National Citizen Survey
For the first time, The City of Surprise has participated in the National Citizen Survey, a respected survey of public opinion about community characteristics and services performed in approximately 500 municipalities around the country, including 18 in Arizona.
On this site you can read the entire report on .pdf files, or view the results by clicking on the characteristics or service categories below.
87% of Surprise residents rated the overall quality of life in Surprise as “Excellent “ or “Good.” 91% said they would recommend Surprise as a place to live.
Residents gave the cleanliness of the community and the overall appearance of Surprise the most favorable ratings, according to the report. The two characteristics with the least positive ratings were ease of bus travel and employment opportunities in Surprise.
Methods
- Representative sample of 1200 households
- 409 obtained or 37%
- High end of normal (range is 25% to 40%)
- Margin of error: +/- 5%
- Statistically weighted to reflect population
- Based on 2008 American Community Survey Census estimates
Comparing results
- Our results were compared to an National Research Center database of 500
- The percent of residents rating the service or community feature as “excellent” or “good” is presented
- The results are noted as “above”, “below” or “similar to” as compared to the other jurisdictions included in the benchmark comparison
8 broad categories combining characteristics and services
Community Quality
- Overall quality of life 87%
- Your neighborhood as a place to live 86%
- Surprise as a place to live 90%
- Recommend living in Surprise 91%
- Stay in Surprise next 5 years 87%
Community Design
- Ease of car travel 40%
- Ease of bus travel 14%
- Ease of bicycle travel 24%
- Ease of walking 58%
- Availability of paths and walking trails 50%
- Traffic flow on major streets 29%
Public Safety
How safe do you feel?
- Downtown area after dark 64%
- Downtown area during the day 86%
- Neighborhood after dark 82%
- Neighborhood during day 92%
- Safety from environmental hazards 80%
- Safety from property crimes 67%
- Safety from violent crime 81%
Environmental Sustainability
Ratings of Community Environment
- Cleanliness 86%
- Quality of overall natural environment 67%
- 58%Preservation of natural areas such as
open space, farmlands and greenbelts
- Air quality 62%
Recreation & Wellness
Parks and Recreation
- Recreation opportunities 71%
At least once in 12 months
- Used recreation centers 57%
- Participated in recreation program/activity 41%
- Visited neighborhood/City park 81%
Community Inclusiveness
Ratings of Community Quality and Inclusiveness
- Sense of community 68%
- 79%Openness/acceptance towards people
of diverse backgrounds
- Availability of affordable quality child care 56%
Civic Engagement
Participation in Civic Engagement Opportunities
- 46%Watched a meeting of local public meeting
on cable television
- 21%Attended a meeting of local elected officials
or other local public meeting
- Volunteered time to group/activity 30%
- Participated in club/civic group 24%
- Provided help to a friend/neighbor 90%
Public Trust
Public Trust Ratings
- Overall image/reputation of Surprise 73%
- Value of services for the taxes paid 55%
- Overall direction city is taking 58%
5 broad services categories
Community Design
- Planning/Zoning 53%
- Code Enforcement 49%
- Economic Development 42%
- Street Lighting 69%
- Traffic Signal Timing 47%
- Animal Control 69%
- Street Repair 44%
- Sidewalk Maintenance 68%
- Street Cleaning 76%
Public Safety
- EMS 91%
- Fire Services 94%
- Police Services 82%
- Traffic Enforcement 69%
Recreation & Wellness
- City Parks 80%
- Library 85%
- Recreation Programs 71%
- Health Services 81%
- Recreation Facilities 80%
Environmental Sustainability
- Drinking water 63%
- Garbage collection 91%
- Power utility 81%
- Preservation of natural areas 58%
- Recycling 86%
- Sewer services 78%
- Storm drainage 63%
Civic Engagement
Participation in Civic Engagement Opportunities
- Cable television 46%
- Public information 73%