http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota

Now this is really interesting. The state I live in is 38.6% German and 26.8% Scandinavian. That means that nearly 2/3 (65.4%) of the Minnesota population is of either German or Scandinavian descent. Not only that, but the state more closely resembles the values of their Northern European cousins. It has a 77.9% voter turn out rate, invests a considerable amount in public transportation, welfare programs, education and the arts, the completion rate of high school graduation is 90%, it has the highest average ACT score, the population is stereotypically more involved in the community, it ranks first in the nation for regular physical exercise, and overall it rates higher in health. The state also has the tenth highest median household income.

The major wtf part is the large percentage of Germans and Scandinavians. I mean we have way too many Germans, and yes some towns celebrate Oktoberfest, especially New Ulm. That said, I am actually not surprised. Visitors from other states have commented on the generally more community orientated, although more reserved, culture of Minnesota. Furthermore, churches are active with community service, and those who don't participate in the community or vote in elections are looked down on. Visitors in the south, however, have complained that Minnesotans are too reserved and anti social, although imo we're slower to warm up to strangers and are more accepting of introverts. That said, the state is remarkable with it's economy, health, education, and public transportation. What disturbs me, however, is the hyper active empathy that results with a higher number of refugees compared to other states...

Before I just figured that Europe inherited a great economy from the days of empire. But when you look at Minnesota, it's just a state with nothing special other than its predominately Northern European demographics and cultural heritage. Could it be possible that the reason MN ranks so high in statistics like education and health compared to the rest of the US is because those Northern European immigrants imported a culture that facilitated considerable social investment? But how can this be if the free market is the most efficient, or what are other states doing wrong?

Anyhow, just something I would throw out for discussion. Why is Minnesota, which more closely resembles European models than other states, have such high ratings?