Price Wellbeing Survey Findings 2024
By Dr. Courtney Flint and Team

Contact Information
Dr. Courtney Flint
courtney.flint@usu.edu
435-797-8635
Summary
Price 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 Price survey and comparative information with other project cities. In April 2024, Price City advertised the survey for residents largely through social media and newsletters. All city residents age 18+ were encouraged to take the online Qualtrics survey.
How many people responded?
- 292 viable surveys were recorded in this 2024 survey effort.
- The Price 2022 survey had 261 responses and the Price 2021 survey had 230 responses.
- The adult population of Price was estimated at 6,077, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 292 survey responses in 2024 represent 4.8% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 5.6%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Price | 97.3% |
| Part Time Residents of Price | 2.7% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 0.5-78 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 24.6 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 21 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 21.0% |
| City Area | Percent |
|---|---|
| Another location in ZIP code 84501 | 9.3% |
| Carbonville | 6.9% |
| Miller Creek | 2.8% |
| Price | 73.4% |
| Westwood | 7.6% |
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 Price. People who are adult females, have at least a 4-year college degree, are married, and are employed were overrepresented while those who are adult males, do not have a college degree, have an income under $25,000, and are not employed for various reasons were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Price
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Price. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Price was 3.62 with 58% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Price was 2.88 with 27% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. While Carbonville and Westwood had slightly higher overall personal and community wellbeing scores than Price, these differences were not statistically significant.


When comparing survey data from Price over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average personal wellbeing score remained nearly the same between 2021 and 2022, and declined between 2022 and 2024. The average community wellbeing score remained nearly the same between 2021 and 2022, and declined between 2022 and 2024. 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. Price is classified as a Rural Hub/Resort Community (and we have combined these with the Traditional Rural Communities). Some cities may fit within more than one cluster.
Within the Rural city cluster, Price was below the average overall personal wellbeing score and below the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Price
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 Price were Connection with Nature (59%), Safety and Security (58%), and Family Life (57%). The most important wellbeing domains were Mental Health (96%), Safety and Security (96%), and Living Standards (95%).

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

Wellbeing Domains Over Time in Price
The graphs below show how the domains were rated over the years by Price 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. Most domains either remained fairly consistent from 2022 to 2024 or declined in their ratings. Connection with Nature and Safety and Security were consistently among the top rated domains in each survey year, while Cultural Opportunities was among in the lowest.

Community Connection in Price
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Price on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 2.68. Carbonville had statistically higher community connection scores than Price.

When comparing survey data from Price over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average community connection score remained nearly the same between 2021 and 2022, and declined between 2022 and 2024.

A positive relationship was found between individuals’ community connection and overall personal wellbeing as well as with 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. Price ranked 44 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 (88%), community events (86%), and recreating in parks in your city (74%).

Buying food from a farmer's market, participating in community events, gardening at home, motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah, non-motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah, recreating in parks in your city, and walking or biking in your neighborhood or city were significantly related to higher ratings of personal wellbeing.
None of the recreation activities above were significantly related to higher ratings of community wellbeing.
Participating in city recreation programs, participating in community events, gardening at home, non-motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah, and recreating in parks in your city were significantly related to higher ratings of community connection.
Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The largest proportion of respondents in Price indicated that they felt the population growth was just right (40%). For the pace of economic development, the majority of respondents indicated that it was too slow (76%).


The graphs below show how perceptions of population growth and economic development in Price have varied across recent years of Wellbeing Surveys. The largest proportion of respondents have consistently indicated that the rate of population growth is just right, with a small increase from 2022 to 2024. The majority of respondents have consistently indicated that the pace of economic development is too slow.


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Price compared to other participating cities and towns in the Rural 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 76% 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 Price. Comments focused on the need for employment and industry, particularly with the decline of coal. There were also many calls for retail business development in Price. Planning and governance and rejuvenation of Main Street and the need for additional amenities and services were also mentioned.
Additionally, the 3% 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 Price. The few comments related to affordability and the cost of housing.
Transportation in Price
Respondents were asked to indicate all of their primary modes of transportation on a regular basis in Price. The most popular modes of transportation were personal car (98%) and walking (29%).

Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Price. The most problematic barriers were Cost (53%) and Travel time (36%).

Respondents were asked to indicate the importance of a set of possible transportation developments in Price. The most important development to respondents were Improving road surfaces (87%), Enhancing safety (63%), and Improving walkability (59%).

Respondents were asked to indicate how frequently various activities take them out of Price 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 Eating Out (71%), Friends and Family (68%), and Other Services (66%).

Concerns in Price
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Price. Opportunities for Youth (88%), Employment Opportunities (86%), and Affordable Housing (85%) were the top concerns. Since 2022, moderate or major concern about public safety (+16%), recreation opportunities (+15%), access to health care (+12%), and shopping opportunities (+10%) notably increased, while concern about substance misuse (-13%) and water supply (-12%) notably decreased.

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 Price
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Price. 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. Price respondents indicated they highly value the small town feel of their community, appreciating its manageable size, low traffic, and the peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle it affords. They mentioned that they enjoy the proximity to natural landscapes and recreational activities, as well as the ease of commuting and lack of congestion. Many respondents also indicated that they value the sense of community, noting being close to family and friendly neighbors.

Local Environmental Quality in Price
The 52% 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. Most of the comments focused on trash and lack of cleanliness of the town as well as roads with potholes, dirty parks, and an abundance of trash. There was also an expressed desire and need for more parks and green spaces, particularly more trees and plants in general.
Improving Wellbeing in Price
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Price. Comments expressed a need for reliable public transportation, improved road safety, and better pedestrian infrastructure. Economic concerns included a lack of well-paying jobs and affordable housing, with calls for both local and external business investments to boost job opportunities and financial stability. Respondents also mentioned that they seek more recreational facilities and community events to foster a sense of belonging and improve quality of life.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Price. Respondents expressed significant concerns about substance misuse, with many highlighting the prevalent drug problems and the lack of sufficient activities to engage youth and deter them from substance abuse. Additionally, there was a strong call for local opportunities, including improved recreational facilities such as reservoirs and sports complexes, and a push for economic growth with better job prospects and community engagement initiatives. Residents also voiced frustrations with local government, critiquing its priorities and resource allocations, and calling for more effective policies to address pressing issues like substance abuse and economic decline.