Hyde Park Wellbeing Survey Findings 2024
By Dr. Courtney Flint and Team

Contact Information
Dr. Courtney Flint
courtney.flint@usu.edu
435-797-8635
Summary
Hyde Park is one of 51 cities participating in the Utah Wellbeing Survey Project in 2024. This project is designed to assess the wellbeing and local perspectives of city residents and to provide information to city leaders to inform general planning processes. Additional analysis is underway and this report may be updated over time.
We are grateful to all those who took the survey and to our city partners who helped to make this possible. We are grateful to a number of entities for funding: the Utah League of Cities and Towns, USU Extension, USU’s Institute for Land Water and Air, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, Utah Department of Transportation, the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, and the cities of Alpine, Cedar Hills, Draper, Millcreek, Nephi, North Salt Lake, Ogden, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Providence, Springdale, Tremonton, West Bountiful, and West Valley City.
This report describes findings from the 2024 Hyde Park survey and comparative information with other project cities. In March and April 2024, Hyde Park City advertised the survey for residents largely through text messages, electronic utility bills, and social media. All city residents age 18+ were encouraged to take the online Qualtrics survey.
How many people responded?
- 227 viable surveys were recorded in this 2024 survey effort.
- The Hyde Park 2022 survey had 448 responses and the Hyde Park 2021 survey had 328 responses.
- The adult population of Hyde Park was estimated at 3,392, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 227 survey responses in 2024 represent 6.7% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 6.28%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Hyde Park | 98.2% |
| Part Time Residents of Hyde Park | 1.8% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 0.5-80 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 20.3 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 14 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 28.6% |
Demographic characteristics of the survey respondents were compared below with U.S. Census information from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey. In the graph below, gray bars indicate differences between the American Community Survey estimates and the Utah Wellbeing Project surveys. The wider the gray bars, the larger the differences. Also note that estimates for religious affiliation, adult non-conforming or non-binary gender, disability, and chronic conditions are unavailable from the census data. There can also be a variable margin of error in the American Community Survey estimates, and caution should be used when comparing estimates. Not all respondents provided demographic information. As the graph shows, 2024 survey respondents were not fully representative of Hyde Park. People who are age 60-69, have an income $75,000 to $99,999, and are married were overrepresented while those who are age 18-29 were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Hyde Park
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Hyde Park. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Hyde Park was 4.23 with 86% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Hyde Park was 4.02 with 79% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from Hyde Park over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average personal wellbeing score improved between 2021 and 2022, and remained nearly the same between 2022 and 2024. The average community wellbeing score has remained fairly consistent across the survey years. Note that the number of respondents differed between years, there is no tracking of individuals from one year to the next, and the low end of the scale was "Poor" in 2024 but "Very Poor" in prior years which may account for differences in scores over time.

Comparing Wellbeing Across Utah Cities
The Utah League of Cities and Towns clusters cities and towns into five different categories based on size and growth rates. We utilize these clusters in our analysis. Hyde Park is classified as a Rapid Growth City. Some cities may fit within more than one cluster.
Within the Rapid Growth city cluster, Hyde Park was slightly above the average overall personal wellbeing score and well above the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Hyde Park
According to national and international entities that track wellbeing, there are a number of common dimensions or domains of wellbeing. Survey respondents rated twelve domains on a 5-point scale from poor to excellent. They were also asked to indicate the importance of each domain to their overall personal wellbeing on a 5-point scale from not at all important to very important. The highest rated wellbeing domains for respondents in Hyde Park were Family Life (89%), Living Standards (87%), and Safety and Security (86%). The most important wellbeing domains were Mental Health (98%), Safety and Security (97%), Family Life (96%), and Physical Health (96%).

Wellbeing Matrix for Hyde Park
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from Hyde Park. Family Life, Leisure Time, Living Standards, Mental Health, and Safety and Security were highly important and rated above average among the domains. Physical Health fell in the “red zone” of higher importance and lower ratings.

Wellbeing Domains Over Time in Hyde Park
The graphs below show how the domains were rated over the years by Hyde Park residents. The number of respondents changed over time. Note that the two domains Family Life and Transportation were new categories in the 2024 survey and were not measured in previous years. Many domains remained consistent over the survey years or improved in their average ratings. Living Standards and Safety and Security were consistently in the top rated domains for each survey year.

Community Connection in Hyde Park
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Hyde Park on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.43.

When comparing survey data from Hyde Park over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average community connection score has improved in each survey year.

A positive relationship was found between individuals’ community connection and overall personal wellbeing, and to some extent between community connection and mental health.


The graph below shows how Wellbeing Project cities and towns compare on feelings of community connection based on the percentage of respondents who answered 4 or a 5 on a 5-point scale from “not at all” to “a great deal” connected to their city or town. Hyde Park ranked 14 out of the 51 cities that participated.

