How are benchmarks calculated?

The benchmarks in IP3 ASSESS represent averages. There are benchmarks both for the individual indicators and each domain. The two primary benchmarks in IP3 ASSESS are national and state benchmarks. National-level benchmarks represent an average of all available values. State benchmarks represent values found within the state. Regional benchmarks can also be added. Reach out to your IP3 team member to learn more. 

In the case of individual indicators, the state and national benchmarks are calculated by finding the mean (or average) of all the geographic areas within the benchmark area. The averages are calculated using the source geography so depending on the source resolution, either all tract or all county values within a state are averaged to determine a state benchmark. 

At the domain level, benchmarks are calculated using a "mean of means" or an average of all the indicators within that domain.

Check out this blog post to learn why using benchmarks for comparison is a useful tactic. Custom or regional benchmarks are an optional feature. Contact us to learn more!