West Valley City Wellbeing Survey Findings 2024

By Dr. Courtney Flint and Team

utah wellbeing survey logo

Contact Information

Dr. Courtney Flint

435-797-8635

Summary

West Valley City 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 West Valley City survey and comparative information with other project cities. In April and May 2024, West Valley City advertised the survey for residents largely through posters, social media, and utility bills. All city residents age 18+ were encouraged to take the online Qualtrics survey.

How many people responded?

  • 149 viable surveys were recorded in this 2024 survey effort.
  • The adult population of West Valley City was estimated at 95,544, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 149 survey responses in 2024 represent 0.2% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 8.02%.

Survey Respondent Characteristics

Resident Statistics
Full Time Residents of West Valley City 97.3%
Part Time Residents of West Valley City 2.7%
Length of Residency — Range 0.3-69 years
Length of Residency — Average 20.8 years
Length of Residency — Median 19.5 years
Length of Residency 5 Years or less 16.2%
ZIP Code Percent
84118 2.0%
84119 20.8%
84120 43.0%
84128 30.2%
Other 4.0%

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 West Valley City. People who are adult females, have at least a 4-year college degree, and are married were overrepresented while those who are adult males, do not have a college degree, are Hispanic or Latino, and are nonwhite were underrepresented.

Dot Plot. Title: West Valley City 2024 Demographics. Data — Age 18-29: American Community Survey Estimate: 27%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 21%; Age 30-39: American Community Survey Estimate: 22%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 20%; Age 40-49: American Community Survey Estimate: 17%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 24%; Age 50-59: American Community Survey Estimate: 15%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 15%; Age 60-69: American Community Survey Estimate: 11%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 18%; Age 70 or Over: American Community Survey Estimate: 9%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 3%; Income under $25,000: American Community Survey Estimate: 9%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 7%; Income $25,000 to $49,999: American Community Survey Estimate: 17%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 7%; Income $50,000 to $74,999: American Community Survey Estimate: 20%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 21%; Income $75,000 to $99,999: American Community Survey Estimate: 16%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 21%; Income $100,000 to $149,999: American Community Survey Estimate: 23%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 31%; Income $150,000 or over: American Community Survey Estimate: 15%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 12%; Adult Female: American Community Survey Estimate: 49%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 75%; Adult Male: American Community Survey Estimate: 51%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 24%; Adult non-conforming or non-binary*: American Community Survey Estimate: NA%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 1%; Employed: American Community Survey Estimate: 69%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 75%; Out of work and looking for work: American Community Survey Estimate: 3%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 2%; Other: American Community Survey Estimate: 28%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 23%; No College Degree: American Community Survey Estimate: 84%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 53%; College degree (4-year): American Community Survey Estimate: 16%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 47%; Rent home/Renter occupied/Other: American Community Survey Estimate: 29%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 17%; Own home/Owner occupied: American Community Survey Estimate: 71%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 83%; Married: American Community Survey Estimate: 49%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 71%; Children under 18 in household: American Community Survey Estimate: 46%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 50%; Disability*: American Community Survey Estimate: NA%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 16%; Chronic Condition*: American Community Survey Estimate: NA%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 36%; Hispanic/Latino: American Community Survey Estimate: 41%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 17%; Nonwhite: American Community Survey Estimate: 48%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 18%; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*: American Community Survey Estimate: NA%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 31%; Other Religion*: American Community Survey Estimate: NA%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 25%; Agnostic/Atheist/No Religious Preference/Spiritual but Not Religious*: American Community Survey Estimate: NA%, Utah Wellbeing Survey Estimate: 43%

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in West Valley City

Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in West Valley City. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in West Valley City was 3.81 with 71% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in West Valley City was 3.38 with 48% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. While ZIP code 84128 had slightly higher overall personal and community wellbeing scores than ZIP codes 84119 and 84120, these differences were not statistically significant.

