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Gallup Survey Reveals Perceptions of Residents about DC Area

 

January 17, 2006; Washington , DC -- The Gallup Organization’s “Soul of the City” survey, analyzed by the Greater Washington Initiative (GWI), reveals how satisfied the region’s residents are with various aspects of the area. A total of 650 local residents were interviewed, including 300 residents of DC and 350 residents of the metro area. Released today by GWI, the survey was conducted to help city and regional leaders measure and track the area’s political, economic and social well being based on residents’ perceptions. Perceptions of DC residents are also compared to averages from 2,300 similar Gallup surveys conducted in 21 other U.S. cities.

“We are pleased to sponsor this important perception research for our community. The results confirm that the ‘soul of our city’ is healthy, with the majority of our citizens feeling very positive about our economy and our quality of life” said William Couper, chair, Greater Washington Initiative and President, Mid-Atlantic, Bank of America. GWI plans to use the research to help guide its marketing efforts.

Top-line Survey Results:

  • Compared to other U.S. cities, Greater Washington residents are extremely positive about our economy and job opportunities.
  • Residents rate our “beauty or physical setting” and our “availability of parks” very highly.
  • The region ranked above the national average when residents were asked about the quality of public schools, and if city leaders were leading us in the right direction.
  • Greater Washington residents recognize that they have plentiful cultural opportunities and that the city is a good place to live for young single people.
  • The region’s residents responded above the national average on civic engagement issues, including questions about donations to an organization, volunteering time to an organization, and voting in a local or state election.
  • The survey confirmed that area residents, like those in cities across the nation, place a high value on spirituality or faith in their lives.

    • Challenges Perceived

  • Survey respondents gave lower than national average rankings to questions about offering affordable housing and being able to get from place to place with little traffic.

    • Note: Survey data also includes break-outs for “Inner” suburbs, defined as residents in zip codes inside the Beltway and “Outer” suburbs, defined as residents in zip codes outside the Beltway.  Some counties may be geographically split in this analysis. 

    A complete “Soul of the City” scorecard is attached . Executives at GWI and at The Gallup Organization are available for comment and questions.

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