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Community research

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Our educators work with communities across Minnesota. They conduct research on community-focused topics, such as understanding local economics, retaining businesses, growing retail markets, getting to know consumers and developing tourism.

Featured research

Crowds and runner at the Twin Cities Marathon.
Economic contribution of the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend: 2025

The event generated an estimated $47.9 million in total economic contribution. Read more findings from Extension's analysis.

An business seller handing over keys to a new owner.
Founder sells to an encore entrepreneur: Ava’s Children’s Boutiques

Read about an owner's experience selling her multi-store retail business and how burnout, family needs and an unexpected buy offer shaped her decision to exit.

Welcome to Northfield, Minnesota signage.
Northfield Connecting Businesses and Community Program

Nearly 90% of respondents say Northfield is either excellent or above average place to live. Learn about the city's CBC process and results.

Completed reports and surveys

Our reports are listed by location (region, state, national or international) and topic. There are the five regions in Minnesota:

  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • Central
  • Southwest
  • Southeast

Note: Completed reports are not available for every county or location listed below.

About our topics

  • Developing tourism: examines current issues and opportunities for communities and the tourism industry in Minnesota and beyond.
  • Getting to know consumers: examines and profiles consumer behavior.
  • Growing retail markets: examines the strengths and weaknesses of retail sectors in communities and counties across Minnesota.
  • Housing: examines housing challenges in small rural communities in Minnesota.
  • Retaining businesses: features findings from community interviews with existing businesses about the local business climate. Reports may also highlight the strategic actions the communities identified in their business retention and expansion work.
  • Understanding local economies: examines the effects of economic change in communities, regions and states.

Statewide in Minnesota

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Northwest

This region includes these counties:

Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Traverse, Wadena, Wilkin

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Northeast

This region includes these counties:

Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, St. Louis, Todd

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Central

This region includes these counties:

Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, McLeod, Meeker, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, Wright

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Southwest

This region includes these counties:

Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Pope, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Stevens, Swift, Watonwan, Yellow Medicine

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Southeast

This region includes these counties: 

Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Winona

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Non-region specific

Research reports or studies that are not related to any specific region or location.

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National

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Consult with us

Community economics • Leadership and civic engagement • Tourism

Extension educators work in communities with partners throughout Minnesota. Contact us for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.

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