Alpine Wellbeing Survey Findings 2026
By Dr. Courtney Flint, Nicolas Holden, and Team

Contact Information
Dr. Courtney Flint
courtney.flint@usu.edu
435-797-8635
Summary
Alpine is one of 57 cities and towns participating in the Utah Wellbeing Survey Project in 2026. 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 make this possible. A special thank you goes to the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the following cities for funding this project: Cedar City, Delta, Heber, La Verkin, South Weber, Vernal, West Bountiful, and West Valley City. We also acknowledge support from the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP).
This report describes findings from the 2026 Alpine survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In April 2026, Alpine City advertised the survey for residents. All city residents age 18+ were encouraged to take the online Qualtrics survey. Cities and towns generally advertised the survey through newsletters, social media, emails, or other various efforts.
How many people responded?
- 190 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The Alpine 2024 survey had 399 responses.
- The adult population of Alpine was estimated at 7,353, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 190 survey responses in 2026 represent 2.6% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 7.02%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Alpine | 99.5% |
| Part Time Residents of Alpine | 0.5% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 1-76 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 20.9 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 18 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 14.7% |
Demographic characteristics of the survey respondents were compared below with U.S. Census information from the 2020-2024 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, 2026 survey respondents were not fully representative of Alpine. People who are age 70 or over, have at least a 4-year college degree, or are married were overrepresented, while those who do not have a college degree or are age 18-29 were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Alpine
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Alpine. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Alpine was 4.35 with 88% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Alpine was 4.04 with 78% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from Alpine over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that from 2024 to 2026, the average personal wellbeing score remained nearly the same, while the average community wellbeing score declined. Note that the number of respondents differed between years, and there is no tracking of individuals from one year to the next.

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. Alpine is classified as an Established/Mid-sized City. Some cities may fit within more than one cluster. Each cluster average represents the mean of the city and town means within each cluster.
Within the more Urban city cluster, Alpine was well above the average overall personal wellbeing score and above the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Alpine
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 Alpine were Safety and Security (94%), Family Life (94%), and Living Standards (91%). The most important wellbeing domains were Family Life (98%), Physical Health (98%), Mental Health (97%), and Safety and Security (96%).

Wellbeing Domains Over Time in Alpine
The graphs below show how the domains were rated over the years by Alpine residents. The number of respondents changed over time. Since 2024, Mental Health, Physical Health, and Transportation improved, while Connection with Nature, Local Environmental Quality, and Education decreased, and Family Life, Safety and Security, Living Standards, Leisure Time, Social Connections, and Cultural Opportunities remained nearly the same.

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

Community Connection in Alpine
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Alpine on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.54.

When comparing survey data from Alpine over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average community connection score remained nearly the same between 2024 and 2026.

A positive relationship was found between individuals’ community connection and overall personal wellbeing as well as 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 “1 Not at all” to “5 A great deal” connected to their city or town. Alpine ranked 8 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in Alpine
Survey participants were asked how well Alpine included individuals with disabilities in social, recreational, and cultural activities. The largest proportion of respondents indicated they had no opinion or that the question was not relevant (46%). For those expressing an opinion, the largest proportion of respondents felt that they were quite well (28%) included.

Participation in Recreation and Nature-Related Activities
Respondents were asked to indicate how often they participated in various activities over the past year. The activities in which respondents most commonly participated at least sometimes (about once a month or more frequently) were Walking or biking in your neighborhood or city (91%) and Gardening at home (91%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in community events, recreation in parks in your city, and use of trails in or near your city.
Wellbeing and Urban/Rural Settings
Respondents were asked to indicate how important spending time in the different settings were to their wellbeing. The most important setting for Alpine respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in Alpine indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (67%). For the pace of economic development, the largest proportion of respondents indicated that it was just right (40%).


The graphs below show how perceptions of population growth and economic development in Alpine have varied across recent years of Wellbeing Surveys.


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Alpine compared to other participating cities and towns in the Established/Mid-sized Cities cluster.


Survey respondents were asked if there are any aspects of the local economy they would like to see changed in the next five years. Comments highlight a desire for a more charming and walkable downtown area with a variety of local businesses, such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. Respondents emphasized the importance of preserving Alpine’s small-town character and slowing down economic development to avoid over-commercialization and increased traffic congestion. Some respondents valued the community’s sense of isolation from the hustle and bustle of city life, while others expressed frustration with the lack of amenities and services in the area. There was a general sense that Alpine should prioritize its unique qualities and not sacrifice its natural beauty and charm for rapid growth and development.
Cost of Living in Alpine
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in Alpine. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (31%) and Housing (30%). Note that a high percentage (80%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in Alpine
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Alpine. The most problematic barriers were Travel time (41%) and Cost (37%).

Concerns in Alpine
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Alpine. Water Supply (91%), Wildfire (74%), and Open Space/Green Space (71%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about the Great Salt Lake (+21%) and water supply (+17%) notably increased, while concern about recreation opportunities (-18%), access to healthy/quality food (-17%), public safety (-13%), opportunities for youth (-11%), and social and emotional support (-10%) notably decreased.

Open Comments
All open comments collected in the survey were shared with city leaders. General observations and themes are shared here. The authors acknowledge the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including the Llama 3 large language model, accessed locally through Ollama, and a machine learning classifier, in the analysis of open comments. These tools were used for initial topical coding and draft summaries of comments. All comments, codes, and summaries were reviewed and edited by the authors for accuracy and clarity.
What Respondents Value Most in Alpine
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Alpine. The most common words and phrases from all 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.
The community’s respondents valued the small-town feel, proximity to nature, and peaceful atmosphere above all else. Many highlighted the importance of being surrounded by beautiful mountains, open spaces, and trails, which provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility. Respondents also emphasized the strength of their community, citing friendly people, good neighbors, and a lack of through traffic as key factors in their appreciation for the area. The natural beauty of the surroundings was another dominant theme, with many noting the importance of preserving this character in order to maintain a high quality of life.

Local Environmental Quality in Alpine
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in Alpine. Respondents’ comments highlighted concerns about water availability and quality with an emphasis on the need for effective water management and conservation measures. Additionally, traffic congestion and lack of alternative transportation options were noted issues and some respondents express concerns about the impact of development on the community’s natural beauty and open spaces.
Improving Wellbeing in Alpine
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Alpine. Transportation and growth were the most prominent concerns among residents, with many highlighting the need for improved road conditions, reduced traffic congestion, and more accessible community spaces. Additionally, respondents emphasized the importance of preserving Alpine’s natural environment and small-town character, noting that rapid development is eroding these qualities. Many also valued a sense of community and inclusivity, suggesting that the city prioritize initiatives that foster social connections and diversity.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Alpine. Many comments highlighted a sense of community and appreciation for Alpine’s natural beauty, with several respondents expressing gratitude for the town’s small-town atmosphere and friendly people. However, concerns about growth and development were also prevalent, with some commenting that the town is becoming overcrowded and losing its charm. Traffic was another major issue, with several respondents suggesting that the city needs to do a better job of managing traffic, especially during peak hours. Additionally, there were comments about the need for more inclusive community events and activities, as well as concerns about the impact of commercial development on the town’s character.