Minnesota Compass

Minnesota Compass Led by Wilder Research, we provide the facts that matter to help you shape Minnesota’s future.

Minnesota Compass is a social indicators project that measures progress in our state, its seven regions, 87 counties and larger cities. Compass tracks trends in topic areas such as education, economy and workforce, health, housing, public safety, and a host of others. Compass gives everyone in our state – policymakers, business and community leaders, and concerned individuals who live and work here – a common foundation to identify, understand, and act on issues that affect our communities. It does this by:

* Providing unbiased, credible information.
* Tracking trends and measuring progress on issues that impact our quality of life.
* Identifying disparities by including trend data by race, age, gender and income whenever possible.
* Providing additional resources for addressing issues. Momentum for this initiative began in 2008 when a similar project, Twin Cities Compass, was launched. Leaders from around the state felt that Compass could be applied to their communities as well. After talking with leaders in business, government, nonprofit and philanthropy from around the state, a group of funders decided to work with Wilder Research to implement Minnesota Compass. Learn more about our collaborative of funders, find out where the data come from, and find information to drive your community improvement efforts --> http://www.mncompass.org/about/minnesota-compass

This National Crime Prevention Month, we’re highlighting positive public safety trends across our state! Serious crime i...
10/08/2026

This National Crime Prevention Month, we’re highlighting positive public safety trends across our state!

Serious crime in Minnesota is at a historic low, a measurable improvement that aligns with how Minnesotans feel about safety in their neighborhoods and schools.

Staying informed on public safety data helps communities build on what works to keep everyone safe.

Explore more Minnesota safety & community trends: https://www.mncompass.org/topics/quality-of-life/public-safety

10/05/2026

We’re coming to Rochester!

When: Tuesday, October 27th | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Where: Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester

What: Region-specific data trends, interactive learning, and community listening sessions

Guest Facilitator: Minnesota: Land of Neighbors at 11:00 AM

Special thanks to Mayo Clinic for sponsoring this trip and to Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for your continued support!

Space is limited—free registration required! Register here: https://bit.ly/46QbOwN

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. As we observe Mental Illne...
10/04/2026

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

As we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4th-10th), it’s a great time to check in with yourself, support those around you, and look at the broader picture of mental well-being in our state.

Swipe for tips on how to prioritize your mental health and visit our website to learn about how other Minnesotans are navigating mental health: https://www.mncompass.org/chart/k743/mental-health #1-15921-g

❗️The U.S. Census is under imminent threat. Proposed rule changes for the next Census could significantly alter how Minn...
09/28/2026

❗️The U.S. Census is under imminent threat. Proposed rule changes for the next Census could significantly alter how Minnesotans are counted. Key proposals include removing race & ethnicity from the questionnaire, shifting your “usual residence," and excluding certain noncitizens.

Join us for a live webinar on October 6th to explore what these proposed changes mean for Minnesota's representation and funding.

Register for the Webinar & read our Insights Article to learn what’s at stake.
Insights Article: https://www.mncompass.org/data-insights/who-counts-proposed-census-rule-would-change-answer
Webinar: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9Mlg1UWE7bJOYFlN1_KE7oYfJx9BLXlb4H09Gbi2MoGx2WQ/viewform

09/23/2026

Join us for our fall roadshow! First stop: Lakes Country Service Cooperative in Fergus Falls on October 13th!

We’re kicking off our greater Minnesota tour by bringing trusted, local data directly to the leaders, organizations, and decision-makers who are actively shaping West Central Minnesota's future.

Thank you to West Central Initiative for sponsoring and supporting this event. Register now and learn what to expect: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-central-roadshow-fergus-falls-tickets-1998544890567?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

For Minnesota to be its best, we need talented leaders from all backgrounds to make our institutions work well for all. ...
09/14/2026

For Minnesota to be its best, we need talented leaders from all backgrounds to make our institutions work well for all.

Leaders define workplace culture and set priorities that affect every community in our state. Our ‘Who Leads in MN?’ project tracks demographics across nonprofit, government, and business sectors to see how well our leadership reflects Minnesota’s growing, vibrant population.

Learn more about Minnesota leaders on our website: https://www.mncompass.org/who-leads-mn

We’re hitting the road! Minnesota Compass is coming to communities across greater Minnesota. Join local leaders, nonprof...
09/12/2026

We’re hitting the road! Minnesota Compass is coming to communities across greater Minnesota. Join local leaders, nonprofit partners, public-sector professionals, and community members to hear about regional trends and to share the stories that get missed about greater Minnesota.

At each Roadshow stop, we will share relevant regional data, learn from you about greater Minnesota's strengths and challenges, and provide space to connect with others. Register here for free: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/2026-greater-minnesota-roadshow-4864197

Address

451 Lexington Pkwy N
Saint Paul, MN
55104

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16512802720

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