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 >

Stay informed

Compass News

Find us on Facebook

For Discussion

Poverty rate: More to it than you might think
What is the "real" poverty rate? Compass project director Paul Mattessich looks at the original, official definition and the new supplemental rate from the U.S. Census Bureau, and explains what they really tell us.

Major trends

A 2-minute look at workforce trends.

See all trends >

Compass Points

See an annual reading of the Twin Cities region and state's progress, 10 trends of the decade, and more.

Learn more >

Ask a Researcher

Current trends and issues in health
Melanie Ferris, a research scientist at Wilder Research, who specializes in public health. Melanie shares her insights on the topics of health, community, and policy and systems change.

New Data

Expanded Jobs series, including new statewide data on share of self-employed + brand new data for cities, counties, regions.
Real median income in MN and US since 1959
City-level data (largest 55 cities in Minnesota) for poverty, educational attainment, median income, cost-burdened households, homeownership gap and health care coverage.

New in our Library

RSS Feed

regions

In addition to tracking statewide trends, Compass provides data by region, and when possible, by county and larger cities. Click on the map for data and information specific to your region.

NEw! Neighborhood Profiles

Get the most recent census data for Minneapolis and Saint Paul neighborhoods. Find at-a-glance trends and data on population, housing, employment, and more.