Bar Chart. Title: Personal Wellbeing in West Valley City. Subtitle: How would you rate your overall personal wellbeing? Data — 1 Poor: 4% of respondents; 2: 1% of respondents; 3: 23% of respondents; 4: 52% of respondents; 5 Excellent: 19% of respondents

Bar Chart. Title: Community Wellbeing in West Valley City. Subtitle: How would you rate overall wellbeing in West Valley City? Data — 1 Poor: 6% of respondents; 2: 9% of respondents; 3: 38% of respondents; 4: 37% of respondents; 5 Excellent: 11% of respondents

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. West Valley City is classified as a City of the 1st and 2nd Class. Some cities may fit within more than one cluster.

Within the more Urban city cluster, West Valley City was below the average overall personal wellbeing score and below the average overall community wellbeing score.

Dot Plot. Title: Overall Personal Wellbeing Scores from Participating Utah Cities (2024). Subtitle: (On a scale from 1=Poor to 5=Excellent). Data — Group: Cities of the 1st & 2nd Class — West Valley City Average Score 3.81; Ogden Average Score 3.91; Layton Average Score 3.96; West Jordan Average Score 4.01; Orem Average Score 4.05; South Jordan Average Score 4.13; Sandy Average Score 4.18; Millcreek Average Score 4.23; Group: Established/Mid-sized Cities — Logan Average Score 3.66; Midvale Average Score 3.71; Cedar City Average Score 3.94; South Ogden Average Score 4.04; Pleasant Grove Average Score 4.07; North Salt Lake Average Score 4.08; Bountiful Average Score 4.13; Draper Average Score 4.22; West Bountiful Average Score 4.22; Cottonwood Heights Average Score 4.29; Alpine Average Score 4.32; Cedar Hills Average Score 4.33; Group: Rapid Growth Cities — Herriman Average Score 3.97; Saratoga Springs Average Score 4.02; Lehi Average Score 4.05; Clinton Average Score 4.07; Hyrum Average Score 4.10; Spanish Fork Average Score 4.10; Nibley Average Score 4.14; West Haven Average Score 4.17; Vineyard Average Score 4.22; Hyde Park Average Score 4.23; Wellsville Average Score 4.24; Mapleton Average Score 4.26; Providence Average Score 4.27; Ivins Average Score 4.40; Group: Rural Hub & Resort, Traditional Rural Communities — Vernal Average Score 3.60; Price Average Score 3.62; Monticello Average Score 3.71; East Carbon Average Score 3.75; Delta Average Score 3.78; Helper Average Score 3.79; Tremonton Average Score 3.81; Blanding Average Score 3.85; Nephi Average Score 3.92; Beaver Average Score 3.95; Heber Average Score 4.01; La Verkin Average Score 4.13; Bluff Average Score 4.20; Springdale Average Score 4.21; Park City Average Score 4.22; Midway Average Score 4.27; Emigration Canyon Average Score 4.42

Dot Plot. Title: Overall Community Wellbeing Scores from Participating Utah Cities (2024). Subtitle: (On a scale from 1=Poor to 5=Excellent). Data — Group: Cities of the 1st & 2nd Class — Ogden Average Score 3.27; West Valley City Average Score 3.38; West Jordan Average Score 3.50; Layton Average Score 3.52; Orem Average Score 3.63; Millcreek Average Score 3.82; Sandy Average Score 3.91; South Jordan Average Score 4.00; Group: Established/Mid-sized Cities — Logan Average Score 3.18; Midvale Average Score 3.24; Cedar City Average Score 3.42; Pleasant Grove Average Score 3.61; South Ogden Average Score 3.72; North Salt Lake Average Score 3.75; Bountiful Average Score 3.84; Cottonwood Heights Average Score 3.90; West Bountiful Average Score 4.00; Draper Average Score 4.03; Alpine Average Score 4.15; Cedar Hills Average Score 4.15; Group: Rapid Growth Cities — Herriman Average Score 3.40; Vineyard Average Score 3.43; Saratoga Springs Average Score 3.46; Lehi Average Score 3.50; West Haven Average Score 3.67; Hyrum Average Score 3.76; Clinton Average Score 3.79; Spanish Fork Average Score 3.80; Ivins Average Score 3.91; Providence Average Score 3.91; Nibley Average Score 3.92; Hyde Park Average Score 4.02; Mapleton Average Score 4.02; Wellsville Average Score 4.11; Group: Rural Hub & Resort, Traditional Rural Communities — Price Average Score 2.88; East Carbon Average Score 3.03; Tremonton Average Score 3.09; Monticello Average Score 3.11; Vernal Average Score 3.12; Blanding Average Score 3.31; Heber Average Score 3.42; Delta Average Score 3.43; Nephi Average Score 3.43; La Verkin Average Score 3.57; Beaver Average Score 3.59; Springdale Average Score 3.68; Helper Average Score 3.71; Park City Average Score 3.85; Bluff Average Score 3.88; Midway Average Score 4.07; Emigration Canyon Average Score 4.28

