The Benchmarks Northwest reports, listed on the left, are provided in Adobe .pdf format. For a list of the reports in Microsoft Word format, click here.


An Introduction to Benchmarks Northwest

Benchmarks Northwest is a community planning and monitoring tool that assesses quality of life conditions in Northwest Michigan communities. The Benchmarks Northwest product is organized by broad categories or “indicator” topic reports. These indicator topics include Culture and Recreation, Economy and Employment, Education, Government and Politics, Growth and Change, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environment, Public Safety, and Social Environment. Each of these indicator reports provides information for the northwest Michigan region comprised of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties.

The Benchmarks Northwest reports evaluate community well-being and livability by offering secondary data and public perception (survey) information that provides a snapshot of community strengths and challenges. The reports integrate environmental, economic, and social factors in a way that demonstrates the interconnectivity of issues impacting regional quality of life.

This project is supported and endorsed by:

Rotary Charities of Traverse City

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce

Planners Review and Advisory Committee

Northwest Michigan Council of Governments Board of Directors