Area breakdown

The method used by the U.S. Census Bureau and by most economists to calculate income disparity levels in a given population was developed in the early 20th century by the Italian demographer Corrado Gini.

The "Gini coefficient" measures the mathematical deviation from perfectly equal distribution of income. A population with income distributed evenly would have a Gini coefficient of 0; one with the widest income disparity would have a Gini of 100.

Based on the latest Census data, Minnesota has a statewide rating of 42.45 compared to a rating of 41.90 a decade ago.

Here is an area county breakdown, sorted by percent change. Columns are "County", "2000 Population", "1990 Gini", "2000 Gini" and "Percent Change"

* Aitkin County, 15301, 42.25, 43.98, 4.1 percent.

* Todd County, 24426, 41.38, 42.60, 3.0 percent.

* Wadena County, 13713, 42.91, 43.68, 1.8 percent.

* Crow Wing County, 55099, 41.85, 42.16, 0.8 percent.

* Mille Lacs County, 22330, 40.86, 41.16, 0.7 percent.

* Cass County, 27150, 42.49, 42.21, -0.7 percent.

* Morrison County, 31712, 43.00, 41.31, -3.9 percent.