Page 23 - 2015 Compass Now

A COMMUNITY PROFILE OF THE GREAT RIVERS REGION COMMUNITY

Introduction

Residents of the Great Rivers Region are fortunate to live in an area with abundant natural resources,
including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, and scenic bluffs. The region also offers rural areas with year-
round recreation opportunities, such as hunting, skiing, fishing, and biking; as well as vibrant urban cities
and villages with cultural opportunities, such as theaters, galleries, museums, and arts. Beyond the physical
aspects of the area, residents also benefit from a strong sense of community. Cohesiveness, a sense of
belonging, and shared ideals build a spirit of community that enhances society as a whole.
This portion of the COMPASS NOW Report offers a snapshot of the Great Rivers Region through a discussion
of several factors related to community, the environment, and quality of life. The purpose of this profile is
to highlight key indicators and present resident perceptions on a variety of issues facing our community,
including the quality of the natural and built environment, public safety, care for vulnerable populations, and
opportunities for cultural and leisure activities.

How do people rate their community as a place to live?

In the COMPASS NOW 2015 Random Household Survey, residents of each county were asked to rate their
community as a place to live (see Figure 1). Overall, 89% of respondents rated their community as good
or excellent. La Crosse, Vernon, and Houston Counties rated their community higher than Monroe and
Trempealeau respondents. Many factors or community traits can affect how residents rate the overall quality
of their community. The quality of the environment, services available to protect or assist citizens in their
daily life, feeling safe, having opportunities to be entertained, having a sense of belonging, and knowing
that people care for you can all contribute to a higher sense of a quality community.

Figure 1: The Community as a Place to Live

Poor/Fair
11%

Excellent Good
35% 54%

Source: COMPASS NOW 2015 Random Household Survey

More than two-thirds of respondents rated their community as excellent or good with regard to being a
place where all people are treated respectfully, regardless of their race, culture, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, income level or disability. However, just over 43% of respondents rated their community as
fair or poor with regards to being a place where people of different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
were included in decision-making (Figure 2). This suggests a need to further address issues of diversity and
equality in our communities.

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