Poll: Minnesotans say they’re paying more and getting less

Affordability, fraud top concerns for state lawmakers

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released today results of a statewide poll showing growing financial stress among Minnesotans, increasing pessimism about the state’s economy and rising concern that taxpayers are not getting the same value for what they pay in state taxes and costs that they have in recent years.

“Our state is becoming less affordable, and people are feeling it," said Doug Loon, President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “Minnesotans feel like they are paying more and getting less, and that’s something that lawmakers can’t ignore.”

Results show clear signs of economic strain and pessimism about the future, particularly among middle- and lower-income Minnesotans. 

• 65% of Minnesotans rate the state’s economy as “fair to poor,” which means the economy isn’t working the way that it should for a lot of families.
• 47% of Minnesotans say their personal finances have gotten worse over the past year, with 53% of lower-income Minnesotans saying their finances have worsened.
• 51% say they get worse value services and programs for the amount they pay in state and local taxes compared to a few years ago.
  
   

“It’s not surprising that affordability is front of mind for Minnesotans, especially as state taxes and the costs of living have risen sharply in recent years,” said Laura Bordelon, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “Stronger economic growth can help ease these pressures, and policymakers have a real opportunity to make that growth possible.”

Minnesotans are looking to state leaders to address affordability challenges, reduce costs and improve accountability in how public funds are managed. Concerns about high state taxes and confidence in government handling of the economy remain significant.

• 67% say that state taxes are too high.
• 51% say increasing affordability should be the top priority for elected officials, followed by 44% who say reducing taxes.
• They name misuse or management of state funds as the biggest issue facing Minnesota.
   

Despite these economic concerns, Minnesotans continue to see opportunities in the state and express strong confidence in the private sector to lead future growth.

•  A strong majority of Minnesotans – 73% – say Minnesota is a good place to work.
• 63% have confidence in small businesses to do what is best for the state’s economy, with 51% saying they have confidence in business leaders across the state. 
   

“Despite our state’s economic challenges, Minnesota employers continue to offer good jobs and economic opportunity,” Loon said. “With the right policies in place, we can grow the economy, overcome our challenges and expand economic opportunity for everyone.”

These findings reinforce why the Minnesota Chamber is leading a statewide Economic Imperative for Growth campaign, which calls for employers and policymakers to work together to restore competitiveness, strengthen the state’s economic foundation and ensure Minnesota remains a place where people and businesses choose to invest, grow and succeed.

These findings are based on a statewide survey of 1,000 Minnesota adults conducted March 20 through April 2, 2026. Respondents were contacted via online panels and SMS-to-online, with results weighted to reflect the state’s population by age, gender, geography and education. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

To view the poll memo and graphs, click here.