State Auditor Julie Blaha announced on May 1 the release of the 2023 Minnesota County Finances Report. The report shows that county revenues grew strongly in 2023 as counties adjusted to the end of federal pandemic funding.
The findings are significant because they provide a detailed look at how counties managed their finances during a period of transition away from temporary federal support. The annual report uses data from county reporting forms, financial statements, and audits to analyze both current and long-term trends in revenue, spending, and debt.
“County revenues saw strong growth in 2023,” said Auditor Julie Blaha. “As federal pandemic funding was phased out, counties are maintained financial stability.”
According to the report, Minnesota county revenues reached $9.8 billion in 2023, marking an increase of 11.3% from the previous year. Expenditures also rose by 7.5%, totaling $9.6 billion for all counties combined. Taxes and intergovernmental aid remained the main sources of revenue while human services, general government, infrastructure, and public safety were the largest areas of spending.
Other highlights include an increase in outstanding long-term debt to $4.3 billion—up by 1.3%—with most debt held in bonds; unrestricted fund balances grew by nearly seven percent; and over ten years, inflation-adjusted revenues increased by more than eighteen percent while expenditures rose about seventeen percent.
The full report with additional details is available on the Office of the State Auditor website.
