HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe NCS Report - Bozeman, MT 2022Bozeman, MT
The National Community Survey
Report of Results
2022
Report by:
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www.polco.us
About The NCS™
The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is about the
“livability” of Bozeman. A livable community is a place that is not simply
habitable, but that is desirable. It is not only where people do live, but
where they want to live. The survey was developed by the experts from
National Research Center at Polco.
Great communities are partnerships of the government, private sector,
community-based organizations and residents, all geographically
connected. The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten central
facets of a community:
• Economy
• Mobility
• Community Design
• Utilities
• Safety
• Natural Environment
• Parks and Recreation
• Health and Wellness
• Education, Arts, and Culture
• Inclusivity and Engagement
The report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 466
residents of the City of Bozeman collected from May 19th, 2022 to July 7th
2022. The margin of error around any reported percentage is 5% for all
respondents and the response rate for the 2022 survey was 17%. Survey
results were weighted so that the demographic profile of respondents was
representative of the demographic profile of adults in Bozeman.
How the results are reported
For the most part, the percentages presented in the following tabs represent the “percent positive.” Most commonly, the
percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe,
etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this
reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data.” However, these responses have been removed
from the analyses presented in most of the tabs. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents
who had an opinion about a specific item.
Comparisons to benchmarks
NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 600
communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey. The comparison
evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years. NRC adds the latest results
quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a
wide geographic and population range. In each tab, Bozeman's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower”
than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Bozeman residents is statistically
similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that
Bozeman's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much
higher” or “much lower,” then Bozeman's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark.
The survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of challenge for many local governments. While we provide
comparisons to national benchmarks, it is important to note that much of the benchmark data was collected prior to the
pandemic. This may impact how your City's 2022 ratings compare to other communities’ ratings from the past five years.
Trends over time
Trend data for Bozeman represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines*.
Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public
information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the
percent difference. If the difference is greater than seven percentage points between the 2015 and 2022 surveys, the change is
statistically significant.
* In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted
due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent.
1
About The NCS™The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is about the“livability” of Bozeman. A livable community is a place that is not simplyhabitable, but that is desirable. It is not only where people do live, butwhere they want to live. The survey was developed by the experts fromNational Research Center at Polco.Great communities are partnerships of the government, private sector,community-based organizations and residents, all geographicallyconnected. The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten centralfacets of a community: • Economy • Mobility • Community Design • Utilities • Safety • Natural Environment • Parks and Recreation • Health and Wellness • Education, Arts, and Culture • Inclusivity and EngagementThe report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 466residents of the City of Bozeman collected from May 19th, 2022 to July 7th2022. The margin of error around any reported percentage is 5% for allrespondents and the response rate for the 2022 survey was 17%. Surveyresults were weighted so that the demographic profile of respondents wasrepresentative of the demographic profile of adults in Bozeman.How the results are reportedFor the most part, the percentages presented in the following tabs represent the “percent positive.” Most commonly, thepercent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe,etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving thisreply is shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data.” However, these responses have been removedfrom the analyses presented in most of the tabs. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondentswho had an opinion about a specific item.Comparisons to benchmarksNRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 600communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey. The comparisonevaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years. NRC adds the latest resultsquickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent awide geographic and population range. In each tab, Bozeman's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower”than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Bozeman residents is statisticallysimilar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means thatBozeman's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “muchhigher” or “much lower,” then Bozeman's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark.The survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of challenge for many local governments. While we providecomparisons to national benchmarks, it is important to note that much of the benchmark data was collected prior to thepandemic. This may impact how your City's 2022 ratings compare to other communities’ ratings from the past five years.
Trends over time
Trend data for Bozeman represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines*.
Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public
information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the
percent difference. If the difference is greater than seven percentage points between the 2015 and 2022 surveys, the change is
statistically significant.
* In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted
due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent.
2
Conducting the survey
The 2,800 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on May 19th, 2022 and the survey remained open for 7
weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a cover
letter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. All mailings included a web link to give
residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completed the survey
to do so and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again.
The survey was available in English and Spanish. All mailings contained paragraphs in both languages instructing participants on
how to complete the survey in their preferred language.
About 3% of the 2,800 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postal
service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,709 households that received the invitations to
participate, 466 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 17%. The response rate was calculated using
AAPOR’s response rate #2* for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.
It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying
“confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidence
interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinions
are relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Bozeman survey is no greater than plus or
minus five percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (466 completed surveys).
In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open participation survey was
publicized by the City of Bozeman. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with a question
about where they heard about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on
June 23rd, 2022. The survey remained open for 4 weeks. The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participation
survey data, but a tab at the end provides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open participation
respondents.
The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R,
Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent
positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe,
essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion
of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month.
On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is
shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the
analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an
opinion about a specific item.
Contact
The City of Bozeman funded this research. Please contact Jon Henderson of the City of Bozeman at jon.henderson@bozeman.net
if you have any questions about the survey.
Survey Validity
See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali
* See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at
https://www.aapor.org/Publications-Media/AAPOR-Journals/Standard-Definitions.aspx
* Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf
* Targets come from the 2010 Census and 2020 American Community Survey
Unweighted Weighted Target*
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Housing tenure Own
Rent
Housing type Attached
Detached
Race & Hispanic
origin
Not white alone
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
Sex Female
Male
Sex/age Female 18-34
Female 35-54
Female 55+
Male 18-34
Male 35-54
Male 55+
Analyzing the data
Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are
entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range
checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were
downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses.
The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 Census and 2020 American Community
Survey estimates for adults in the City of Bozeman. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey
respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race,
Hispanic origin, housing type, and housing tenure. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using
an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme for the
probability sample are presented in the following table.
NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g.,
age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups.
Methods
Selecting survey recipients
All households within the City of Bozeman were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codes
serving Bozeman was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since some
of the zip codes that serve the City of Bozeman households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact
geographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary
file. Addresses located outside of the City of Bozeman boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey.
From that list, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with a
unit number) sampled at a rate of 53 compared to single family housing units.
An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within the
household by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying
assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction was
contained in the introduction of the survey.
3
Conducting the surveyThe 2,800 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on May 19th, 2022 and the survey remained open for 7weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a coverletter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. All mailings included a web link to giveresidents the opportunity to respond to the survey online. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completed the surveyto do so and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again.The survey was available in English and Spanish. All mailings contained paragraphs in both languages instructing participants onhow to complete the survey in their preferred language.About 3% of the 2,800 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postalservice was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,709 households that received the invitations toparticipate, 466 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 17%. The response rate was calculated usingAAPOR’s response rate #2* for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying“confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidenceinterval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinionsare relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Bozeman survey is no greater than plus orminus five percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (466 completed surveys).In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open participation survey waspublicized by the City of Bozeman. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with a questionabout where they heard about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available onJune 23rd, 2022. The survey remained open for 4 weeks. The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participationsurvey data, but a tab at the end provides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open participationrespondents.
