Bountiful 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
Bountiful 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 Bountiful survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, Bountiful 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?
- 206 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The Bountiful 2024 survey had 211 responses, the Bountiful 2022 survey had 270 responses, the Bountiful 2021 survey had 213 responses, and the Bountiful 2020 survey had 350 responses.
- The adult population of Bountiful was estimated at 31,913, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 206 survey responses in 2026 represent 0.6% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 6.81%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Bountiful | 99.0% |
| Part Time Residents of Bountiful | 1.0% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 1-76 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 28.9 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 28 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 11.2% |
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 Bountiful. People who have at least a 4-year college degree, are married, or own their homes were overrepresented, while those who are age 18-29, do not have a college degree, or are renters were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Bountiful
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Bountiful. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Bountiful was 4.22 with 86% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Bountiful was 3.93 with 75% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from Bountiful over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that from 2024 to 2026, both the average personal wellbeing score and the average community wellbeing score improved. 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. Bountiful 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, Bountiful was above the average overall personal wellbeing score and slightly above the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Bountiful
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 Bountiful were Safety and Security (91%), Family Life (86%), Mental Health (83%), and Living Standards (83%). The most important wellbeing domains were Mental Health (99%), Safety and Security (96%), and Physical Health (96%).

Wellbeing Domains Over Time in Bountiful
The graphs below show how the domains were rated over the years by Bountiful residents. The number of respondents changed over time. Since 2024, almost all domain ratings increased, except for Local Environmental Quality which remained nearly the same.

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

Community Connection in Bountiful
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Bountiful on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.4.

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

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


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. Bountiful ranked 12 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in Bountiful
Survey participants were asked how well Bountiful 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 (44%). For those expressing an opinion, respondents were split between opinions that they were quite well (23%) or somewhat (21%) 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 (81%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in community events and walking or biking in your neighborhood or 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 Bountiful respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
Respondents in Bountiful were split between opinions that population growth was too fast (46%) and just right (39%). 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 Bountiful have varied across recent years of Wellbeing Surveys.


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Bountiful 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. Respondents emphasized a desire for more affordable housing options, with many expressing frustration over rising home prices and rentals taking over single-family homes. They also valued local businesses and amenities, such as restaurants and shops, and wanted to see greater variety of dining and entertainment options in the area. Some respondents noted that Main Street could be improved by adding more unique businesses and services, while others suggested that the city focus on improving infrastructure, such as traffic flow and parking on roads like Orchard Lane, to support economic growth and quality of life.
Cost of Living in Bountiful
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in Bountiful. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (58%), Housing (33%), and Healthcare (32%). Note that a high percentage (79%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in Bountiful
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Bountiful. The most problematic barriers were Cost (46%) and Travel time (37%).

Concerns in Bountiful
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Bountiful. Water Supply (87%), Air Quality (83%), and the Great Salt Lake (81%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about water supply (+12%) and the Great Salt Lake (+10%) notably increased, while concern about recreation opportunities (-19%), shopping opportunities (-17%), public safety (-14%), trails & paths (-13%), accessible transportation (-12%), access to healthy/quality food (-12%), and homelessness (-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 Bountiful
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Bountiful. 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.
Respondents consistently highlighted the importance of community, valuing the friendly atmosphere and strong sense of neighborhood connection. Many noted the proximity to Salt Lake City, allowing for easy access to cultural and recreational opportunities while maintaining a small-town feel. The area’s natural beauty, including mountains and trails, was also frequently mentioned as a key aspect of what makes Bountiful special. Additionally, respondents emphasized the safety and cleanliness of the community, with many expressing appreciation for the responsive local government and police department.

Local Environmental Quality in Bountiful
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in Bountiful. Air quality was a primary concern for many respondents, with several mentioning the negative impact of refinery pollution and winter inversions on their daily lives. The drying up of the Great Salt Lake was also a worry, as it raises concerns about toxic dust and potential health effects. Additionally, respondents noted the need for more green spaces and more trees in yards and around town to mitigate air quality issues. Some emphasized the importance of conserving water resources and reducing waste, as well as addressing traffic congestion and infrastructure needs to support growing residential areas.
Improving Wellbeing in Bountiful
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Bountiful. Respondents mentioned several areas for improving wellbeing, including reducing traffic congestion and reducing the number of high density housing developments. Maintaining a sense of community and social connections, and addressing issues related to homelessness were also topics of concern amongst respondents. Many valued the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, such as trails and parks, and emphasized the importance of preserving these spaces. Other suggestions included increasing cultural diversity and inclusivity, improving public transportation options, and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Bountiful. Many comments highlighted concerns about Bountiful’s growth and development, with some respondents expressing worry that the city is losing its small-town charm and unique character as it becomes more crowded and commercialized. Others emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s historic buildings and downtown area, while also encouraging responsible housing development to accommodate growing families. Additionally, several comments noted the need for improved infrastructure and traffic management, particularly around schools and main roads such as Orchard Lane.