In our 2001 survey, 11 percent of rural, non-retired residents reported that while they are currently employed full-time, they would prefer holding a job that better fits their skills and education. Further, the study estimates that more than one out of every five rural workers would be a good candidate for work force development efforts. These are among the findings of the Rural Minnesota Policy Poll released by the Center for Rural Policy and Development at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
The poll, conducted at St. Cloud State University, used random-digit dialing to randomly sample 1,200 rural Minnesota households between January 21 and February 3. Rural residents were defined as those living in Minnesota counties that are not designated by the U.S. Census as Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Consequently, in addition to those living in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, residents living in counties such Olmsted (Rochester), Stearns (St. Cloud) and St. Louis (Duluth) were also excluded from the sample. Given the large sample size, the poll has a relatively low estimated margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent, 95 percent of the time.
To read the full survey results, please click on the download link above.