Heber 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
Heber 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 Heber survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, Heber 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 Heber 2024 survey had 437 responses.
- The adult population of Heber was estimated at 12,219, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 206 survey responses in 2026 represent 1.7% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 6.77%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Heber | 97.6% |
| Part Time Residents of Heber | 2.4% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 1-70 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 21.8 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 17 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 15.0% |
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 Heber. People who are age 60-69, have at least a 4-year college degree, or are married were overrepresented, while those who are age 18-29, do not have a college degree, are Hispanic or Latino, or have children under 18 in their household were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Heber
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Heber. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Heber was 4.19 with 85% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Heber was 3.51 with 55% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from Heber 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. Heber is classified as a Rural Hub/Resort Community. 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 Rural city cluster, Heber was above the average overall personal wellbeing score and close to the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Heber
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 Heber were Safety and Security (87%), Mental Health (85%), Family Life (84%), and Living Standards (84%). The most important wellbeing domains were Mental Health (98%), Safety and Security (95%), Physical Health (94%), and Living Standards (94%).

Wellbeing Domains Over Time in Heber
The graphs below show how the domains were rated over the years by Heber residents. The number of respondents changed over time. Since 2024, almost all domain ratings increased, except for Connection with Nature and Physical Health which remained nearly the same.

Wellbeing Matrix for Heber
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from Heber. Connection with Nature, Family Life, Leisure Time, 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 Heber
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Heber on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.23.

When comparing survey data from Heber 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 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. Heber ranked 28 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in Heber
Survey participants were asked how well Heber 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 (36%). For those expressing an opinion, respondents were split between opinions that they were somewhat (26%) or quite well (26%) 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 (87%), Gardening at home (74%), and Using trails in or near your city (73%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in all activities except 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 Heber respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in Heber indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (89%). For the pace of economic development, the majority of respondents indicated that it was too fast (61%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Heber compared to other participating cities and towns in the Rural Hub/Resort Communities 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 expressed a desire for a more balanced approach to growth and development, with many highlighting the need for slower growth rates and more consideration given to the community’s wellbeing. They noted that unchecked growth has led to increased costs of living, traffic congestion, and a loss of rural character. Some also emphasized the importance of preserving open spaces and natural areas, while others suggested that more attention should be paid to supporting local businesses and families. Additionally, respondents felt that the city council and developers were not adequately listening to their concerns and needs, leading to a sense of frustration and disconnection from the community.
Cost of Living in Heber
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in Heber. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (70%) and Housing (49%). Note that a high percentage (77%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in Heber
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Heber. The most problematic barriers were Cost (46%) and Travel time (42%).

Concerns in Heber
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Heber. Traffic (87%), Open Space/Green Space (85%), and Water Supply (84%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about the Great Salt Lake (+19%) notably increased, while concern about shopping opportunities (-22%), public safety (-20%), recreation opportunities (-16%), access to healthy/quality food (-16%), and social and emotional support (-16%) notably decreased.

Additional Questions for Heber
Heber City also asked a few additional questions in the survey. Respondents were asked if they felt like the community provides enough creative activities outside of school events for families and youth. Among all respondents, 47% of respondents said yes, 28% said no, and 25% were undecided. Among those with children under 18 in the household, 51% said yes, 37% said no, and 12% were undecided.

Respondents were asked if Heber City should adopt city code to require dark sky compliant exterior lighting on all homes and businesses to minimize light pollution. The majority of respondents said yes (58%).

Respondents were asked if Heber City should adopt a ‘no idling’ ordinance and enforce it. Respondents were split between yes (36%) and no (43%).

Respondents were asked if Heber City should support building an All-Abilities Playground. The majority of respondents said yes (70%).

Respondents were asked what water conservation policies they would support the City using if a drought state continues into summer 2026. The most supported answers were time-based efficiency rules (89%), and using less water at city parks & cemetery (79%). Respondents also wrote in other water conservation measures, including restricting new development, replacing grass with drought-tolerant alternatives, regulating water-usage for golf courses and agriculture, changes to water usage pricing, and increased educational awareness.

Respondents were asked if they, their family, and their friends would be interested in participating in any of the community events listed below to feel more connected to the Heber City community. The most interested activities and events included outdoor skill shares (72%), live music (69%), cultural nights with food, dancing, and entertainment (68%), Citywide Service Saturdays (67%), neighborhood block parties (66%), and food truck courts (66%). A handful of respondents also wrote in other ideas such as a wider variety of live music genres, Christmas markets, food drives, issue forums, community agriculture, farmer’s markets, and the rec center open on Sunday. A handful of responses asked that no activities or events be provided by the government.

Respondents were asked to indicate their level of support for using open space funds generated through future bonds or fees to acquire land for parks, trail corridors, and public recreation areas. Overall, 78% of respondents indicated that they support or strongly support this use of funds. Additionally, 61% of respondents said they support or strongly support using open space funds to purchase conservation easements on privately owned agricultural land.

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 Heber
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Heber. 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 valued Heber’s natural beauty, small-town feel, and proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities. They appreciated the community’s slow pace of life, friendly atmosphere, and scenic surroundings, which provide a peaceful environment for family activities. Many comments emphasized the importance of preserving the area’s open space and rural character, highlighting the need to balance development with preservation of natural areas and wildlife habitats. Alongside many comments of appreciation for Heber’s “small town feel”, there was also significant concern from respondents about how quickly Heber is changing and the possible loss of the small town they once knew.

Local Environmental Quality in Heber
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in Heber. Respondents mentioned negative impacts of rapid growth and development on air quality, water availability, and natural beauty. Respondents expressed worry about the increase in traffic congestion, which they believed was worsening air pollution and noise levels. Some also noted the strain that population growth is putting on the valley’s water resources, citing concerns about sustainability and the need for better planning to ensure a healthy balance between development and environmental protection.
Improving Wellbeing in Heber
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Heber. Respondents in Heber were concerned about the rapid growth and development in the area, citing issues with traffic, housing affordability, and preservation of natural spaces. Many emphasized the need for a bypass road to alleviate traffic congestion on Main Street and improve safety. Some suggested improving bike and walking trails, while others valued efforts to reduce water consumption and promote environmental sustainability.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Heber. Many respondents expressed concerns about the rapid growth and development in the area, feeling that it is eroding the community’s unique character and sense of well-being. They highlighted the need for better planning and management to balance economic development with environmental preservation and community values. Some also emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s small-town charm and resisting over-commercialization, while others suggested improving recreational opportunities, public services, and infrastructure to enhance the quality of life in Heber.