An Extension analysis shows strong economic returns with visitors at the heart of the event.
Economics
Property values saw the greatest growth in the most rural counties in Minnesota between 2021 and 2024.
Rural counties outpace urban areas in wealth growth — but both face critical window for ensuring assets stay within local communities.
Across Minnesota and Wisconsin, entrepreneurship is alive and well — and, in many cases, thriving more in rural communities than in urban ones.
Who leads, who owns, and how should local resources be retained and used? Read about what Ely, Minnesota taught us.
DeeDee LeMier believes using county lines to define how people actually live is outdated. Drawn in an era of horse-and-buggy travel, these borders made sense when long-distance trips were slow and daily life was local.
Rural residents start more businesses but feel fewer opportunities and less support.
Rural residents are outpacing their urban peers in business ownership and startups.
Who do business owners turn to for advice? Read what Extension learned in our Minnesota business succession and transition study.
U of M Extension’s Brigid Tuck provides 11 years of economic research.