The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R,
Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent
positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe,
essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion
of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month.
On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is
shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the
analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an
opinion about a specific item.
Contact
The City of Bozeman funded this research. Please contact Jon Henderson of the City of Bozeman at jon.henderson@bozeman.net
if you have any questions about the survey.
Survey Validity
See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali
* See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at
https://www.aapor.org/Publications-Media/AAPOR-Journals/Standard-Definitions.aspx
* Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf
* Targets come from the 2010 Census and 2020 American Community Survey
Unweighted Weighted Target*
Age 18-34
35-54
55+
Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Housing tenure Own
Rent
Housing type Attached
Detached
Race & Hispanic
origin
Not white alone
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
Sex Female
Male
Sex/age Female 18-34
Female 35-54
Female 55+
Male 18-34
Male 35-54
Male 55+
20%
22%
58%
20%
22%
58%
52%
27%
21%
4%
96%
4%
96%
1%
99%
57%
43%
57%
43%
33%
67%
40%
60%
40%
60%
53%
47%
90%
10%
90%
10%
95%
5%
53%
47%
53%
47%
43%
57%
9%
11%
32%
11%
10%
26%
9%
11%
32%
11%
10%
26%
23%
12%
8%
29%
16%
13%
Analyzing the data
Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are
entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range
checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were
downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses.
The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 Census and 2020 American Community
Survey estimates for adults in the City of Bozeman. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey
respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race,
Hispanic origin, housing type, and housing tenure. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using
an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme for the
probability sample are presented in the following table.
NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g.,
age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups.
MethodsSelecting survey recipientsAll households within the City of Bozeman were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codesserving Bozeman was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since someof the zip codes that serve the City of Bozeman households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exactgeographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundaryfile. Addresses located outside of the City of Bozeman boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey.From that list, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with aunit number) sampled at a rate of 53 compared to single family housing units.An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within thehousehold by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlyingassumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction wascontained in the introduction of the survey.
4
Conducting the surveyThe 2,800 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on May 19th, 2022 and the survey remained open for 7weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a coverletter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. All mailings included a web link to giveresidents the opportunity to respond to the survey online. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completed the surveyto do so and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again.The survey was available in English and Spanish. All mailings contained paragraphs in both languages instructing participants onhow to complete the survey in their preferred language.About 3% of the 2,800 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postalservice was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,709 households that received the invitations toparticipate, 466 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 17%. The response rate was calculated usingAAPOR’s response rate #2* for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying“confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidenceinterval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinionsare relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Bozeman survey is no greater than plus orminus five percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (466 completed surveys).In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open participation survey waspublicized by the City of Bozeman. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with a questionabout where they heard about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available onJune 23rd, 2022. The survey remained open for 4 weeks. The data presented in the following tabs exclude the open participationsurvey data, but a tab at the end provides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open participationrespondents.
The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R,
Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent
positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe,
essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion
of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month.
On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is
shown in the full set of responses included in the tab “Complete data”. However, these responses have been removed from the
analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an
opinion about a specific item.
Contact
The City of Bozeman funded this research. Please contact Jon Henderson of the City of Bozeman at jon.henderson@bozeman.net
if you have any questions about the survey.
Survey Validity
See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali
* See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at
https://www.aapor.org/Publications-Media/AAPOR-Journals/Standard-Definitions.aspx
* Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf
* Targets come from the 2010 Census and 2020 American Community Survey
Unweighted Weighted Target*Age 18-3435-5455+Hispanic origin No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or LatinoSpanish, Hispanic, or LatinoHousing tenure OwnRentHousing type AttachedDetachedRace & Hispanicorigin Not white aloneWhite alone, not Hispanic or LatinoSexFemaleMaleSex/age Female 18-34Female 35-54Female 55+Male 18-34Male 35-54Male 55+Analyzing the dataResponses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses areentered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Rangechecks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco weredownloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses.The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2010 Census and 2020 American CommunitySurvey estimates for adults in the City of Bozeman. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the surveyrespondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race,Hispanic origin, housing type, and housing tenure. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated usingan iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.* The results of the weighting scheme for theprobability sample are presented in the following table.NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g.,age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups.MethodsSelecting survey recipientsAll households within the City of Bozeman were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codesserving Bozeman was purchased from Go-Dog Direct based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since someof the zip codes that serve the City of Bozeman households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exactgeographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundaryfile. Addresses located outside of the City of Bozeman boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey.From that list, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with aunit number) sampled at a rate of 53 compared to single family housing units.An individual within each household was selected using the birthday method. The birthday method selects a person within thehousehold by asking the “person whose birthday has most recently passed” to complete the questionnaire. The underlyingassumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction wascontained in the introduction of the survey.
5
Highlights
Aspects of the city’s economy remain strong, despite concerns about affordability and the overall economic
outlook.
Though the overall economic health of Bozeman experienced a notable drop since the previous iteration of The NCS (from 66% in
2015 to 40% in 2022), many aspects of the economy are still highly rated by residents. About 8 in 10 gave high marks to Bozeman
as a place to visit (higher than the benchmark), the vibrancy of the city’s downtown and commercial area (much higher than the
benchmark), and the overall quality of business and service establishments (similar to the benchmark). Two-thirds also
supported the variety of business and service establishments and shopping opportunities, while around half of residents offered
positive ratings to employment opportunities and Bozeman as a place to work. When asked what impact the economy would
have on their household income in the next six months, about 1 in 10 felt the impact would be positive. In alignment with other
facets, cost of living was the lowest-rated item pertaining to Bozeman’s economy, receiving positive evaluations from only 4% of
respondents.
Utilities are strong in Bozeman, though internet service may be an area of opportunity.
Most utility services in Bozeman were rated positively by the majority of residents. Two-thirds were pleased with the overall
quality of the city’s utility infrastructure, on par with comparison communities across the country. About 9 in 10 gave high marks
to sewer services, drinking water, and garbage collection; of these, drinking water scored higher than national benchmarks,
while all others were similar. Most residents also had positive views toward power utility (75% excellent or good) and utility
billing (66%). Ratings for stormwater management were high (83%) and experienced a notable increase from the 2015 iteration
of The NCS, which is especially noteworthy considering the devastating floods close in proximity to Bozeman during this survey
administration. The only item relating to utilities that was rated positively by less than half of residents was affordable
high-speed internet access (45%); while this was still similar to national benchmark comparisons, it may present an opportunity
for growth. Additionally, the City included a unique survey question that asked residents how likely they would be to opt for
increased utility fees in order to receive electricity from renewable sources. Three-quarters of respondents said they were very ..
Bozeman residents feel safe in their community and appreciate safety-related services.
