South Jordan 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
South Jordan 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 South Jordan survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, South Jordan 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?
- 898 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The South Jordan 2024 survey had 206 responses and the South Jordan 2022 survey had 467 responses.
- The adult population of South Jordan was estimated at 58,433, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 898 survey responses in 2026 represent 1.5% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 3.25%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of South Jordan | 98.3% |
| Part Time Residents of South Jordan | 1.7% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 0.5-78 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 15.4 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 12 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 22.7% |
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 South Jordan. People who 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, are employed, or are renters were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in South Jordan
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in South Jordan. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in South Jordan was 4.25 with 86% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in South Jordan was 4.06 with 79% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


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


Wellbeing Domains in South Jordan
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 South Jordan were Living Standards (90%), Safety and Security (89%), and Family Life (87%). The most important wellbeing domains were Safety and Security (98%), Mental Health (98%), Living Standards (96%), and Physical Health (95%).

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

Wellbeing Matrix for South Jordan
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from South Jordan. 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 South Jordan
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to South Jordan on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.24.

When comparing survey data from South Jordan 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 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. South Jordan ranked 32 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in South Jordan
Survey participants were asked how well South Jordan 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 (55%). For those expressing an opinion, the largest proportion of respondents felt that they were quite well (25%) 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 (86%) and Gardening at home (74%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in all activities except participation in motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah.
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 South Jordan respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in South Jordan indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (68%). For the pace of economic development, the largest proportion of respondents indicated that it was just right (48%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for South Jordan 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 expressed a desire for more walkable areas, unique restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment options. They also mentioned wanting to see an improvement in traffic flow, with a focus on east-west routes. Additionally, many respondents felt that property taxes are too high and would like to see some relief. Some also suggested adding more grocery stores, shopping centers, and parks to the area.
Cost of Living in South Jordan
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in South Jordan. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (54%), Healthcare (29%), and Housing (27%). Note that a high percentage (81%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in South Jordan
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in South Jordan. The most problematic barriers were Travel time (47%) and Cost (41%).

Concerns in South Jordan
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of South Jordan. Water Supply (86%), Traffic (84%), and Air Quality (79%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about recreation opportunities (-26%), shopping opportunities (-22%), accessible transportation (-21%), access to healthy/quality food (-17%), open space/green space (-13%), trails & paths (-12%), public safety (-12%), water quality (-12%), and opportunities for youth (-11%) 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 South Jordan
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about South Jordan. 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 their community’s sense of family and neighborhood, with many highlighting the friendly and caring nature of their neighbors. They appreciated the easy access to amenities, including shopping, dining, and outdoor spaces like parks and trails. Many also noted the importance of community events and activities that bring people together, such as festivals and parades. Some respondents mentioned that they particularly enjoy living in Daybreak, citing its walkable and bikeable design, with many praising the ease of getting around without a car.

Local Environmental Quality in South Jordan
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in South Jordan. Respondents were concerned about various environmental issues, including the lack of water supply and quality, pollution from industrial activities such as Kennecott’s mine tailings, and overcrowding which exacerbates traffic congestion and air pollution. Many respondents highlighted the importance of preserving the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding areas, expressing concerns about the lake drying up and the potential impacts on drinking water and recreation. Some also emphasized the need for better management of secondary water sources and irrigation systems to ensure sustainable use of this valuable resource.
Improving Wellbeing in South Jordan
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in South Jordan. Respondents expressed a range of concerns and suggestions for improving wellbeing in their community. A highlight was the need to address traffic congestion, particularly east-west travel, with many suggesting improved public transportation options or better road infrastructure. Some also valued increased bikeability and walkability, as well as more community arts and youth sports programs. Other notable suggestions included reducing air pollution, improving housing affordability, and enhancing public services like healthcare and education.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in South Jordan. Respondents expressed a mix of satisfaction and concerns about their community. They appreciated the city’s cleanliness, walkability, and bikeability, with Daybreak highlighted as a model for sustainable development. However, some respondents emphasized the need to improve traffic management, citing congestion and aggressive drivers as significant issues. Others suggested that more attention should be paid to older neighborhoods, which they felt are being neglected in favor of newer developments. Despite these concerns, residents generally valued their community’s diversity, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of pride.