Springdale 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
Springdale 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 town residents and to provide information to town 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 Springdale survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, Springdale Town advertised the survey for residents. All town 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?
- 77 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The Springdale 2024 survey had 123 responses.
- The adult population of Springdale was estimated at 411, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 77 survey responses in 2026 represent 18.7% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 10.08%. 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 Springdale | 81.8% |
| Part Time Residents of Springdale | 18.2% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 1-79 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 12.7 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 8 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 35.1% |
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 Springdale. People who have at least a 4-year college degree, have an income $150,000 or over, are married, or own their homes were overrepresented, while those who do not have a college degree or are renters were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in Springdale
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in Springdale. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in Springdale was 4.27 with 92% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in Springdale was 3.71 with 62% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


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


Wellbeing Domains in Springdale
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 Springdale were Connection with Nature (87%), Mental Health (87%), and Safety and Security (86%). The most important wellbeing domains were Mental Health (100%), Physical Health (97%), and Local Environmental Quality (96%).

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

Wellbeing Matrix for Springdale
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from Springdale. Connection with Nature, 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 Springdale
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to Springdale 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 Springdale 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. Springdale ranked 22 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in Springdale
Survey participants were asked how well Springdale 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 (42%). For those expressing an opinion, the largest proportion of respondents felt that they were 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 town (99%) and Using trails in or near your town (89%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in town or county recreation programs, participation in community events, recreation in parks in your town, participation in non-motorized recreation on public lands or waters in Utah, use of trails in or near your town, and walking or biking in your neighborhood or town.
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 Springdale respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
Respondents in Springdale were split between opinions that population growth was just right (41%) and too fast (32%). For the pace of economic development, the majority of respondents indicated that it was too fast (52%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for Springdale 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 would like to see a more balanced local economy, with concerns about rapid development and exploitation of natural resources. Many comments expressed desire for more affordable housing options, particularly for seasonal employees and locals, as well as better year-round employment opportunities. Additionally, respondents valued the preservation of greenspace and open areas, which are threatened by unchecked growth and construction. Some also mentioned they would like to see more support for local businesses to promotes a sense of community, rather than catering exclusively to tourists.
Cost of Living in Springdale
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in Springdale. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (50%), Housing (29%), and Healthcare (26%). Note that a high percentage (77%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in Springdale
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in Springdale. The most problematic barriers were Travel time (51%), Cost (29%), and Lack of routes (26%).

Concerns in Springdale
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of Springdale. Traffic (80%), Wildfire (78%), and Water Supply (77%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about public safety (-26%), air quality (-26%), social and emotional support (-22%), suicide (-21%), access to health care (-21%), water quality (-18%), access to mental health care (-13%), substance use (-12%), access to healthy/quality food (-12%), recreation opportunities (-11%), trails & paths (-11%), water supply (-11%), access to culturally appropriate food (-10%), and climate change (-10%) notably decreased.

Open Comments
All open comments collected in the survey were shared with town 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 Springdale
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about Springdale. 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 and peaceful atmosphere, with many mentioning the beauty of Zion National Park and the surrounding landscape. The quiet and serene environment was frequently mentioned, along with the sense of community and connection to nature that comes from living in Springdale. Some respondents felt it was important to preserve this natural environment and small-town feel, suggesting that it is essential for their quality of life and wellbeing.

Local Environmental Quality in Springdale
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in Springdale. Respondents mentioned needing alternative transportation options, such as for bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality. The loss of greenspaces due to development was also a concern, as was the impact of tourism on the natural environment. Some respondents emphasized the importance of water conservation and proper waste management, while others noted the negative effects of light pollution and noise from idling cars. Additionally, respondents felt that the pace of economic development was outpacing the town’s ability to accommodate growth, leading to concerns about overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Improving Wellbeing in Springdale
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in Springdale. Respondents expressed the need for improved transportation and infrastructure, mentioning concerns about traffic congestion from tourists and bikes, road safety, and limited parking options. Additionally, many respondents noted the need to balance recreation and tourism with the needs and wellbeing of full-time residents like housing affordability, the preservation of small-town character, and maintaining greenspaces and open areas. There was also a desire for more transparency and accountability in local government, as well as a need for better management of commercial growth and development. There was also a plea from many respondents to build a rec center or public gym for all ages to recreate.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in Springdale. Many respondents expressed appreciation for Springdale’s unique character and natural beauty, which they feel is being threatened by over-tourism and lack of planning. Some noted that the town’s growth and development have led to concerns about affordable housing and traffic congestion. Others emphasized the need for more attention to local residents’ needs, rather than just catering to tourists.