Wellbeing Domains in West Valley City

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 West Valley City were Family Life (74%), Mental Health (61%), and Living Standards (59%). The most important wellbeing domains were Safety and Security (98%), Mental Health (95%), Living Standards (95%), and Family Life (94%).

Likert Graph. Title: Wellbeing Domain Ratings in West Valley City. Subtitle: How would you rate your level of personal wellbeing in each of the following categories? Data — Category: Family Life - 26% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 74% rated as good or excellent; Category: Mental Health - 39% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 61% rated as good or excellent; Category: Living Standards - 41% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 59% rated as good or excellent; Category: Physical Health - 45% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 55% rated as good or excellent; Category: Transportation - 45% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 55% rated as good or excellent; Category: Leisure Time - 48% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 52% rated as good or excellent; Category: Safety and Security - 53% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 47% rated as good or excellent; Category: Social Connections - 54% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 46% rated as good or excellent; Category: Cultural Opportunities - 55% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 45% rated as good or excellent; Category: Education - 56% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 44% rated as good or excellent; Category: Connection with Nature - 58% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 42% rated as good or excellent; Category: Local Environmental Quality - 74% of respondents rated as poor, fair, or moderate while 26% rated as good or excellent Likert Graph. Title: Wellbeing Domain Importance in West Valley City. Subtitle: How important are the following categories to your overall personal wellbeing? Data — Category: Safety and Security - 2% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 98% rated as important or very important; Category: Living Standards - 5% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 95% rated as important or very important; Category: Mental Health - 5% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 95% rated as important or very important; Category: Family Life - 6% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 94% rated as important or very important; Category: Physical Health - 8% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 92% rated as important or very important; Category: Local Environmental Quality -12% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 88% rated as important or very important; Category: Leisure Time -13% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 87% rated as important or very important; Category: Connection with Nature -19% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 81% rated as important or very important; Category: Education -20% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 80% rated as important or very important; Category: Transportation -23% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 77% rated as important or very important; Category: Social Connections -26% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 74% rated as important or very important; Category: Cultural Opportunities -38% of respondents rated as not at all important, slightly important, or moderately important while 62% rated as important or very important

Wellbeing Matrix for West Valley City

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

Scatterplot. Title: West Valley City Wellbeing Matrix. Subtitle: Domains are classified into four quadrants depending on their average rating and average importance as compared to the average of all the average domain ratings and the average domain importance ratings. Data — High rating, high importance (green quadrant) domains include: Family Life, Living Standards, Mental Health, and Physical Health; High rating, lower importance (blue quadrant) domains include: Leisure Time and Transportation; Lower rating, lower importance (yellow quadrant) domains include: Connection with Nature, Cultural Opportunities, Education, and Social Connections; Lower rating, high importance (red quadrant) domains include: Local Environmental Quality and Safety and Security

Community Connection in West Valley City

Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to West Valley City on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 2.97. While ZIP code 84119 had slightly lower community connection scores than ZIP codes 84128 and 84120, these differences were not statistically significant.

