South Ogden 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 Ogden 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 Ogden survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In April 2026, South Ogden 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?
- 67 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The South Ogden 2024 survey had 142 responses and the South Ogden 2021 survey had 194 responses.
- The adult population of South Ogden was estimated at 13,232, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 67 survey responses in 2026 represent 0.5% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 11.94%. Due to the low number of respondents and the high conservative margin of error, caution should be used when interpreting these survey results.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of South Ogden | 100.0% |
| Part Time Residents of South Ogden | 0.0% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 0.5-76 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 20.5 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 15 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 25.4% |
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 Ogden. 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 South Ogden
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in South Ogden. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in South Ogden was 4.16 with 85% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in South Ogden was 3.99 with 75% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


When comparing survey data from South Ogden 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. South Ogden 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, South Ogden was slightly above the average overall personal wellbeing score and above the average overall community wellbeing score.


Wellbeing Domains in South Ogden
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 Ogden were Safety and Security (95%), Living Standards (93%), Mental Health (83%), and Family Life (82%). The most important wellbeing domains were Physical Health (98%), Safety and Security (97%), and Mental Health (97%).

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

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

Community Connection in South Ogden
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to South Ogden on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.05.

When comparing survey data from South Ogden 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. South Ogden ranked 48 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in South Ogden
Survey participants were asked how well South Ogden 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 (58%). For those expressing an opinion, the largest proportion of respondents felt that they were somewhat (18%) 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 (81%) and Gardening at home (78%).

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 Ogden respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in South Ogden indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (62%). For the pace of economic development, respondents were split between opinions that it was just right (34%), too fast (29%), and too slow (23%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for South Ogden 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 expressed a strong desire for more local businesses and services, with many frustrated with the influx of apartment buildings and commercial developments that they see as the prioritization of growth over local quality of life. The need for more affordable housing options, walkable neighborhoods, and mixed-use development were also mentioned, as well as concerns about infrastructure lagging behind rapid growth.
Cost of Living in South Ogden
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in South Ogden. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (67%) and Healthcare (44%). Note that a high percentage (62%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in South Ogden
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in South Ogden. The most problematic barriers were Cost (57%) and Travel time (38%).

Concerns in South Ogden
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of South Ogden. Water Supply (91%), Open Space/Green Space (81%), and the Great Salt Lake (80%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about the Great Salt Lake (+27%) and climate change (+12%) notably increased, while concern about recreation opportunities (-24%), shopping opportunities (-22%), water quality (-17%), affordable housing (-16%), public safety (-14%), trails & paths (-13%), and accessible transportation (-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 South Ogden
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about South Ogden. 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 South Ogden’s character, which was often described as small-town-like and peaceful, with a strong sense of neighborhood pride and friendly atmosphere. They appreciated the convenience of being close to amenities, services, and employment opportunities, while still maintaining a quiet and safe environment. Many respondents also appreciated the natural beauty of the area, mentioning the city’s proximity to mountains and open spaces. Additionally, some respondents valued the community’s family-oriented nature, with a focus on supporting local schools and community events.

Local Environmental Quality in South Ogden
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in South Ogden. Respondents had concerns about local greenspaces. They noted a lack of maintenance and treatment for weeds along trails, as well as a desire for more enforcement of motorized vehicle restrictions in natural areas. Additionally, some respondents mentioned the negative impact of over-development on natural spaces and the community’s water supply.
Improving Wellbeing in South Ogden
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in South Ogden. To improve wellbeing in South Ogden, respondents would like to preserve and improve their city’s environment, emphasizing the need for well-maintained green spaces, sidewalks, and parks. They also expressed concerns about growth and development, suggesting that it should be balanced with environmental sustainability and community needs. Additionally, many respondents valued improved transportation options and road conditions, as well as increased police presence to ensure public safety.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in South Ogden. Respondents expressed concerns about city government and its responsiveness to community concerns, with some expressing frustration that leaders seem more focused on developer interests than citizen voices. There was also a sense of appreciation for the city’s environment and desire to preserve its natural beauty. Additionally, some emphasized the importance of keeping South Ogden’s small-town feel by addressing issues such as traffic congestion and maintaining greenspaces.