Welcome To
Minnesota Compass
By tracking and analyzing trends in areas that affect our quality of life, Compass gives everyone in our state – policymakers, business and community leaders, and concerned individuals who live and work here – a common foundation to act on issues to improve our communities. More >
Major trends
Highlights of a few key trends:
Early Childhood – Efforts to screen children at a younger age are improving: four out of five of the children screened across the state in 2008 were under age 5.
Education – The high school graduation rate has remained virtually the same for six years, with about 7 of 10 of Minnesota students graduating on time in 2008.
Housing – Households paying 30 percent or more of their income for housing increased from 22 percent in 2000 to 34 percent in 2008.
New Data
In addition to "key measure" data, indicators of how we are faring in each of our topic areas, we now have at-a-glance profiles for each of Minnesota's 87 counties. They are found on each region's homepage (click on Minnesota map or use Region dropdown at top of page).
Ask a Researcher
Or, ask all three! The Compass research team has been working hard to compile, crunch, and analyze data for counties and regions all over the state. Hear what the whole team has to say about the expansion to Minnesota Compass in a special edition of Ask a Researcher.
RSS FeedFor Discussion
Matt Rezac, senior program officer - public policy and engagement at Blandin Foundation, challenges communities to use Minnesota Compass information to enact solutions that will improve their quality of life.
Ideas at Work
Looking for solutions to address your community issues? See what these organizations are doing:
Admission Possible – partnering to help low-income students gain admission to college.
Metro Meals on Wheels – increasing capacity to serve our growing aging population.
Junior Achievement – tapping the talents of corporate volunteers.
regions
In addition to tracking statewide trends, Compass provides data by region, and when possible, by county. Click on the map for data and information specific to your region.
Minnesota Compass sponsors
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation
Special funding:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation (database).
twin cities compass sponsors
Nine foundations fund Twin Cities Compass. Their CEOs, plus other community leaders, govern the project. Learn more.
