Where you live in Minnesota has an impact on how well and how long you live, according to a study released Tuesday from the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
"Someone in Mahnomen County is about three to four times more likely to die prematurely, to die before age 75 than someone in Carver (County)," Kate Konkle, associate researcher with the UW Population Health Institute, said. "That's definitely concerning that even in the same state we see some significant differences."
The study looked at quality of life measures such as access to healthy food, exercise and healthcare, as well as factors like community safety and affordable housing.
The study recommends county governments and local institutions like schools, hospitals and small businesses come together to develop a solution.
"Every community has great things happening so it's looking not just at what's not working, but what's already working and how do you build onthat," Konkle said.