Bar Chart. Title: Community Connection in West Valley City. Subtitle: How connected do you feel to West Valley City as a community? Data — 1 Not at All: 9% of respondents; 2: 23% of respondents; 3: 40% of respondents; 4: 18% of respondents; 5 A Great Deal: 10% of respondents

No clear relationship was found between individuals’ community connection and overall personal wellbeing or mental health.

Likert Graph. Title: Comparing Overall Wellbeing and Community Connection in West Valley City. Data — Of the 8 respondents that rate their overall personal wellbeing as a (Poor) 1 or 2, 88% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 12% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5; Of the 35 respondents that rate their overall personal wellbeing as a 3, 71% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 29% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5; Of the 78 respondents that rate their overall personal wellbeing as a 4, 79% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 21% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5; Of the 28 respondents that rate their overall personal wellbeing as a (Excellent) 5, 46% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 54% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5

Likert Graph. Title: Comparing Mental Health Rating and Community Connection in West Valley City. Data — Of the 18 respondents that rate their mental health rating as a (Poor) 1 or 2, 72% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 28% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5; Of the 37 respondents that rate their mental health rating as a 3, 73% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 27% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5; Of the 59 respondents that rate their mental health rating as a 4, 80% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 20% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5; Of the 26 respondents that rate their mental health rating as a (Excellent) 5, 50% indicate a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 50% indicate a community connection score of 4 or 5

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. West Valley City ranked 43 out of the 51 cities that participated.

Likert Graph. Title: Comparing Community Connection Across Cities. Subtitle: How connected do you feel to your city as a community? 1 being not at all and 5 being a great deal. Data — City: Bluff 26% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 74% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Wellsville 43% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 57% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Midway 44% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 56% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Beaver 46% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 54% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Alpine 48% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 52% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: West Bountiful 48% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 52% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Springdale 49% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 51% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Cedar Hills 49% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 51% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Mapleton 49% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 51% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: South Jordan 50% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 50% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Helper 50% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 50% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Delta 50% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 50% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Ivins 52% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 48% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Hyde Park 52% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 48% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Bountiful 53% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 47% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Nibley 54% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 46% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Park City 54% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 46% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Spanish Fork 55% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 45% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Emigration Canyon 55% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 45% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Millcreek 57% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 43% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Cottonwood Heights 57% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 43% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Draper 58% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 42% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Orem 59% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 41% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Cedar City 60% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 40% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: La Verkin 62% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 38% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Blanding 62% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 38% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Hyrum 62% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 38% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Nephi 62% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 38% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Pleasant Grove 63% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 37% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Sandy 63% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 37% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Vernal 64% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 36% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Ogden 65% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 35% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: East Carbon 65% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 35% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Heber 66% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 34% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Vineyard 66% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 34% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Clinton 67% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 33% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: North Salt Lake 68% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 32% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Monticello 68% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 32% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Providence 69% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 31% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: West Haven 69% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 31% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Layton 70% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 30% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Lehi 71% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 29% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: West Valley City 72% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 28% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Price 72% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 28% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Saratoga Springs 74% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 26% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: West Jordan 74% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 26% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Midvale 75% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 25% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Tremonton 76% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 24% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Logan 76% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 24% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: South Ogden 77% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 23% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5; City: Herriman 77% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 1, 2, or 3 while 23% of respondents indicated a community connection score of 4 or 5

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 (73%), and gardening at home (72%).

Bar Graph. Title: Participation in Recreation and Nature-Based Activities in West Valley City. Subtitle: Have you participated in any of the following activities during the past 12 months? Data — 88% of respondents indicated yes to Walking or biking in your neighborhood or city; 73% of respondents indicated yes to Community events; 72% of respondents indicated yes to Gardening at home; 69% of respondents indicated yes to Recreating in parks in your city; 61% of respondents indicated yes to Buying food from a farmer's market; 53% of respondents indicated yes to Using trails in or near your city; 47% of respondents indicated yes to City recreation programs; 45% of respondents indicated yes to Non-motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah; 21% of respondents indicated yes to Motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah; 6% of respondents indicated yes to Participating in a community garden

Participating in city recreation programs, non-motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah, and recreating in parks in your city were significantly related to higher ratings of personal wellbeing.