Participation in Recreation and Nature-Related Activities
Respondents were asked to indicate whether or not they participated in various activities in the last 12 months. The most popular activities were walking or biking in your neighborhood or city (91%), gardening at home (86%), and recreating in parks in your city (84%).

Gardening at home was significantly related to higher ratings of personal wellbeing.
Participating in community events was significantly related to higher ratings of community wellbeing.
Participating in city recreation programs and participating in community events were significantly related to higher ratings of community connection.
Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in Hyde Park indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (66%). For the pace of economic development, respondents were split between opinions that it was just right (38%) and too slow (29%).


The graphs below show how perceptions of population growth and economic development in Hyde Park have varied across recent years of Wellbeing Surveys. The majority of respondents have consistently indicated that the rate of population growth is too fast over the survey years, with a decline from 2022 to 2024. Perceptions that the pace of economic development is too fast took a large drop from 2022 to 2024.


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Hyde Park compared to other participating cities and towns in the Rapid Growth Cities cluster.


The graph below illustrates how many respondents perceived the pace of economic development as too slow, just right, too fast, or had no opinion, with additional breakdowns for the number of respondents who provided comments.

The 29% of respondents who rated the pace of economic growth as “too slow” were further asked what aspects of the local economy they would like to see more of in Hyde Park. Comments often mentioned the need for more businesses, particularly restaurants, grocery options, shopping and entertainment. There were some who mentioned the need for a greater tax base in the community.
Additionally, the 15% of respondents who rated the pace of economic growth as “too fast” were further asked what aspects of the local economy they feel are growing too quickly in Hyde Park. Comments mostly focused on housing and residential development. There was also a mix of responses indicating the need for more planning and control over growth, concern about the character of Hyde Park, and the loss of green and open space.
Transportation in Hyde Park
Respondents were asked to indicate all of their primary modes of transportation on a regular basis in Hyde Park. The most popular modes of transportation were personal car (100%) and walking (38%).

Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Hyde Park. The most problematic barriers were Travel time (24%), Cost (21%), and Lack of routes (20%).

Respondents were asked to indicate the importance of a set of possible transportation developments in Hyde Park. The most important development to respondents were Improving road surfaces (77%), Improving walkability (66%), and Enhancing safety (60%).

Respondents were asked to indicate how frequently various activities take them out of Hyde Park to another city or town. The most commonly indicated reasons for traveling to another city or town at least sometimes or once a month were Groceries (95%), Eating Out (92%), and Friends and Family (91%).

Concerns in Hyde Park
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Hyde Park. Water Supply (83%), Air Quality (81%), and Water Quality (80%) were the top concerns. Since 2022, moderate or major concern about public safety (+16%), opportunities for youth (+14%), and shopping opportunities (+10%) notably increased, while concern about climate change (-20%), access to mental health care (-14%), water supply (-12%), social and emotional support (-11%), and substance misuse (-10%) notably decreased.

Additional Questions for Hyde Park
Potential Amenities in Hyde Park
Survey participants were asked how important certain possible amenities in Hyde Park would be to the wellbeing of their household. The most important amenities were More parks (76%), More trails (73%), and A public library (72%). Other amenities listed by participants included sidewalks/safe walking paths, a public swimming pool, a dog park, mountain bike trails, open space, protection at bus stops, and schools.

When asked about their preference regarding taxation to fund potential amenities in Hyde Park, the most supported amenities were A public library (63%), More parks (57%), and More trails (52%).

Open Comments
All open comments collected in the survey were shared with city leaders. General observations and themes are shared here.
What Respondents Value Most in Hyde Park
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Hyde Park. The most common words and phrases from all city comments are included in the word cloud below. It is possible that negative or unrelated words may appear since these words have been taken out of context, and they may not indicate the respondent’s intended meaning. Respondents from Hyde Park mentioned valuing the peace and quiet they can get in Hyde Park. This is also related to comments about valuing the small town feel and overall family friendly feel of the town. Open space and agriculture were also mentioned.

Local Environmental Quality in Hyde Park
The 29% of respondents who rated the Local Environmental Quality domain as 1, 2, or 3 (Poor, Fair, or Moderate) were further asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel are problematic. Air quality was mentioned as a problem, specifically related to inversions, pollution, and smell. Rundown houses and lack of cleanliness of the streets and sidewalks were frustrations mentioned by respondents. Weather, specifically snow, was also commonly mentioned as residents were frustrated with the lack of efficiency and effectiveness of snow removal. Water scarcity was also mentioned as a pressing issue.
Improving Wellbeing in Hyde Park
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Hyde Park. This question had a variety of responses and themes. Transportation themes arose, some mentioned wanting sidewalks and more accessibility in the town, while others wanting improved road conditions. Growth and development themes also arose with people wanting growth, specifically housing, to be limited and slowed. Comments also mentioned wanting more frequent snow removal in the town.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Hyde Park. Respondents mentioned that Hyde Park is a great place to live and they are happy to be there. Some comments also expressed gratitude and appreciation for the town leadership.