The Muhammad Ali Index created a method to score compassion in 12 pilot cities across America. The inaugural index surveyed more than 5,000 residents across 12 cities and analyzed data and key insights from their responses. We used the results to create the Net Compassion Score to show individuals and leaders alike where can take actions that better themselves and their communities.

What is the Net Compassion Score?

The Net Compassion Score was derived based on three key factors. Residents were asked to rank their city on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of the following:

• How compassionate a city’s residents are to others
• How compassionate residents think their city is
• How compassionate residents think the US is

The NCS methodology categorizes respondents as:

• Promoters (8-10): Those who view themselves and their cities as compassionate
• Detractors (1-5): Those to believe themselves and their city not to be compassionate
• Neutrals (6-7): Those who hold moderate views on compassion

The volume of promoters, detractors, and neutrals impacts a city’s Net Compassion Score.

Beyond the Net Compassion Score, each city was also analyzed through a traditional index to examine how residents’ perceptions of compassion differ from the combined average, providing deeper insights into local attitudes and identifying opportunities for growth.

Note: The traditional “index” number is used to show how a city’s residents are more or less likely than everyone who took the survey to agree with the statements shown on this page.

Los Angeles residents are more likely than most cities to say they have the ability to voice concerns to their city officials (107 Index | Index range: 81-111). They are also more likely than a few other cities to say they frequently see compassion in public (118 Index | Index range: 58-126) and feel it is important for their city to be compassionate (101 Index | Index range: 82-117).

They are more likely than most other cities to feel good about their personal financial situation (113 Index | Index range: 71-123) and about their access to quality education for themselves and their kids (108 Index | Index range: 70-117).

Los Angeles residents are less likely to say they have a sense of belonging to their community (95 Index | Index range: 71-118) and less likely to say they have opportunities to help their community (96 Index | Index range: 71-117).

Muhammad Ali held great affinity for the people of Los Angeles during his life and called it home for many years. The Ali Center extends our greatest condolences and care to those impacted by the fires, and all those displaced.

When disasters strike, we don’t stop asking how people look, live, or pray. We lift them up because it is at the core of who we are.

Compassion is our most powerful response to chaos and disaster, and it’s often in times like these we see compassionate actions emerge to the forefront. We give sincere thanks to first responders and those who are actively working to fight the fires and help the hundreds of thousands affected. 

Mayor Bass’ office has compiled a list of resources for those impacted here: https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/compiled-resources-available-impacted-angelenos