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 wellbeing.

Participating in city recreation programs, participating in community events, 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 West Valley City indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (49%). For the pace of economic development, the largest proportion of respondents indicated that it was just right (42%).

Bar Chart. Title: Population Growth in West Valley City. Subtitle: How would you describe the current rate of population growth in West Valley City? Data — Too Slow: 0% of respondents; Just Right: 31% of respondents; Too Fast: 49% of respondents; No Opinion: 20% of respondents

Bar Chart. Title: Economic Development in West Valley City. Subtitle: How would you describe the current pace of economic development in West Valley City? Data — Too Slow: 20% of respondents; Just Right: 42% of respondents; Too Fast: 16% of respondents; No Opinion: 22% of respondents

The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for West Valley City compared to other participating cities and towns in the Cities of the 1st & 2nd Class cluster.

Likert Graph. Title: Population Growth for Cities of the 1st & 2nd Class. Subtitle: How would you describe the current rate of population growth in your city/town? Data — City: Layton 0% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 17% indicated that it was just right, 74% indicated that it was too fast, and 9% had no opinion; City: West Jordan 0% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 20% indicated that it was just right, 70% indicated that it was too fast, and 10% had no opinion; City: South Jordan 2% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 21% indicated that it was just right, 69% indicated that it was too fast, and 7% had no opinion; City: Ogden 2% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 20% indicated that it was just right, 67% indicated that it was too fast, and 11% had no opinion; City: Orem 2% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 20% indicated that it was just right, 66% indicated that it was too fast, and 13% had no opinion; City: Sandy 1% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 27% indicated that it was just right, 60% indicated that it was too fast, and 12% had no opinion; City: Millcreek 1% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 32% indicated that it was just right, 52% indicated that it was too fast, and 16% had no opinion; City: West Valley City 0% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 31% indicated that it was just right, 49% indicated that it was too fast, and 20% had no opinion

Likert Graph. Title: Economic Development for Cities of the 1st & 2nd Class. Subtitle: How would you describe the current pace of economic development in your city/town? Data — City: Layton 21% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 34% indicated that it was just right, 33% indicated that it was too fast, and 12% had no opinion; City: South Jordan 11% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 48% indicated that it was just right, 31% indicated that it was too fast, and 10% had no opinion; City: Ogden 28% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 30% indicated that it was just right, 29% indicated that it was too fast, and 14% had no opinion; City: Millcreek 7% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 48% indicated that it was just right, 28% indicated that it was too fast, and 17% had no opinion; City: Sandy 12% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 47% indicated that it was just right, 26% indicated that it was too fast, and 14% had no opinion; City: Orem 14% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 43% indicated that it was just right, 24% indicated that it was too fast, and 19% had no opinion; City: West Jordan 22% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 40% indicated that it was just right, 23% indicated that it was too fast, and 15% had no opinion; City: West Valley City 20% of respondents indicated that it was too slow, 42% indicated that it was just right, 16% indicated that it was too fast, and 22% had no opinion

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.

Sankey Graph. Title: Perceptions about the Pace of Economic Development in West Valley City. Subtitle: How would you describe the current pace of economic development in West Valley City? (In Number of Respondents). Data — Total Respondents: 129; No opinion: 28; Too fast: 21; Just right: 54; Too slow: 26; 'Too fast' without comment: 2; 'Too fast' with comment: 19; 'Too slow' without comment: 3; 'Too slow' with comment: 23

The 20% 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 West Valley City. Comments largely emphasized the need for jobs and opportunities in diverse industries. The need for more retail and business options was also mentioned. There were a few concerns about crime and safety and the need to maintain or revitalize existing developments.

Additionally, the 16% 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 West Valley City. Comments focused on general rapid development and housing, while also mentioning empty lots, affordability issues, and the need for infrastructure to handle the growth.