The overall feelings of safety in Bozeman continued to receive high marks and contribute to the quality of life in the city. At least
9 in 10 reported feeling very or somewhat safe in their neighborhood and Bozeman’s downtown/commercial area during the day,
as well as from violent crime. About 8 in 10 similarly felt safe from property crime and from fire, flood, and other natural
disasters. In addition, safety-related services also garnered support from a strong majority of residents. This was highlighted by
positive ratings for fire services (90% excellent or good), followed by ambulance/EMS services (81%) and crime prevention
(79%). About 7 in 10 also were pleased with the City’s police services, fire prevention and education, and animal control. All
safety ratings were similar to the national benchmarks.
Community design and housing are priorities for residents.
When asked about which aspects of the community the City should focus on in the next two years, about 8 in 10 residents
responded that the overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas is an area of priority. A lower proportion of
residents gave positive ratings to the quality of community design in Bozeman (41% excellent or good), which was lower than the
national average.
In this facet, survey participants gave the highest ratings to their neighborhood as a place to live (78% excellent or good), the
overall appearance of Bozeman (73%), and public places where people want to spend time (72%); all of these were similar to
national comparison communities. About 4 in 10 gave positive marks to well-designed neighborhoods in Bozeman, while about 2
in 10 felt similarly toward well-planned residential and commercial growth. Results indicated that the most concern was
surrounding items related to housing: evaluations for the overall quality of new development (22% excellent or good), variety of
housing options (8%), and availability of affordable quality housing (3%) were all much lower than the national benchmarks.
Additionally, in a custom question unique to the City of Bozeman, residents were asked whether they’d like to see more effort,
less effort, or the same amount of effort from the City to address various aspects of the community. About 84% of residents
indicated that housing should receive more effort, and 32% said the same for neighborhoods.
The availability of recreational opportunities continues to be a bright spot for Bozeman.
Nearly all survey items pertaining to parks and recreation in Bozeman received strong support from the community. Most
residents gave positive ratings to recreational opportunities (91% excellent or good), fitness opportunities (87%), and the
availability of paths and walking trails (85%), all of which were higher than national averages. The overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities garnered favorable reviews from nearly 9 in 10 respondents. Additionally, strong marks were also
given to City parks (84%), recreation programs or classes (72%), and recreation centers or facilities (61%), on par with
benchmark comparison communities across the nation.
6
HighlightsAspects of the city’s economy remain strong, despite concerns about affordability and the overall economicoutlook.Though the overall economic health of Bozeman experienced a notable drop since the previous iteration of The NCS (from 66% in2015 to 40% in 2022), many aspects of the economy are still highly rated by residents. About 8 in 10 gave high marks to Bozemanas a place to visit (higher than the benchmark), the vibrancy of the city’s downtown and commercial area (much higher than thebenchmark), and the overall quality of business and service establishments (similar to the benchmark). Two-thirds alsosupported the variety of business and service establishments and shopping opportunities, while around half of residents offeredpositive ratings to employment opportunities and Bozeman as a place to work. When asked what impact the economy wouldhave on their household income in the next six months, about 1 in 10 felt the impact would be positive. In alignment with otherfacets, cost of living was the lowest-rated item pertaining to Bozeman’s economy, receiving positive evaluations from only 4% ofrespondents.Utilities are strong in Bozeman, though internet service may be an area of opportunity.Most utility services in Bozeman were rated positively by the majority of residents. Two-thirds were pleased with the overallquality of the city’s utility infrastructure, on par with comparison communities across the country. About 9 in 10 gave high marksto sewer services, drinking water, and garbage collection; of these, drinking water scored higher than national benchmarks,while all others were similar. Most residents also had positive views toward power utility (75% excellent or good) and utilitybilling (66%). Ratings for stormwater management were high (83%) and experienced a notable increase from the 2015 iterationof The NCS, which is especially noteworthy considering the devastating floods close in proximity to Bozeman during this surveyadministration. The only item relating to utilities that was rated positively by less than half of residents was affordablehigh-speed internet access (45%); while this was still similar to national benchmark comparisons, it may present an opportunityfor growth. Additionally, the City included a unique survey question that asked residents how likely they would be to opt forincreased utility fees in order to receive electricity from renewable sources. Three-quarters of respondents said they were very ..Bozeman residents feel safe in their community and appreciate safety-related services.The overall feelings of safety in Bozeman continued to receive high marks and contribute to the quality of life in the city. At least9 in 10 reported feeling very or somewhat safe in their neighborhood and Bozeman’s downtown/commercial area during the day,as well as from violent crime. About 8 in 10 similarly felt safe from property crime and from fire, flood, and other naturaldisasters. In addition, safety-related services also garnered support from a strong majority of residents. This was highlighted bypositive ratings for fire services (90% excellent or good), followed by ambulance/EMS services (81%) and crime prevention(79%). About 7 in 10 also were pleased with the City’s police services, fire prevention and education, and animal control. Allsafety ratings were similar to the national benchmarks.Community design and housing are priorities for residents.When asked about which aspects of the community the City should focus on in the next two years, about 8 in 10 residentsresponded that the overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas is an area of priority. A lower proportion ofresidents gave positive ratings to the quality of community design in Bozeman (41% excellent or good), which was lower than thenational average.In this facet, survey participants gave the highest ratings to their neighborhood as a place to live (78% excellent or good), theoverall appearance of Bozeman (73%), and public places where people want to spend time (72%); all of these were similar tonational comparison communities. About 4 in 10 gave positive marks to well-designed neighborhoods in Bozeman, while about 2in 10 felt similarly toward well-planned residential and commercial growth. Results indicated that the most concern wassurrounding items related to housing: evaluations for the overall quality of new development (22% excellent or good), variety ofhousing options (8%), and availability of affordable quality housing (3%) were all much lower than the national benchmarks.Additionally, in a custom question unique to the City of Bozeman, residents were asked whether they’d like to see more effort,less effort, or the same amount of effort from the City to address various aspects of the community. About 84% of residentsindicated that housing should receive more effort, and 32% said the same for neighborhoods.
The availability of recreational opportunities continues to be a bright spot for Bozeman.
Nearly all survey items pertaining to parks and recreation in Bozeman received strong support from the community. Most
residents gave positive ratings to recreational opportunities (91% excellent or good), fitness opportunities (87%), and the
availability of paths and walking trails (85%), all of which were higher than national averages. The overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities garnered favorable reviews from nearly 9 in 10 respondents. Additionally, strong marks were also
given to City parks (84%), recreation programs or classes (72%), and recreation centers or facilities (61%), on par with
benchmark comparison communities across the nation.
7
Facets of livability
Resident perceptions of quality and importance for each of the facets of community livability provide an overview of
community strengths and challenges that are useful for planning, budgeting and performance evaluation.
The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and the
priority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher than
communities across the country (the national benchmark).
