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St. Louis County survey shows steady quality-of-life ratings; concerns rise on taxes, jobs and illicit drug activity
Summary
A county-conducted residential survey found largely steady perceptions of quality of life compared with pre-pandemic results, with top priorities remaining availability of quality health care, public safety and affordability; concerns increased for taxes, jobs and illegal drug activity.
St. Louis County officials presented results of the county’s triennial residential survey on June 3, reporting largely steady assessments of quality of life with some areas of increased concern, notably taxes, jobs and illegal drug activity.
The survey, conducted by the Polling National Resource Center and mailed to roughly 4,900 households, produced about an 17% response rate; 802 of the returned surveys were completed and weighted to reflect the county population. Presenters said the overall quality-of-life score was 65 (out of a 100-point scale the consultant uses), just below the firm’s benchmark for “good.” Respondents who identified as female, older and homeowners tended to rate quality of life more positively.
Top factors residents place importance on were availability of quality health care, public safety, affordability and the natural environment. Recreational opportunities and broadband ratings decreased slightly from the 2022 survey, and respondents reported feeling less safe regarding illegal drug activity, intoxicated or impaired drivers, and distracted drivers.
County communications and administration staff said new questions this round addressed pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, housing preferences (emergency shelter, workforce housing, multifamily rental and supportive housing), and climate resilience measures. The survey showed broad support for emergency shelters, workforce housing and multifamily rental housing, with somewhat lower support for housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Key operational takeaways included improved perceptions of the county website and 9-1-1 dispatch, higher ratings for maintenance of county roads compared with national benchmarks, and lower-than-benchmark ratings for services to older adults and disaster preparedness. The presenters said departments will review the data, incorporate findings into budget and planning discussions and offer more detailed district-level results to commissioners.
Commissioners discussed next steps including department-level follow-ups and how the survey will inform budget workshops; several commissioners highlighted the value of steady, multi-year results for tracking county performance and prioritizing investments.