Transportation in West Valley City

Respondents were asked to indicate all of their primary modes of transportation on a regular basis in West Valley City. The most popular modes of transportation were personal car (97%) and walking (34%).

Bar Graph. Title: Primary modes of transportation in West Valley City. Subtitle: What are your primary modes of transportation? (select all that apply on a regular basis) Data — 97% of respondents indicated yes to Personal Car; 34% of respondents indicated yes to Walking; 13% of respondents indicated yes to Public transportation; 11% of respondents indicated yes to Carpool; 9% of respondents indicated yes to Biking; 7% of respondents indicated yes to Ride sharing (Uber or Lyft); 2% of respondents indicated yes to Scooter or micro-mobility device

Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in West Valley City. The most problematic barriers were Travel time (49%), Lack of routes (38%), and Cost (37%).

Likert Graph. Title: Barriers to Personal Travel in West Valley City. Subtitle: Are any of the following a barrier to you personal travel? Data — Category: Travel time - 51% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 49% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Lack of routes - 62% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 38% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Cost - 63% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 37% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Safety - 68% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 32% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Knowledge - 80% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 20% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Lack of transport - 80% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 20% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Disability - 85% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 15% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier; Category: Language - 93% of respondents indicated it was not a barrier or seldom a barrier, while 7% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, often, or always a barrier

Respondents were asked to indicate the importance of a set of possible transportation developments in West Valley City. The most important development to respondents were Improving road surfaces (85%), Enhancing safety (80%), and Improving walkability (76%).

Likert Graph. Title: Possible Transportation Developments in West Valley City. Subtitle: On a scale of 1 - Not at all important to 5 - Very important, please rate the importance of the following developments to you. Data — Category: Improving road surfaces - 15% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 85% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.; Category: Enhancing safety - 20% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 80% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.; Category: Improving walkability - 24% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 76% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.; Category: Adding road capacity - 39% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 61% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.; Category: Connecting communities - 41% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 59% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.; Category: More trails - 43% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 57% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.; Category: Improving public transit - 45% of respondents indicated it 1, 2, or 3, while 55% of respondents rated it a 4 or 5.

Respondents were asked to indicate how frequently various activities take them out of West Valley City 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 (88%), Friends and Family (83%), and Other Services (75%).

Likert Graph. Title: Frequency of West Valley City Residents Traveling to Other Cities for Various Activities. Subtitle: How frequently do each of these activities take you out of West Valley City to another city or town? Data — Category: Eating Out - 12% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 88% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Friends and Family - 17% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 83% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Other Services - 25% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 75% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Health/Medical Care - 35% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 65% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Recreation/Sports - 35% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 65% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Groceries - 43% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 57% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Work - 46% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 54% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: School/Education - 73% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 27% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often; Category: Religion - 79% of respondents indicated it was never or rarely and 21% of respondents indicated it was sometimes, regularly, often

Concerns in West Valley City

Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of West Valley City. Air Quality (85%), Public Safety (82%), and Affordable Housing (80%) were the top concerns.

Likert Graph. Title: Concerns in West Valley City. Subtitle: As you look to the future of West Valley City, how much of a concern are the following issues? Data — Category: Air Quality - 15% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 85% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Public Safety - 18% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 82% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Affordable Housing - 20% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 80% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Open Space/Green Space - 23% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 77% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Traffic - 24% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 76% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Water Quality - 24% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 76% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Homelessness - 25% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 75% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Water Supply - 27% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 73% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Climate Change - 31% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 69% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Access to Healthy/Quality Food - 32% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 68% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Opportunities for Youth - 32% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 68% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Recreation Opportunities - 35% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 65% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Great Salt Lake - 36% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 64% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Access to Mental Health Care - 39% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 61% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Access to Health Care - 41% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 59% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Social and Emotional Support - 41% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 59% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Employment Opportunities - 42% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 58% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Suicide - 42% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 58% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Trails & Paths - 45% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 55% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Shopping Opportunities - 46% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 54% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Substance Misuse - 48% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 52% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Accessible Transportation - 58% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 42% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment - 62% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 38% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern; Category: Access to Culturally Appropriate Food - 67% of respondents indicated not a concern at all or slight concern while 33% of respondents indicated a moderate or major concern