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial
areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
66%40%
Lower
66%40%
Lower
45%
Similar
45%
Similar
64%41%
Lower
64%41%
Lower
67%
Similar
67%
Similar
92%89%
Similar
92%89%
Similar
87%89%
Higher
87%89%
Higher
88%
Similar
88%
Similar
81%82%
Similar
81%82%
Similar
86%71%
Similar
86%71%
Similar
53%
Similar
53%
Similar
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial
areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Bozeman community to focus on each of the following in
the coming two years.
(% essential or very important)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
Balancing performance and importance
Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To
this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being
of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as
lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address.
To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of services
were compared to their ratings of the quality of these services. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively
lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all services were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest
perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some services were in the top half of
both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher
quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some services were in the bottom half of both lists.
Services receiving quality ratings of excellent or good by 69% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and
those with ratings lower than 69% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they
were rated as essential or very important by 71% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they
received a rating of less than 71%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in
half.
The quadrants in the figure below show which community facets were given higher or lower importance ratings (right-left) and
which had higher or lower quality ratings (up-down). Facets of livability falling closer to a diagonal line from the lower left to the
upper right are those where performance ratings are more commensurate with resident priorities. Facets scoring closest to the
lower right hand corner of the matrix ( higher in importance and lower in quality) are those that may warrant further
investigation to see if changes to their delivery are necessary to improve their performance. This is the key part of this chart on
which to focus. Facets falling in the top left hand corner of the chart (lower in importance but higher in quality) are areas where
performance may outscore resident priorities, and may be a consideration for lower resource allocation.
(vs. benchmark*)
8
Facets of livabilityResident perceptions of quality and importance for each of the facets of community livability provide an overview ofcommunity strengths and challenges that are useful for planning, budgeting and performance evaluation.The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and thepriority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher thancommunities across the country (the national benchmark).Overall economic healthOverall quality of the transportation systemOverall design or layout of residential and commercialareasOverall quality of the utility infrastructureOverall feeling of safetyOverall quality of natural environmentOverall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesOverall health and wellness opportunitiesOverall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsResidents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial
areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
84%80%
Similar
84%80%
Similar
71%
Similar
71%
Similar
78%83%
Similar
78%83%
Similar
83%
Similar
83%
Similar
70%62%
Lower
70%62%
Lower
85%84%
Similar
85%84%
Similar
72%
Similar
72%
Similar
74%67%
Similar
74%67%
Similar
77%63%
Similar
77%63%
Similar
73%63%
Similar
73%63%
Similar
Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Bozeman community to focus on each of the following in
the coming two years.
(% essential or very important)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
Balancing performance and importance
Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To
this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being
of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as
lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address.
To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of services
were compared to their ratings of the quality of these services. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively
lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all services were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest
perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some services were in the top half of
both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher
quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some services were in the bottom half of both lists.
Services receiving quality ratings of excellent or good by 69% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and
those with ratings lower than 69% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they
were rated as essential or very important by 71% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they
received a rating of less than 71%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in
half.
The quadrants in the figure below show which community facets were given higher or lower importance ratings (right-left) and
which had higher or lower quality ratings (up-down). Facets of livability falling closer to a diagonal line from the lower left to the
upper right are those where performance ratings are more commensurate with resident priorities. Facets scoring closest to the
lower right hand corner of the matrix ( higher in importance and lower in quality) are those that may warrant further
investigation to see if changes to their delivery are necessary to improve their performance. This is the key part of this chart on
which to focus. Facets falling in the top left hand corner of the chart (lower in importance but higher in quality) are areas where
performance may outscore resident priorities, and may be a consideration for lower resource allocation.
(vs. benchmark*)
9
Facets of livabilityResident perceptions of quality and importance for each of the facets of community livability provide an overview ofcommunity strengths and challenges that are useful for planning, budgeting and performance evaluation.The charts below show the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and thepriority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local ratings were lower, similar, or higher thancommunities across the country (the national benchmark).Overall economic healthOverall quality of the transportation systemOverall design or layout of residential and commercialareasOverall quality of the utility infrastructureOverall feeling of safetyOverall quality of natural environmentOverall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesOverall health and wellness opportunitiesOverall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsResidents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)Overall economic healthOverall quality of the transportation systemOverall design or layout of residential and commercialareasOverall quality of the utility infrastructureOverall feeling of safetyOverall quality of natural environmentOverall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesOverall health and wellness opportunitiesOverall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsResidents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Bozeman community to focus on each of the following inthe coming two years.(% essential or very important)* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
Balancing performance and importance
Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To
this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being
of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as
lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address.
To help guide City staff and officials with decisions on future resource allocation, resident ratings of the importance of services
were compared to their ratings of the quality of these services. To identify the services perceived by residents to have relatively
lower quality at the same time as relatively higher importance, all services were ranked from highest perceived quality to lowest
perceived quality and from highest perceived importance to lowest perceived importance. Some services were in the top half of
both lists (higher quality and higher importance); some were in the top half of one list but the bottom half of the other (higher
quality and lower importance or lower quality and higher importance); and some services were in the bottom half of both lists.
Services receiving quality ratings of excellent or good by 69% or more of respondents were considered of “higher quality” and
those with ratings lower than 69% were considered to be of “lower quality.” Services were classified as “more important” if they
were rated as essential or very important by 71% or more of respondents. Services were rated as “less important” if they
received a rating of less than 71%. This classification uses the median ratings for quality and importance to divide the services in
half.
The quadrants in the figure below show which community facets were given higher or lower importance ratings (right-left) and
which had higher or lower quality ratings (up-down). Facets of livability falling closer to a diagonal line from the lower left to the
upper right are those where performance ratings are more commensurate with resident priorities. Facets scoring closest to the
lower right hand corner of the matrix ( higher in importance and lower in quality) are those that may warrant further
investigation to see if changes to their delivery are necessary to improve their performance. This is the key part of this chart on
which to focus. Facets falling in the top left hand corner of the chart (lower in importance but higher in quality) are areas where
performance may outscore resident priorities, and may be a consideration for lower resource allocation.
60%70%80%
Importance
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%QualityCommunity design
Economy
Education, arts, and culture
Health and wellness
Inclusivity and engagement
Mobility
Natural environment
Parks and recreationSafety
Utilities
Median
Median
(vs. benchmark*)
10
Excellent
20%
Good
48%
Poor
4%
Fair
27%
The overall quality of life in
Bozeman, 2022
Quality of life
Measuring community livability starts with assessing the
quality of life of those who live there, and ensuring that the
community is attractive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Bozeman as a place to live
The overall quality of life
90%80%
Similarvs.
benchmark*
90%80%
Similarvs.
benchmark*
90%69%
Similar
90%69%
Similar
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who asks
Remain in Bozeman for the next five years
82%
46%
Much
lower
82%
46%
Much
lower
82%70%
Lower
82%70%
Lower
Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following.
(% very or somewhat likely)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall image or reputation
86%66%
Similar
86%66%
Similar
Please rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
11
Excellent
4%
Good
26%
Fair
41%
Poor
28%
Overall confidence in Bozeman
government, 2022
Governance
Strong local governments produce results that meet the needs
of residents while making the best use of available resources,
and are responsive to the present and future needs of the
community as a whole.
