Cedar Hills 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
Cedar Hills 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 Cedar Hills survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, Cedar Hills 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?
- 99 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The Cedar Hills 2024 survey had 365 responses.
- The adult population of Cedar Hills was estimated at 6,649, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 99 survey responses in 2026 represent 1.5% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 9.78%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Cedar Hills | 100.0% |
| Part Time Residents of Cedar Hills | 0.0% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 2-36 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 16.6 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 18 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 17.2% |
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 Cedar Hills. People who have at least a 4-year college degree or are married were overrepresented, while those who are age 18-29 or do not have a college degree were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Cedar Hills
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Cedar Hills. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Cedar Hills was 4.35 with 91% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Cedar Hills was 4.16 with 83% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from Cedar Hills 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 remained nearly the same. 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. Cedar Hills 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, Cedar Hills was well above the average overall personal wellbeing score and well above the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Cedar Hills
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 Cedar Hills were Safety and Security (99%), Family Life (96%), and Living Standards (94%). The most important wellbeing domains were Safety and Security (99%), Mental Health (99%), and Living Standards (98%).

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

Wellbeing Matrix for Cedar Hills
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from Cedar Hills. Family Life, Leisure Time, Living Standards, Mental Health, Physical Health, and Safety and Security were highly important and rated above average among the domains. No Domains fell in the “red zone” of higher importance and lower ratings.

Community Connection in Cedar Hills
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Cedar Hills on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.39.

When comparing survey data from Cedar Hills over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average community connection score declined 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. Cedar Hills ranked 17 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in Cedar Hills
Survey participants were asked how well Cedar Hills 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, the largest proportion of respondents felt that they were quite well (24%) 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 (93%) and Using trails in or near your city (86%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in community events and recreation in parks in 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 Cedar Hills respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in Cedar Hills indicated that they felt the population growth was just right (61%). For the pace of economic development, the majority of respondents indicated that it was just right (55%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Cedar Hills 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 mentioned a desire for more diverse and unique businesses, with a focus on local and small establishments to enhance the community’s character. They also expressed concerns about the rise of fast food and drink shops, suggesting a need for a greater variety of dining options and healthier eating choices. Additionally, respondents emphasized the importance of preserving the town’s quiet and natural environment, with several calling for protection of green spaces and open areas.
Cost of Living in Cedar Hills
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in Cedar Hills. The most difficult expenses were Healthcare (29%) and Childcare (25%). Note that a high percentage (81%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in Cedar Hills
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Cedar Hills. The most problematic barriers were Cost (49%) and Travel time (40%).

Concerns in Cedar Hills
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Cedar Hills. Water Supply (79%), Wildfire (68%), Open Space/Green Space (60%), Affordable Housing (60%), and Air Quality (59%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about shopping opportunities (-26%), public safety (-25%), water quality (-24%), recreation opportunities (-23%), trails & paths (-20%), suicide (-18%), opportunities for youth (-17%), air quality (-15%), and access to healthy/quality food (-15%) 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 Cedar Hills
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Cedar Hills. 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 in Cedar Hills highly value its small-town feel, which is characterized by friendly neighbors, a strong sense of community, and easy access to services and recreation. Many respondents appreciated the area’s natural beauty, with its proximity to mountains and trails offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, respondents emphasized the importance of safety, feeling secure in their neighborhoods and appreciating the low crime rate. Some comments also highlighted the convenience of the location, being close enough to major centers while still maintaining a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Local Environmental Quality in Cedar Hills
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in Cedar Hills. Respondents were concerned about environmental issues, particularly air quality and inversions, which were mentioned by multiple respondents. Some respondents expressed frustration with construction and development on the mountain, citing increased traffic congestion and a perceived lack of green spaces. The need for improved public transportation and alternative modes of transportation were also emphasized. Some respondents noted concerns about trash, water quality, and wildlife preservation, indicating a desire to protect the natural environment and preserve the area’s unique character.
Improving Wellbeing in Cedar Hills
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Cedar Hills. Respondents mentioned the need for improved transportation options, citing congestion and safety concerns. They also valued community engagement and recreation opportunities, emphasizing the importance of parks and trails. Some respondents expressed frustration with government policies and fees, seeking more transparency and accountability. Others suggested prioritizing local services and infrastructure development, while a few noting the impact of growth and tourism on the city’s character.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Cedar Hills. Respondents mentioned a strong sense of community and appreciation for the city’s unique character, with many respondents expressing a desire to preserve its small-town feel and prevent overdevelopment. Some also emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and effective governance, while others noted concerns about traffic congestion and the need for more recreational spaces.