The Community Alliance of Saint Joseph has received the results of its third effort to survey St. Joseph and Buchanan County residents about issues that relate to community livability.

Surveys were mailed to 1,800 randomly selected residents of St. Joseph and Buchanan County and collected during May and June.

The surveys were received by residents in all geographical portions of St. Joseph and throughout Buchanan County. The residents were randomly selected for statistical validity of +/- 4.5 percent, meaning that if the survey was given 100 times, the results would be the same, +/- 4.5 percent.

The major findings include:
• 68 percent of the residents surveyed, who had an opinion, indicated they were satisfied with St. Joseph and Buchanan County as a place to live; 66 percent were satisfied with the community as a place to raise children; and 66 percent were satisfi ed with the feeling of safety in St. Joseph.

• 75 percent of the residents surveyed, who had an opinion, indicated they were satisfied with the quality of police and fire services; 74 percent were satisfied with the city’s parks and recreation programs and facilities; and 53 percent were satisfied with the maintenance of buildings and facilities

• Residents think the city should increase the maintenance of city streets and the quality of police and fire services.

These findings will be compared to results from the 2010 and 2012 surveys.

“Community input is critical to the growth and success of St. Joseph and Buchanan County,” said Steve Johnston, Director of the Community Alliance of Saint Joseph.

“We appreciate the valuable input of residents. Survey results never move the needle forward as quickly as we would like. In 2014, there is a combination of positive movement forward in some areas, lateral movement in other areas, and some areas with lower trends.”

To see the complete report, and the findings from the previous two surveys, click here.