Welcome To
Minnesota Compass
By tracking and analyzing trends in topics 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 >
New & Noteworthy
As one of the newest members of the Minnesota Compass team, Richard Chase, Wilder Research, looked across the topic areas on the Compass website to draw out three sets of interacting trends and data points – demographic, economic, social – that touch on issues of race and region.
MORE Insights
Recent articles highlighting key trends and issues:
Race data disaggregation: What does it mean? Why does it matter?
On the road with Minnesota Compass
Racial Equity Resource Directory
View a statewide listing of racial equity programs and training providers serving faith communities, civic organizations, educational institutions, and anyone working to combat racism and increase cultural competence.
Featured trend
Across the 50 states, Minnesota ranks 1st in voter-eligible turnout and 3rd in volunteerism. But, we're going to have to work to retain our national rankings. Voter-eligible turnout declined from 78 percent in the 2008 election to 74 percent in the 2016 election. Rates of volunteerism have held steady in recent years, but total annual volunteer hours have declined since the start of the decade. In 2015, Minnesotans contributed 48 million fewer hours of volunteer time than in 2010. That's the equivalent of more than 23,000 full-time work positions.
See more data on volunteerism.
Data Update
Across Minnesota's counties, poverty rates are highest – above 15 percent – in Beltrami, Mahnomen, Clearwater, and Cass.
By county, median household income ranges from $94,100 in Carver County to $41,000 in Wadena County. Median income is $115,400 in Chanhassen, the highest of any major city in the state.
One in five residents of Nobles County is foreign-born, the highest proportion of any county in the state. Nearly one-third of residents in Worthington – a city in Nobles County – are foreign-born, the highest proportion of any major city in the state.
Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area remain home to some of the largest racial gaps in employment in the nation.
MN Compass is receiving a Dot.Org Award for our build, draw and compare custom data tool! The tool makes it easy to select and view data to identify, understand, and act on issues affecting communities.
2018 Compass Points
Minnesota Compass has released Compass Points 2018 (PDF).
Our annual indicator report includes data and analysis about notable trends, key demographics, and a dashboard that highlights how Minnesota is doing in key topic areas. The information is used by policymakers, business and community leaders, and others working to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Minnesota residents and communities.
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of Minnesota Foundation
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Mardag Foundation
The McKnight Foundation
The Minneapolis Foundation
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
The Saint Paul Foundation
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Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Minnesota Compass
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