West Bountiful 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
West Bountiful 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 West Bountiful survey and comparative information with other project cities and towns. In March 2026, West Bountiful 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?
- 142 viable surveys were recorded in this 2026 survey effort.
- The West Bountiful 2024 survey had 295 responses.
- The adult population of West Bountiful was estimated at 4,247, based on the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census. The 142 survey responses in 2026 represent 3.3% of the adult population and have a conservative margin of error of 8.09%.
Survey Respondent Characteristics
| Resident Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Time Residents of West Bountiful | 98.6% |
| Part Time Residents of West Bountiful | 1.4% |
| Length of Residency — Range | 1-69 years |
| Length of Residency — Average | 23.1 years |
| Length of Residency — Median | 22 years |
| Length of Residency 5 Years or less | 12.9% |
| City Area | Percent |
|---|---|
| East of 800 W, North of Pages Lane | 26.4% |
| East of 800 W, South of Pages Lane | 25.0% |
| West of 800 W | 48.6% |
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 West Bountiful. People who have at least a 4-year college degree or are married were overrepresented, while those who do not have a college degree were underrepresented.

Overall Personal Wellbeing and Overall Wellbeing in West Bountiful
Survey participants were asked about their overall personal wellbeing and overall community wellbeing in West Bountiful. These wellbeing indicators were both measured on a 5-point scale from poor (1) to excellent (5). The average personal wellbeing score in West Bountiful was 4.20 with 85% of respondents indicating their wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale. The average score for community wellbeing in West Bountiful was 4.06 with 77% of respondents indicating community wellbeing at a 4 or 5 on the 5-point scale.


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


Wellbeing Domains in West Bountiful
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 West Bountiful were Living Standards (93%), Safety and Security (91%), and Family Life (86%). The most important wellbeing domains were Safety and Security (99%), Mental Health (99%), Family Life (97%), Living Standards (97%), and Physical Health (96%).

Wellbeing Domains Over Time in West Bountiful
The graphs below show how the domains were rated over the years by West Bountiful residents. The number of respondents changed over time. Since 2024, most domain ratings remained nearly the same, except for Connection with Nature which decreased, and Safety and Security, Living Standards, and Mental Health which increased.

Wellbeing Matrix for West Bountiful
The graph below illustrates the relationship between the average rating and the average importance of wellbeing domains for survey respondents from West Bountiful. 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 West Bountiful
Survey participants were asked about how connected they feel to West Bountiful on a 5-point scale from not at all (1) to a great deal (5), and the average score of all respondents was 3.53.

When comparing survey data from West Bountiful over the years as shown in the information below, we can see that the average community connection score remained nearly the same between 2024 and 2026.

A positive relationship was found between individuals’ community connection and overall personal wellbeing, and to some extent 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. West Bountiful ranked 10 out of the 57 cities that participated.

Disability in West Bountiful
Survey participants were asked how well West Bountiful 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 (46%). 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 city (91%) and Gardening at home (86%).

Higher levels of community connection correlated with more frequent participation in community events, participation in city recreation programs, gardening at home, and 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 West Bountiful respondents was natural landscapes.

Perspectives on Population Growth and Economic Development
The majority of respondents in West Bountiful indicated that they felt the population growth was too fast (54%). For the pace of economic development, the majority of respondents indicated that it was just right (52%).


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


The graphs below show perceptions of population growth and economic development for West Bountiful 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 mentioned they would like to maintain West Bountiful’s rural character and charm, with many commenting on the need for more greenspace and open areas. There were also suggestions for improving local businesses, including supporting small enterprises and reducing reliance on chain stores. Additionally, respondents expressed concerns about rapid development and growth, with many respondents requesting thoughtful planning and governance to ensure that new developments align with community values.
Cost of Living in West Bountiful
Respondents were asked to indicate how affordable certain expenses were in West Bountiful. The most difficult expenses were Childcare (40%), Healthcare (28%), and Housing (28%). Note that a high percentage (76%) of respondents found Childcare expenses not relevant to them.

Transportation in West Bountiful
Respondents were asked to indicate the most common barriers to transportation in West Bountiful. The most problematic barriers were Cost (48%) and Travel time (30%).

Concerns in West Bountiful
Survey respondents indicated the degree to which a number of possible local issues were a concern as they look to the future of West Bountiful. Air Quality (78%), Water Supply (78%), and the Great Salt Lake (74%) were the top concerns. Since 2024, moderate or major concern about opportunities for youth (-18%), public safety (-18%), water quality (-14%), suicide (-13%), social and emotional support (-13%), shopping opportunities (-12%), and recreation opportunities (-11%) notably decreased.

Additional Questions for West Bountiful
Wellbeing of Youth in West Bountiful
Residents were asked how they would rate the overall wellbeing of young people in West Bountiful.
The highest rated wellbeing domains by respondents for young people in West Bountiful were Family Life (75%), Safety and Security (72%), and Living Standards (65%). The lowest rated wellbeing domains for young people were Cultural Opportunities (23%), Connection with Nature (25%), Local Environmental Quality (26%), and Mental Health (28%). The domain Mental Health was rated much lower by respondents for youth than for themselves.

Future Park Amenities
West Bountiful’s Park Master Plan calls for a future park on the city’s west side. Respondents were asked to rank their level of interest in some potential amenities. Using a Borda Count, the most popular amenities were Walking path, Playground, and Pavilions. Sports fields and Pickleball were mid-range in popularity.

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 West Bountiful
Survey respondents were asked to comment on what they value most about West Bountiful. 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 West Bountiful’s rural feel, which is defined by open spaces, farmland, and a slower pace of life. Many appreciated feeling safe in their neighborhoods, with easy access to walking trails, greenspaces, and shopping areas. The community’s small-town atmosphere, friendly relationships, and family-friendly environment are also highly valued, as are its proximity to larger cities and amenities while still maintaining a sense of quiet and calm.

Local Environmental Quality in West Bountiful
Survey respondents were asked if there are specific aspects of local environmental quality that they feel pose a significant threat to wellbeing in West Bountiful. Respondents were extremely concerned about air quality and its impact on health, particularly with regards to pollution from refineries and industrial activities as well as the drying of the Great Salt Lake. Many respondents expressed frustration with traffic congestion and noise pollution, which they see as exacerbating these issues. Additionally, some respondents mentioned the importance of preserving greenspaces and open areas, as they would like to maintain the rural character of West Bountiful.
Improving Wellbeing in West Bountiful
Survey respondents were asked if there is anything that could be done to improve wellbeing in West Bountiful. Respondents mentioned a strong desire to preserve open spaces and slowing down growth, with many expressing concern over increased traffic and noise pollution. They also emphasized the importance of improving walkability and bike paths, as well as enhancing community engagement through more local events and activities. Additionally, respondents stressed the need for better traffic control and road maintenance, particularly on certain major routes.
Additional Comments
Respondents were also asked if they had any additional comments on wellbeing in West Bountiful. Respondents mentioned a strong sense of community and appreciation for the city’s natural beauty however, many expressed concerns about a need to preserve open spaces and rural character. Some noted the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere and avoiding overdevelopment, while others praised the community’s safety and the police department’s efforts to keep it secure. Additionally, some respondents emphasized the value of having trails and greenspaces, which allow for connection with nature and a sense of wellbeing.