Additional Questions for West Valley City

Outdoor Trails in West Valley City

Respondents were asked how often they utilize outdoor trails to recreate, and the majority of respondents answered Sometimes. Respondents were also asked how often they recreate on outdoor trails specifically in West Valley City. For those that indicated they ‘Sometimes’ or ‘Often’ utilize outdoor trails to recreate, the majority of respondents then indicated they ‘Sometimes’ recreate on outdoor trails specifically in West Valley City.

Bar Chart. Title: How often do you utilize outdoor trails to recreate?. Data — Never: 19% of respondents; Sometimes: 64% of respondents; Often: 17% of respondents

Bar Chart. Title: How often do you recreate on outdoor trails specifically in West Valley City?. Subtitle: (From the 81% of respondents who indicated they 'Sometimes' or 'Often' utilize outdoor trails to recreate) Data — Never: 23% of respondents; Sometimes: 59% of respondents; Often: 18% of respondents

Access to Resources in West Valley City

Respondents were also asked to indicate how important access to quality childcare and legal resources are to them on a scale of 1 (Not at all important) to 5 (Very important) and the results are shown in the graph below.

Likert Graph. Title: How important are the following to you?. Subtitle: Rated on a scale of 1 - Not at all important to 5 - Very important Data — Category: Access to quallity childcare - 60% of respondents rated it as a 1, 2, or 3, while 40% rated it as a 4 or 5.; Category: Access to legal resources - 67% of respondents rated it as a 1, 2, or 3, while 33% rated it as a 4 or 5.

We looked further to see if importance of access to quality child care varied depending on whether people had children in the household. A considerable difference was observed.

Likert Graph. Title: Importance of Access to Quality Child Care by Presence of Children in Household. Subtitle: Rated on a scale of 1 - Not at all important to 5 - Very important Data — Category: Only Children Under 5 - 14% of respondents rated it as a 1, 2, or 3, while 86% rated it as a 4 or 5.; Category: Both Children Under 5 and Children 5-18 - 19% of respondents rated it as a 1, 2, or 3, while 81% rated it as a 4 or 5.; Category: Only Children 5-18 - 69% of respondents rated it as a 1, 2, or 3, while 31% rated it as a 4 or 5.; Category: No Children Under 18 - 71% of respondents rated it as a 1, 2, or 3, while 29% rated it as a 4 or 5.

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 West Valley City

Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about West Valley City. 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 West Valley City indicated great value for the community’s cultural diversity. The city’s central location, providing easy access to work, shopping, and recreational activities, was also highly valued by respondents as well.

A word cloud of most common words about what respondents value most in their city

Local Environmental Quality in West Valley City

The 74% 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. Overall local environmental quality was described as dirty, unkept, and unsafe. Respondents expressed concern about the cleanliness of green spaces, sidewalks, buildings, etc. Air quality was a major concern with inversions, air pollution from vehicles, and power plants as main points.

Improving Wellbeing in West Valley City

Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in West Valley City. Respondents indicated strong concerns about transportation, emphasizing the need for better road conditions, improved traffic control, and enhanced public transit options. Specific issues included dangerous intersections, poor road maintenance, and inadequate bus services, which were indicated as contributing to congestion and safety concerns. There was a call for more sidewalks, bike paths, and walkable areas.

Additional Comments

Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in West Valley City. Respondents generally expressed pride in their community, noting it as a great place to live. However, there were strong concerns about safety, with specific mentions of gang activity and crime affecting the sense of security, particularly for women and children. Many respondents called for more green spaces, parks, and better maintenance of public areas, especially in less developed parts of the city. Infrastructure issues such as poor road conditions and the need for more street lighting and cleanliness were frequently mentioned. There was a desire expressed for more inclusive development that benefits all community members, including better support for the elderly and disabled.

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