Workforce Statistics 2018

Ramsey County is the most ethnically diverse county in Minnesota. As an employer, we believe in building a workforce that reflects, embraces and highlights that diversity.
Together, we are making progress toward that goal by refining the essential components of organizational change, including inclusive hiring practices, intentional training on cross-cultural communication and a focus on racial equity.
For the 16th year, Ramsey County has prepared a workforce statistics report that provides a broad overview of our workforce and detailed information about individual county departments. This report reflects Ramsey County's workforce as of Jan. 1, 2018.
The county's workforce is compared to data from the most recent U.S. Census of Civilian Labor Force in Ramsey County and the broader Twin Cities metropolitan area, which is from 2010. Our workforce is also compared to the civilian labor force as reported in the American Community Survey (2012-2016), which contains equal employment opportunity tabulations and five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Generational diversity

For the first time, five generations comprise the Ramsey County workforce, providing a broad knowledge base and range of perspectives to serve residents, visitors and businesses.
Ramsey County Health and Wellness Administration staff tabling at an event.
Ramsey County Care Center staff tabling at an event.
A person explaining the Lexington Parkway Realignment Project Schedule to another.

Racial diversity

Since 2003, the percentage of people of color employed by Ramsey County has more than doubled, increasing from 15.77% to 32.7% in January 2018. This mirrors the collective labor force in Ramsey County, which is 30.6% people of color according to the 2012-2016 estimates from the American Community Survey.

Gender diversity

Females comprise 61% of Ramsey County employees overall, including 52% of our officials and administrators and 56% of our professionals and paraprofessionals. 
Having male and female employees with varying backgrounds at all levels of the organization ensures a diversity of perspectives to determine and implement strategic initiatives that benefit our community.

New Hires

Promotions

With a steady rise among the director, manager and supervisory levels from 2016 to 2018, the number of formal leaders of color at the county has increased from 15% to 20%.

Turnover

While Ramsey County has made progress in hiring a diverse workforce, retaining those individuals is a point of emphasis moving forward.
51% of the people hired by the county and 46% of the individuals promoted were people of color in 2017; however, people of color also comprised 33% of employees who left the county, hindering progress toward a more diverse workforce.
Two people networking at an event.
Three people pose for a picture.

Strategic plan

Ramsey County's strategic plan plays a vital role in achieving our goal of creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The strategic priorities highlighted in the plan are intended to result in collaborative solutions to problems and help us better meet the needs of our community.

The full report

To view the 2018 Ramsey County workforce statistics report in its entirety, please visit ramseycounty.us.