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
The value of services for the taxes paid to Bozeman
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming resident
involvement
Overall confidence in Bozeman government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Being open and transparent to the public
Informing residents about issues facing the community
Treating all residents fairly
Treating residents with respect
54%41%
Similar
54%41%
Similar
46%
22%
Much
lower
46%
22%
Much
lower
55%40%
Similar
55%40%
Similar
52%
31%
Lower
52%
31%
Lower
53%
30%
Lower
53%
30%
Lower
58%40%
Lower
58%40%
Lower
Please rate the following categories of Bozeman government performance.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Public information services
Overall customer service by Bozeman employees
73%67%
Similar
73%67%
Similar
77%74%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
77%74%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
The City of Bozeman
The Federal Government
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following?
(% excellent or good)
12
Overall confidence in Bozemangovernment, 2022GovernanceStrong local governments produce results that meet the needsof residents while making the best use of available resources,and are responsive to the present and future needs of thecommunity as a whole.
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
The value of services for the taxes paid to BozemanThe overall direction that Bozeman is takingThe job Bozeman government does at welcoming residentinvolvementOverall confidence in Bozeman governmentGenerally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Being open and transparent to the public
Informing residents about issues facing the community
Treating all residents fairly
Treating residents with respect
58%40%
Lower
58%40%
Lower
38%
Lower
38%
Lower
35%
Lower
35%
Lower
53%40%
Lower
53%40%
Lower
57%
Similar
57%
Similar
Please rate the following categories of Bozeman government performance.(% excellent or good)Public information servicesOverall customer service by Bozeman employeesPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
The City of Bozeman
The Federal Government
81%60%
Similar
81%60%
Similar
43%30%
Similar
43%30%
Similar
Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following?
(% excellent or good)
13
Excellent
10%
Good
30%
Fair
37%
Poor
24%
Overall economic health of
Bozeman, 2022
Very positive
Somewhat
positive
Neutral
Somewhat
negative
Very negative
3%
11%
34%
36%
17%
What impact, if any, do you think the economy
will have on your family income in the next 6
months? Do you think the impact will be:
Economy
Local governments work together with private and
nonprofit businesses, and with the community at
large, to foster sustainable growth, create jobs,
and promote a thriving local economy.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Bozeman as a place to work
Bozeman as a place to visit
57%52%
Similar
57%52%
Similar
93%86%
Higher
93%86%
Higher
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall quality of business and service establishments
Variety of business and service establishments
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area
Employment opportunities
Shopping opportunities
Cost of living
76%81%
Similar
76%81%
Similar
68%
Similar
68%
Similar
86%83%
Much
higher
86%83%
Much
higher
Please rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
Economic development
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on
your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the
impact will be:
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the
impact will be:
(% very or somewhat positive)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall economic health
66%40%
Lower
benchmark*
66%40%
Lower
vvss..
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
14
Overall economic health ofBozeman, 2022 Very positiveSomewhatpositiveNeutralSomewhatnegativeVery negativeWhat impact, if any, do you think the economywill have on your family income in the next 6months? Do you think the impact will be:EconomyLocal governments work together with private andnonprofit businesses, and with the community atlarge, to foster sustainable growth, create jobs,and promote a thriving local economy.Bozeman as a place to workBozeman as a place to visitPlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of business and service establishmentsVariety of business and service establishmentsVibrancy of downtown/commercial area
Employment opportunities
Shopping opportunities
Cost of living
43%52%
Similar43%52%
Similar
59%65%
Similar59%65%
Similar
18%
4%
Much
lower18%
4%
Much
lower
Please rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Economic development
59%42%
Similar
59%42%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on
your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the
impact will be:
28%
14%
Lower
28%
14%
Lower
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the
impact will be:
(% very or somewhat positive)
Overall economic healthPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
15
Excellent
10%
Good
36%Fair
33%
Poor
21%
Overall quality of the transportation
system in Bozeman, 2022
Mobility
The ease with which residents can move about their
communities, whether for commuting, leisure, or recreation,
plays a major role in the quality of life for all who live, work,
and play in the community.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car
Ease of travel by public transportation
Ease of travel by bicycle
Ease of walking
37%31%
Lower
37%31%
Lower
39%24%
Lower
39%24%
Lower
56%60%
Similar56%60%
Similar
36%33%
Similar36%33%
Similar
51%49%
Similar51%49%
Similar
76%68%
Similar
76%68%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
Used public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving
alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.
(% yes)
Traffic enforcement
Traffic signal timing
Street repair
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Bus or transit services
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall quality of the transportation system
45%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
45%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
16
Overall quality of the transportationsystem in Bozeman, 2022MobilityThe ease with which residents can move about theircommunities, whether for commuting, leisure, or recreation,plays a major role in the quality of life for all who live, work,and play in the community.Traffic flow on major streetsEase of public parkingEase of travel by carEase of travel by public transportationEase of travel by bicycleEase of walkingPlease also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Used public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving
alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
25%24%
Similar25%24%
Similar
69%63%
Much
higher
69%63%
Much
higher
83%81%
Much
higher
83%81%
Much
higher
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.
(% yes)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Traffic enforcement
Traffic signal timing
Street repair
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Bus or transit services
58%46%
Lower
58%46%
Lower
38%45%
Similar38%45%
Similar
38%42%
Similar38%42%
Similar
71%71%
Similar
71%71%
Similar
60%67%
Similar60%67%
Similar
56%51%
Lower
56%51%
Lower
47%
55%
Similar47%
55%
Similar
58%56%
Similar58%56%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
Overall quality of the transportation systemPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
17
Excellent
7%
Good
34%
Fair
37%
Poor
22%
Overall design or layout of
Bozeman's residential and
commercial areas, 2022
Community design
A well-designed community enhances the quality of life for its
residents by encouraging smart land use and zoning, ensuring
that affordable housing is accessible to all, and providing
access to parks and other green spaces.
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Well-planned residential growth
Well-planned commercial growth
Well-designed neighborhoods
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the
community
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Overall quality of new development
Overall appearance
18%
Much
lower
18%
Much
lower
26%
Lower
26%
Lower
39%
Lower
39%
Lower
51%
Lower
51%
Lower
85%72%
Similar
85%72%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Your neighborhood as a place to live
82%78%
Similar
82%78%
Similar
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial
areas
64%41%
Lower
vs.
benchmark*
64%41%
Lower
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
18
Overall design or layout ofBozeman's residential andcommercial areas, 2022Community designA well-designed community enhances the quality of life for itsresidents by encouraging smart land use and zoning, ensuringthat affordable housing is accessible to all, and providingaccess to parks and other green spaces.
