Health Disparities
Disaggregated health data for Lao Minnesotans reveals significant disparities hidden when grouped under the broad “Asian” category. The Lao community experiences gambling addiction at 4.8× the national rate, depression at 1.5× the state average, and PTSD prevalence reflecting the lasting impact of refugee trauma.
24%
Gambling Addiction
5.3x national avg
35%
No Regular Provider
vs 10% state
28%
Depression Rate
vs 19% state
18.5%
PTSD Prevalence
3.4x national avg
Source: MDH BRFSS, Census ACS 2020-2024, Community Health Survey 2025
Health Disparities Comparison
Comparing Lao community health outcomes against state, national, and aggregated Asian averages. The disparity ratio (rightmost column) shows how many times higher the Lao rate is compared to the state average.
Source: Census ACS 2020-2024, MDH BRFSS, Community Health Survey 2025 · Lao Community Data Portal
Detailed Comparison Table
| Metric | Lao | State Avg | National | Asian Agg. | Disparity Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling Addiction | 24% | 5% | 4.5% | 8% | 4.8x |
| Linguistic Isolation | 34.8% | 4.5% | 4.2% | 15.2% | 7.7x |
| Depression | 28% | 19% | 18.5% | 12% | 1.5x |
| PTSD Prevalence | 18.5% | 6% | 5.5% | 5% | 3.1x |
| Diabetes | 14.2% | 10.5% | 10.7% | 9.3% | 1.4x |
| No Regular Provider | 35% | 10% | 12% | 15% | 3.5x |
| ER as Primary Care | 22% | 8% | 9% | 10% | 2.8x |
| Dental Visits <1yr | 28% | 65% | 62% | 55% | 0.4x |
Source: MDH BRFSS, Census ACS 2020-2024 · Lao Community Data Portal
Gambling Addiction Focus
At 24%, the Lao community gambling addiction rate is 4.8 times the national average and the highest among any ethnic group in Minnesota. The rate peaked during COVID-19 (2020) at 27.5% and has shown modest improvement since, though it remains dramatically above state norms. The 35-54 age group is most affected, suggesting targeted intervention strategies for mid-career adults.
Gambling Addiction Rate Trend
Lao community vs. state average, 2018–2025
Source: MDH BRFSS, Community Health Survey 2018-2025
Gambling Addiction by Age Group
Lao community, 2025
Source: Community Health Survey 2025
Mental Health Trends
Depression, PTSD, and anxiety rates in the Lao community reflect the lasting impact of refugee trauma and ongoing socioeconomic stressors. Rates peaked during 2020 and have shown modest improvement, though they remain well above state averages.
Source: MDH BRFSS, Community Mental Health Assessment 2019-2025 · Lao Community Data Portal
Healthcare Access Barriers
35%
Lao community
10%
State avg
35%
Lao community
10%
State avg
28%
Lao community
65%
State avg
Source: MDH BRFSS, Community Health Survey 2025 · Lao Community Data Portal