Chester County Government recently announced the results of its most recent Chester County Quality of Life Survey, a survey of citizen priorities and service satisfaction conducted every five years. The surveys help form the basis of the Chester County Commissioners' Strategic Plan goals. Results of the latest survey, conducted by West Chester University's Center for Social and Economic Policy Research, are based on a random sample of 1,703 responses, representing all areas of Chester County.

The survey showed that 94% of residents believe Chester County is an excellent or good place to live and raise a family, and that maintaining the quality of water, preserving open space, and managing population growth remain top areas of importance. The survey reported that nine out of 10 people rate the county as an excellent or good place to obtain a good education, and 83% describe Chester County as an excellent or good place to participate in community affairs and activities. The percentage of residents indicating that Chester County is an excellent place to find a job increased from 21% in 2018 to 30% in 2023.

When it comes to services provided by Chester County Government, the areas of highest importance to survey respondents include emergency services and the 911 system, open space preservation, county parks and trails, voter services and flood and stormwater planning and control. Regarding the county's performance in providing services, 70% or greater positive (excellent or good) responses were garnered for maintaining county parks and trails, ensuring public safety, managing the election process, and providing park programs. Seventy-six percent of survey respondents rated the county government's management of the election process as excellent or good.

In addition, the survey addressed the performance of Chester County Government employees. Of all residents surveyed in 2023, 44% indicated that they had contact with county employees in the past 12 months. Those respondents gave county employes high marks for courteousness, knowledge, and responsiveness, with 83% rating staff members as excellent or good in their overall performance.

As it relates to the pandemic, this year's survey results showed that 68% of respondents rated the county as excellent or good in its response to epidemics or public health hazards. The areas where Chester County did not rate as highly include planning for residential and commercial growth and development, and ensuring the availability of affordable housing.

For the first time, this year's survey included a section regarding the importance of child care and family support as it relates to workforce, businesses, and economy. Thirty-five percent indicated that they were currently responsible for the care of a child, an aging parent, or another family member. The top services beneficial to support these caregivers were identified as flexible work hours, flexible paid time off, livable wages, and paid parental leave.

A summary of the 2023 Chester County Quality of Life Survey can be viewed at http://www.chesco.org/citizensurvey.