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
Well-planned residential growthWell-planned commercial growthWell-designed neighborhoodsPreservation of the historical or cultural character of thecommunity
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Overall quality of new development
Overall appearance
85%72%
Similar
85%72%
Similar
24%
8%
Much
lower
24%
8%
Much
lower
10%
3%
Much
lower10%
3%
Much
lower
52%22%
Much
lower
52%22%
Much
lower
90%73%
Similar
90%73%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)Your neighborhood as a place to livePlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement
38%25%
Lower
38%25%
Lower
47%42%
Similar
47%42%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
Overall design or layout of residential and commercialareasPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
19
Excellent
16%
Good
51%
Fair
23%
Poor
10%
Overall quality of the utility
infrastructure in Bozeman, 2022
Utilities
Services such as water, gas, electricity, and internet access
play a vital role in ensuring the physical and economic health
and well-being of the communities they serve.
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Affordable high-speed internet access
Garbage collection
Drinking water
Sewer services
Storm water management
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
45%
Similar
45%
Similar
91%89%
Similar
91%89%
Similar
80%90%
Higher80%90%
Higher
86%92%
Similar
86%92%
Similar
66%
83%
Similar66%
83%
Similar
78%75%
Similar78%75%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
67%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
67%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
20
Overall quality of the utilityinfrastructure in Bozeman, 2022UtilitiesServices such as water, gas, electricity, and internet accessplay a vital role in ensuring the physical and economic healthand well-being of the communities they serve.
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
Affordable high-speed internet accessGarbage collectionDrinking waterSewer servicesStorm water managementPower (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing 68%66%
Similar68%66%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of the utility infrastructurePlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
21
Excellent
42%
Good
47%
Fair
8%
Poor
2%
Overall feeling of safety in
Bozeman, 2022
Safety
Public safety is often the most important task facing local
governments. All residents should feel safe and secure in their
neighborhoods and in the greater community, and providing
robust safety-related services is essential to residents' quality
of life.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall feeling of safety
92%89%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
92%89%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
In your neighborhood during the day
In Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during the day
From property crime
From violent crime
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster
97%96%
Similar
97%96%
Similar
97%93%
Similar
97%93%
Similar
84%
Similar
84%
Similar
90%
Similar
90%
Similar
82%
Similar
82%
Similar
Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:
(% very or somewhat safe)
Police/Sheriff services
Crime prevention
Animal control
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Fire services
Fire prevention and education
Emergency preparedness
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
22
Overall feeling of safety inBozeman, 2022SafetyPublic safety is often the most important task facing localgovernments. All residents should feel safe and secure in theirneighborhoods and in the greater community, and providingrobust safety-related services is essential to residents' qualityof life.Overall feeling of safetyPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)In your neighborhood during the dayIn Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during the dayFrom property crimeFrom violent crimeFrom fire, flood, or other natural disasterPlease rate how safe or unsafe you feel:(% very or somewhat safe)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Police/Sheriff services
Crime prevention
Animal control
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Fire services
Fire prevention and education
Emergency preparedness
83%73%
Similar
83%73%
Similar
80%79%
Similar80%79%
Similar
63%69%
Similar63%69%
Similar
92%81%
Similar
92%81%
Similar
94%90%
Similar
94%90%
Similar
84%72%
Similar
84%72%
Similar
49%52%
Similar49%52%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
23
Excellent
50%Good
38%
Fair
8%
Poor
3%
Overall quality of natural
environment in Bozeman, 2022
Natural environment
The natural environment plays a vital role in the health and
well-being of residents. The natural spaces in which residents
live and experience their communities has a direct and
profound effect on quality of life.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Cleanliness
Water resources
Air quality
91%82%
Similar
91%82%
Similar
71%
Similar
71%
Similar
93%85%
Similar
93%85%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Preservation of natural areas
Bozeman open space
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up
54%51%
Lower
54%51%
Lower
62%56%
Similar
62%56%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall quality of natural environment
87%89%
Higher
vs.
benchmark*
87%89%
Higher
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
24
Overall quality of naturalenvironment in Bozeman, 2022Natural environmentThe natural environment plays a vital role in the health andwell-being of residents. The natural spaces in which residentslive and experience their communities has a direct andprofound effect on quality of life.CleanlinessWater resourcesAir qualityPlease also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)Preservation of natural areasBozeman open space
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up
59%
32%
Much
lower
59%
32%
Much
lower
57%60%
Lower
57%60%
Lower
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of natural environmentPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
25
Excellent
48%Good
40%
Fair
9%
Poor
3%
Overall quality of parks and
recreation opportunities, 2022
Parks and recreation
"There are no communities that pride themselves on their
quality of life, promote themselves as a desirable location for
businesses to relocate, or maintain that they are
environmental stewards of their natural resources, without
such communities having a robust, active system of parks and
recreation programs for public use and enjoyment."
- National Recreation and Park Association
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Availability of paths and walking trails
Fitness opportunities
Recreational opportunities
83%85%
Higher
83%85%
Higher
89%87%
Higher
89%87%
Higher
93%91%
Much
higher
93%91%
Much
higher
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation centers or facilities
89%84%
Similar
89%84%
Similar
83%72%
Similar
83%72%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
88%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
88%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
26
Overall quality of parks andrecreation opportunities, 2022Parks and recreation"There are no communities that pride themselves on theirquality of life, promote themselves as a desirable location forbusinesses to relocate, or maintain that they areenvironmental stewards of their natural resources, withoutsuch communities having a robust, active system of parks andrecreation programs for public use and enjoyment."- National Recreation and Park AssociationAvailability of paths and walking trailsFitness opportunitiesRecreational opportunitiesPlease also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation centers or facilities
78%61%
Similar
78%61%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunitiesPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
27
Excellent
34%
Good
47%
Fair
14%
Poor
4%
Overall health and wellness
opportunities in Bozeman, 2022
Health and wellness
The characteristics of and amenities available in the
communities in which people live has a direct impact on the
health and wellness of residents, and thus, on their quality of
life overall.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care
68%54%
Similar
68%54%
Similar
64%43%
Lower
64%43%
Lower
70%56%
Similar
70%56%
Similar
50%
25%
Lower
50%
25%
Lower
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Health services
72%64%
Similar
72%64%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
Please rate your overall health.
Please rate your overall health.
(% excellent or very good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall health and wellness opportunities
81%82%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
81%82%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
28
Overall health and wellnessopportunities in Bozeman, 2022Health and wellnessThe characteristics of and amenities available in thecommunities in which people live has a direct impact on thehealth and wellness of residents, and thus, on their quality oflife overall.Availability of affordable quality foodAvailability of affordable quality health careAvailability of preventive health servicesAvailability of affordable quality mental health carePlease also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)Health servicesPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Please rate your overall health.
76%81%
Similar
76%81%
Similar
Please rate your overall health.
