Minnesota versus Wisconsin: Money in your pocket?

Posted at 10:18 AM on November 15, 2011 by Paul Tosto
Filed under: Economy

We tweaked Wisconsin a few minutes ago, showing that its "Open for Business" rhetoric doesn't match the reality that Minnesota has done better, job-wise, than the Badger state in holding on to and growing jobs the past few years.

Other data show it's no short term fluke. Let's take a look at one other measure of economic prosperity: per capita income.

Here's a chart built by MPR News editor Bill Catlin:

You can see that in this measure of economic prosperity, Minnesota is doing quite well, thanks, compared to Wisconsin. The gap between the two states has widened considerably.

Compared to nation, Wisconsin's in the middle of the pack, which is nice. But Minnesota's in the top echelon of states.

Just so you don't think we're complete homers for Minnesota. The next post we'll feature something Wisconsin's better at, outside of sports. It may take us awhile to find something, though.