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Oak Ridge survey: quality‑of‑life rating holds at 70% but some measures dip
Summary
City officials presented results from a July–September 2025 survey of 400 respondents showing overall quality of life at 70% (down slightly), a decline in likelihood to recommend Oak Ridge, and persistent concerns about affordable housing and transit; staff said they will publish summaries and increase outreach.
Lauren Gray (S11) presented results from the city’s semiannual community survey covering July–September 2025. The survey included about 400 respondents and was described as weighted to represent the city’s population.
Key findings: overall quality of life is at 70% (a small decline from the previous cycle), likelihood to recommend Oak Ridge fell 4%, and intention to remain five years out also decreased. The survey ranked availability of affordable housing at 27% satisfaction compared with 38% nationally and 36% among cohort communities. The report singled out affordability and public‑transport ease as priority areas.
Gray described new analytics in the report (change and priority matrices) and said staff will provide open‑text responses and a summary report to council members on request. She noted the city has started new outreach channels, including a TikTok channel, and plans to publish summaries and a press release in advance of implementation of other items.
Council members asked for breakdowns (for example, income and age cohorts were mentioned regarding a 5% quality‑of‑life decline) and for additional narrative summaries and open‑text exports; Gray said those materials are available and can be circulated.
Why it matters: The survey informs service priorities and communications strategy; staff flagged the drop in satisfaction among lower‑income residents and those 55 and older as items to monitor.
Next steps: Staff will share narrative summaries, export open‑text responses when requested, and continue semiannual cycles to observe trends.