(% excellent or very good)
Overall health and wellness opportunitiesPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
29
Excellent
25%
Good
46%
Fair
23%
Poor
6%
Overall opportunities for education,
culture and the arts, 2022
Education, arts, and culture
Participation in the arts, in educational opportunities, and in
cultural activities is linked to increased civic engagement,
greater social tolerance, and enhanced enjoyment of the local
community.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Community support for the arts
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals
75%73%
Similar
75%73%
Similar
75%
Higher
75%
Higher
42%16%
Much
lower
42%16%
Much
lower
83%79%
Similar
83%79%
Similar
77%65%
Similar
77%65%
Similar
74%78%
Similar
74%78%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
Public library services
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts
86%71%
Similarvs.
benchmark*
86%71%
Similarvs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
30
Overall opportunities for education,culture and the arts, 2022Education, arts, and cultureParticipation in the arts, in educational opportunities, and incultural activities is linked to increased civic engagement,greater social tolerance, and enhanced enjoyment of the localcommunity.Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activitiesCommunity support for the artsAvailability of affordable quality childcare/preschoolK-12 educationAdult educational opportunitiesOpportunities to attend special events and festivalsPlease also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Public library services
93%93%
Similar
93%93%
Similar
Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the artsPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
31
Excellent
11%
Good
42%
Fair
35%
Poor
11%
Residents' connection and
engagement with their
community, 2022
Inclusivity and engagement
Inclusivity refers to a cultural and environmental feeling of
belonging; residents who feel invited to participate within their
communities feel more included, involved, and engaged than
those who do not.
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Bozeman as a place to raise children
Bozeman as a place to retire
Sense of community
89%82%
Similar
89%82%
Similar
67%52%
Lower
67%52%
Lower
66%54%
Similar
66%54%
Similar
Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
(% excellent or good)
2016 2018 2020 2022
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
53%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
53%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.
(% excellent or good)
2016 2018 2020 2022
Making all residents feel welcome
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds
Taking care of vulnerable residents
57%
Similar
57%
Similar
Please rate the job you feel the Bozeman community does at each of the following.
(% excellent or good)
Sense of civic/community pride
Neighborliness of residents
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities
Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
32
Residents' connection andengagement with theircommunity, 2022Inclusivity and engagementInclusivity refers to a cultural and environmental feeling ofbelonging; residents who feel invited to participate within theircommunities feel more included, involved, and engaged thanthose who do not.Bozeman as a place to raise childrenBozeman as a place to retireSense of communityPlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.(% excellent or good)Residents' connection and engagement with theircommunityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole.(% excellent or good)
Making all residents feel welcome
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds
Taking care of vulnerable residents
28%
Much
lower
28%
Much
lower
39%
Lower
39%
Lower
33%
Lower
33%
Lower
Please rate the job you feel the Bozeman community does at each of the following.(% excellent or good)
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Sense of civic/community pride
Neighborliness of residents
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities
Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people
of diverse backgrounds
58%
Similar
58%
Similar
66%59%
Similar
66%59%
Similar
81%77%
Similar
81%77%
Similar
86%81%
Similar
86%81%
Similar
75%65%
Similar
75%65%
Similar
60%44%
Similar
60%44%
Similar
Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community.
(% excellent or good)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
33
Residents' participation levels
2014 2016 2018 2020 2022
Contacted the City of Bozeman for help or information
Contacted Bozeman elected officials to express your opinion
Attended a local public meeting
Watched a local public meeting
Volunteered your time to some group/activity
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate
Voted in your most recent local election
41%
41%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
41%
41%
Similar
vs.
benchmark*
14%
23%
Similar14%
23%
Similar
23%28%
Similar23%28%
Similar
20%
33%
Similar20%
33%
Similar
64%60%
Much
higher
64%60%
Much
higher
21%27%
Similar21%27%
Similar
83%
Similar
83%
Similar
Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.
(% yes)
2016 2018 2020 2022
Access the internet from your home
Access the internet from your cell phone
Visit social media sites
Use or check email
Share your opinions online
Shop online
95%
Similar
95%
Similar
96%
Similar
96%
Similar
74%
Similar
74%
Similar
99%
Similar
99%
Similar
In general, how many times do you:
(% a few times a week or more)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
34
Residents' participation levelsContacted the City of Bozeman for help or informationContacted Bozeman elected officials to express your opinionAttended a local public meetingWatched a local public meetingVolunteered your time to some group/activityCampaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidateVoted in your most recent local electionPlease indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.(% yes)Access the internet from your homeAccess the internet from your cell phoneVisit social media sites
Use or check email
Share your opinions online
Shop online
99%
Similar
99%
Similar
23%
Similar
23%
Similar
48%
Similar
48%
Similar
In general, how many times do you:(% a few times a week or more)
* Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank.
35
How likely would you be, if at all, to opt to
increase your utility fees to receive electricity
from renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.)?
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not at all likely
How much would you support or
oppose an increase in property
taxes to fund the following in
Bozeman?
Combined aquatics/recreation facility and
west side branch of the Bozeman Public
Library
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
New fire station and staff to maintain
citywide service levels relative to growth
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Currently, the City of Bozeman receives no
local sales tax revenue. How much would you
support or oppose a local option sales tax
that would go to the City to support property
tax relief?
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Please select the option that best
describes how you think the City
should address each of the
following aspects of the
community.
Economy More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Environment More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Neighborhoods More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Safety More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Parks & recreation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Transportation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
General government More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Housing More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Other More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
24%
33%
43%
20%
15%
37%
28%
11%
10%
46%
32%
38%
17%
18%
27%
2%
11%
38%
49%
1%
7%
47%
45%
3%
8%
57%
32%
2%
10%
74%
13%
Custom questions
Below are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses are
excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.
36
How likely would you be, if at all, to opt toincrease your utility fees to receive electricityfrom renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.)?Very likelySomewhat likelyNot at all likelyHow much would you support oroppose an increase in propertytaxes to fund the following inBozeman?Combined aquatics/recreation facility andwest side branch of the Bozeman PublicLibrary Strongly supportSomewhat supportSomewhat opposeStrongly opposeNew fire station and staff to maintaincitywide service levels relative to growth Strongly supportSomewhat supportSomewhat opposeStrongly opposeCurrently, the City of Bozeman receives nolocal sales tax revenue. How much would yousupport or oppose a local option sales taxthat would go to the City to support propertytax relief?Strongly supportSomewhat supportSomewhat opposeStrongly opposePlease select the option that bestdescribes how you think the Cityshould address each of thefollowing aspects of thecommunity.Economy More effortSame effortLess effortNo opinionEnvironmentMore effortSame effortLess effortNo opinionNeighborhoodsMore effortSame effortLess effort
No opinion
Safety More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Parks & recreation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Transportation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
General government More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Housing More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Other More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
2%
10%
74%
13%
1%
10%
71%
17%
1%
9%
46%
44%
9%
12%
56%
23%
1%
5%
9%
84%
67%
2%
10%
20%
Custom questionsBelow are the complete set of responses to each custom question on the survey. By default, “don’t know” responses areexcluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter below.Include "don't know"No
37
Open-ended questions
Bozeman included one open-ended question on their survey. The verbatim responses were categorized by topic area and those
topics are reported below with the percent of responses given in each category. Because some comments from residents covered
more than a single topic, those verbatim responses are grouped by the first topic listed in each comment. Shown in the chart
below, many of the write-in comments from residents related to aspects of housing and growth. Generally, comments related to
housing affordability and housing inventory in Bozeman were categorized as "housing;" comments related to restricting
housing growth and development were categorized as "neighborhoods"(which also includes comments related to planning and
responsible growth); finally, comments related to residential property taxes were categorized under "general governemnt."
