By John Reinan and Maryjo Webster

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Household income for blacks in Minnesota plummeted in the past year, according to survey data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

From 2013 to 2014, the median income for black households in the state fell 14 percent. In constant dollars, that was a decline from about $31,500 to $27,000 — or $4,500 in a single year.

Meanwhile, the statewide poverty rate for black residents rose from 33 percent to 38 percent, compared to a stable overall state poverty rate of 11 percent.

The median black household in Minnesota is now worse off than its counterpart in Mississippi. Among the 50 states, along with Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., Minnesota ranked 45th in median black household income. Mississippi ranked 44th.

Income and poverty for other racial groups in Minnesota — whites, Hispanics and Asians — remained stable. Only blacks saw a worsening of income and poverty.

“It’s alarming,” said Steven Belton, interim president and CEO of the Minneapolis Urban League. “It’s a deepening of the income disparity, not only across the state but across the nation. When you pair that with the continuing disparities we have in education, health and wealth, it’s disturbing.

“The alleged rising tide has not lifted all boats.”

Gov. Mark Dayton said he couldn’t respond to the report because he wasn’t given enough time to address the complicated issue.

“It is extremely unfair to contact our office on such an important and complex matter and provide two hours for a response,” Dayton said in a statement released by a spokesperson.

Other state officials called the data on income and poverty “significant,” and said they’d have to study the numbers further before they could speculate on the causes.

But it’s clear that economic security for Minnesota’s black families remains an unachieved goal, said Steve Hine, research director for the Department of Employment and Economic Development.