2018 Community Survey

Every two years, the City of Wilsonville conducts a statistically-valid Community Survey to gauge resident opinions on a variety of topics. The 2018 National Citizen Survey™ (NCS) includes input from a representative sample of 568 residents of Wilsonville. Results may be compared to those from previous surveys, allowing the City to see trends over time. Data can also be compared against results from more than 500 communities who participate in the NCS. Results of the 2018 Community Survey were presented at the October 1 meeting of the Wilsonville City Council.

The 2018 report indicates that 94% of residents rated their quality of life in Wilsonville as 'excellent' or 'good'. Respondents indicated satisfaction with the community and with services provided by the City, giving Wilsonville high marks for the quality of its natural environment (93% positive), cleanliness (92%), overall appearance (92%) and as a place to raise children (97%).

Asked what they believed the City’s biggest priority should be during the next five years; 41% of respondents cited “traffic, roads and transportation” (up from 38% in 2016). Other concerns frequently cited were “planning growth and expansion” (14%), “housing and affordability” (14%) and “economic development and taxes” (12%).

Only 38% of residents had a positive response when asked about traffic flow on major streets, but awarded Wilsonville high marks for ease of travel on foot (82 percent positive), on bikes (67 percent positive) and by public transportation (67 percent), all marks higher than the national benchmark.

The overall quality of services provided by the City of Wilsonville was rated positively by 85% of respondents; ratings for welcoming citizen involvement (68%), being honest (72%) and treating all residents fairly (70%) exceeded national benchmarks.

“More than anything, I’m pleased with the long-term stability these results demonstrate,” City Manager Bryan Cosgrove said. “We continue to develop a great community with high-quality amenities in partnership with residents who actively participate and who take pride in living here.”

City Council Presentation

Survey Background

The NCS was developed by National Research Center in Boulder, Colo., to provide a statistically-valid survey of resident opinions about community and services provided by local government. The NCS focuses on a series of community characteristics and local government services, as well as issues of public trust. Resident behaviors related to civic engagement in the community also are measured.

The NCS report for Wilsonville discusses trends over time, comparing the 2018 ratings for the City to the previous survey results in 2016, 2014 and 2012. The report also provides comparisons for Wilsonville’s ratings to national benchmark standards. The survey also covers special topics such as where residents obtain City news and information, preferred methods of communication, and healthy living priorities.

Participating households for the geographically-representative written survey were selected at random and the household member who responds was selected without bias. In addition to the 392 residents who completed the mailed survey, this year’s survey also included an online “opt in” survey completed by 176 residents. A total of 568 completed written and online “opt in” surveys were completed. The margin of error for survey results is plus or minus four percentage points.