individuals had higher rates of suicide than other racial/ethnic group in the state.
Source: CDC
Violence
In 2022, 1% of pregnant women experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) during the 12 months before pregnancy, and 2% experienced IPV during pregnancy (MN PRAMS, 2022).
In 2023, there were 43 reported cases of female homicide victims. This is a 17.3% decrease from 2021, when there were 52 reported cases of female homicide.
Incarceration rates
As of July 1, 2024, there are 599 female adults in prison in MN (7.2% of the total prison population).
Of all incarcerated individuals, 49.2% are white, 38.5% are Black, 9.3% are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 2.7% are Asian.
Human Trafficking
In 2023, there were 223 contacts of human trafficking in MN, and 73 cases were identified. Of these cases, 56 were female and 16 were minors. The true number of cases is higher due to underreporting.