November 2026

No Pumpkin Spice in Our Data

Pumpkin spice belongs in your latte, not your data. Minnesota Compass tracks more than 40 indicators across 10 topics, all from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, with no biased commentary or confusion added. Why? Because we're driven by the belief that reliable data can transform communities. And with so much information – and misinformation – at your fingertips, it's never been more important to have trust in the data you use.

See how we keep the spice out, and how you can put Compass data to work in your community.

New Data, Updated Trends!

2025 American Community Survey estimates are out, which means we have updated trends on some of our key topic areas. Check out what the latest trends are saying about:


• Housing affordability in Minnesota
  
• Household income trends in Minnesota
  
• Employment trends in Minnesota
  
• Health insurance coverage in Minnesota

Wilder Research Offering Pro Bono Services

Wilder Research invites organizations serving culturally specific communities to apply for free, practical research and evaluation services. Up to three organizations will be selected to partner with our team between December 2026 and June 2027.

Preference is given to organizations in Minnesota, those that haven't partnered with Wilder Research in the past three years, and organizations with annual incomes of less than $250,000. The application deadline has been extended to 11:59 PM on November 15, 2026.

The Greater MN Roadshow Continues!

After this week's stop in Bemidji, the Greater Minnesota Road Show will officially be over halfway done! Don't miss our last two in-person stops in Duluth and St. Cloud. Each stop is completely free and includes a meal! You'll learn about the latest region-specific trends shaping quality of life where you live, share your perspectives in a listening session, and connect with your neighbors through a guided conversation from our partners at Minnesota: Land of Neighbors.

Can't make it or missed the stop in your region? Sign up below for a virtual session in December!

Remaining In-Person Stops

November 17

Northland Region: Duluth

November 19

Central Region: St. Cloud

Virtual Stops

December 1

Southern Region

December 2

West Central Region

December 8

Southwest Region

December 10

Northwest Region

December 15

Central Region

December 16

Northland Region



Prenatal to Three Policy and Practice Convening

Join us on Thursday, November 12, for critical discussions on early childhood policies and practices that impact families today. This FREE event will connect policymakers, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to improving outcomes for our youngest children. In-person registration has closed, but last-minute virtual spots are still available!

Interested in making Compass data go even further? Contact us to learn how Minnesota Compass can help your organization connect with your community, whether that’s through analyzing and interpreting local data, presenting a training or workshop, or tabling at a community event.

Connect with us to get the conversation started!