Millcreek 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
Millcreek 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 Millcreek survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, Millcreek 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?
- 463 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The Millcreek 2024 survey had 291 responses and the Millcreek 2022 survey had 274 responses.
- The adult population of Millcreek was estimated at 50,379, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 463 survey responses in 2026 represent 0.9% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 4.53%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of Millcreek | 98.9% |
| Part Time Residents of Millcreek | 1.1% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 1-82 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 25.3 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 22 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 12.1% |
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 Millcreek. People who are age 70 or over, have at least a 4-year college degree, are married, are not employed for various reasons, 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 Millcreek
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Millcreek. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Millcreek was 4.23 with 86% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Millcreek was 3.81 with 68% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from Millcreek 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. Millcreek is classified as a City of the 1st and 2nd Class. 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, Millcreek was above the average overall personal wellbeing score and above the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in Millcreek
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 Millcreek were Living Standards (87%), Mental Health (86%), and Safety and Security (84%). The most important wellbeing domains were Physical Health (98%), Mental Health (98%), Safety and Security (95%), and Living Standards (95%).

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

Wellbeing Matrix for Millcreek
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from Millcreek. Connection with Nature, 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 Millcreek
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Millcreek on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.14.

When comparing survey data from Millcreek 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, but no clear relationship was found between community connection and 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. Millcreek ranked 37 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in Millcreek
Survey participants were asked how well Millcreek included individuals with disabilities in social, recreational, and cultural activities. The majority of respondents indicated they had no opinion or that the question was not relevant (56%). For those expressing an opinion, the largest proportion of respondents felt that they were quite well (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 (89%) and Gardening at home (87%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in community events, participation in city recreation programs, shopping at a farmer’s market, 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 Millcreek respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in Millcreek indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (60%). For the pace of economic development, respondents were split between opinions that it was just right (42%) and too fast (38%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Millcreek compared to other participating cities and towns in the Cities of the 1st & 2nd Class 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 suggested that there should be more walkable places, mixed-use development, and a focus on local businesses rather than large corporations. They also expressed concerns about traffic, parking, and the need for more greenspaces. Some respondents mentioned that they would like to see more affordable housing options and less gentrification in certain areas. Others suggested that there should be more attention paid to community needs and desires, rather than just focusing on growth and development.
Cost of Living in Millcreek
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in Millcreek. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (49%) and Housing (26%). Note that a high percentage (79%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in Millcreek
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Millcreek. The most problematic barriers were Travel time (38%) and Cost (38%).

Concerns in Millcreek
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Millcreek. Water Supply (89%), Air Quality (86%), the Great Salt Lake (84%), and Traffic (83%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about traffic (+11%) notably increased, while concern about recreation opportunities (-14%) and shopping opportunities (-13%) 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 Millcreek
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Millcreek. 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 the cities location and the importance of safety, noting that it’s a top priority for them and expressing appreciation for the city’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment. They also valued the sense of community, emphasizing the friendly and welcoming nature of their neighbors and the community as a whole. Many appreciated the area’s proximity to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as its accessibility to major highways and shopping centers. Additionally, respondents emphasized the quality of educational opportunities and the city’s commitment to making Millcreek a great place to live.

Local Environmental Quality in Millcreek
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in Millcreek. Millcreek respondents expressed concerns about various environmental issues, including air quality and pollution, particularly from the gravel pit in Parley’s Canyon. The drying up of the Great Salt Lake was also a major worry, with many highlighting its impact on water availability and air quality. Some respondents noted the need for better planning and management of parks and open spaces in the face of increasing population pressure. Additionally, many residents were concerned about the state of roads and infrastructure, with some calling for improved maintenance and repair. Worsening traffic conditions were mentioned frequently by respondents, who felt the increase of cars on the road has led to problems for both drivers and pedestrians.
Improving Wellbeing in Millcreek
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Millcreek. Respondents expressed a desire for improved road maintenance and traffic flow, including better sidewalks and crosswalks. Many emphasized the importance of public transportation options and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Some noted that there are still areas where sidewalks are lacking or poorly maintained, which can be a safety concern. Respondents were also concerned with the rate of growth in Millcreek, stating that the development of apartments in the area is too fast. Additionally, respondents highlighted concerns about air quality and noise pollution, as well as a desire for more greenspaces and community amenities.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Millcreek. Respondents valued their community and its natural beauty, diversity, and small-town feel. Many highlighted the importance and need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, bike lanes, and sidewalks to improve safety and quality of life. Some noted concerns about traffic congestion, air pollution, and the need for more efficient public transportation options. Others appreciated the city’s efforts to maintain greenspaces and support local businesses. Despite some frustrations with construction and development, most respondents felt that Millcreek is a great place to live and want to see it continue to thrive.