Housing
Transportation
Neighborhoods
Environment
General government
Economy
Other
Parks and Recreation
Safety
Don't know/NA 1%
2%
2%
2%
4%
4%
8%
9%
11%
57%
Of the areas above, which is the single most important for the City to
increase efforts? If you chose ‘other,'please explain.
38
% positiveRankNumber ofcommunitiesPercentilePlease rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in Bozeman.
Bozeman as a place to live Similar
Your neighborhood as a place to live Similar
Bozeman as a place to raise children Similar
Bozeman as a place to work Similar
Bozeman as a place to visit Higher
Bozeman as a place to retire Lower
The overall quality of life Similar
Sense of community Similar
Please rate each of the
following characteristics
as they relate to Bozeman
as a whole.
Overall economic health Lower
Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Lower
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar
Overall feeling of safety Similar
Overall quality of natural environment Higher
3434422680%
2929620978%
5034817282%
2533925452%
852974386%
1634428752%
2337028469%
1729624554%
1128425240%
3216911545%
527726441%
4016510067%
7033410189%
National benchmark tables
This table contains the comparisons of Bozeman's results to those from other communities. The first column shows the comparison of
Bozeman's rating to the benchmark. Bozeman's results are noted as being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning
that the average rating given by Bozeman residents is statistically similar to or different than the benchmark. The second column is
Bozeman's “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options
(i.e., excellent/good). The third column is the rank assigned to Bozeman's rating among communities where a similar question was
asked. The fourth column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The fifth column shows the percentile for
Bozeman's result -- that is what percent of surveyed communities had a lower rating than Bozeman.
39
Please rate each of the
following characteristics
as they relate to Bozeman
as a whole.
Overall feeling of safety Similar
Overall quality of natural environment Higher
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar
Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar
Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar
Please indicate how likely
or unlikely you are to do
each of the following.
Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who asks Much lower
Remain in Bozeman for the next five years Lower
Please rate how safe or
unsafe you feel:
In your neighborhood during the day Similar
In Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during the day Similar
From property crime Similar
From violent crime Similar
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Similar
Please rate the job you feel
the Bozeman community
does at each of the
following.
Making all residents feel welcome Similar
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Much lower
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Lower
Taking care of vulnerable residents Lower
Please rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Overall quality of business and service establishments Similar
Variety of business and service establishments Similar
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Much higher
852864289%
791703688%
772796582%
6228110671%
3816610353%
028828746%
528526970%
813155996%
6429910893%
791743784%
701745290%
401649982%
917215657%
216916528%
317016539%
616615633%
792846081%
591666868%
40
Please rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Variety of business and service establishments Similar
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Much higher
Employment opportunities Similar
Shopping opportunities Similar
Cost of living Much lower
Overall image or reputation Similar
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Traffic flow on major streets Lower
Ease of public parking Lower
Ease of travel by car Similar
Ease of travel by public transportation Similar
Ease of travel by bicycle Similar
Ease of walking Similar
Well-planned residential growth Much lower
Well-planned commercial growth Lower
Well-designed neighborhoods Lower
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the
community Lower
Public places where people want to spend time Similar
Variety of housing options Much lower
Availability of affordable quality housing Much lower
Overall quality of new development Much lower
942661583%
6430010952%
6429110465%
02782774%
3633921666%
1931225231%
426024924%
2629922160%
4126015233%
4030118049%
5030215268%
116816618%
1116814926%
716515339%
816515251%
662729172%
12842828%
03063063%
41
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Availability of affordable quality housing Much lower
Overall quality of new development Much lower
Overall appearance Similar
Cleanliness Similar
Water resources Similar
Air quality Similar
Availability of paths and walking trails Higher
Fitness opportunities Higher
Recreational opportunities Much higher
Availability of affordable quality food Similar
Availability of affordable quality health care Lower
Availability of preventive health services Similar
Availability of affordable quality mental health care Lower
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Similar
Community support for the arts Higher
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Much lower
K-12 education Similar
Adult educational opportunities Similar
Sense of civic/community pride Similar
Neighborliness of residents Similar
229629022%
4331818273%
5430613982%
671505071%
652719485%
833035085%
942721787%
98293691%
1626622454%
1427523643%
2726119156%
826224225%
772896673%
831652975%
127327116%
6227610479%
702698165%
3716510458%
42
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Sense of civic/community pride Similar
Neighborliness of residents Similar
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Similar
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Similar
Opportunities to volunteer Similar
Opportunities to participate in community matters Similar
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of
diverse backgrounds Similar
Please indicate whether or
not you have done each of
the following in the last 12
months.
Contacted the City of Bozeman for help or information Similar
Contacted Bozeman elected officials to express your opinion Similar
Attended a local public meeting Similar
Watched a local public meeting Similar
Volunteered your time to some group/activity Much higher
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Similar
Voted in your most recent local election Similar
Used public transportation instead of driving Similar
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Much higher
Walked or biked instead of driving Much higher
Please rate the quality of
each of the following
services in Bozeman.
Public information services Similar
Economic development Similar
Traffic enforcement Lower
2727319759%
822805177%
772786378%
852764081%
6227910765%
1129626244%
2931422141%
822724823%
882743328%
802555133%
97277760%
822664727%
771673983%
712487124%
98269563%
932731981%
3229219667%
1728523642%
43
Please rate the quality of
each of the following
services in Bozeman.
Economic development Similar
Traffic enforcement Lower
Traffic signal timing Similar
Street repair Similar
Street cleaning Similar
Street lighting Similar
Snow removal Lower
Sidewalk maintenance Similar
Bus or transit services Similar
Land use, planning and zoning Lower
Code enforcement Similar
Affordable high-speed internet access Similar
Garbage collection Similar
Drinking water Higher
Sewer services Similar
Storm water management Similar
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Similar
Utility billing Similar
Police/Sheriff services Similar
Crime prevention Similar
933330246%
1127724545%
3732820742%
6029011671%
5832013467%
1524620851%
3228619355%
5825710756%
329328425%
3132622342%
2516212145%
6130911989%
952881390%
912912792%
843054883%
3423015175%
3725716166%
1836029673%
44
Please rate the quality of
each of the following
services in Bozeman.
Police/Sheriff services Similar
Crime prevention Similar
Animal control Similar
Ambulance or emergency medical services Similar
Fire services Similar
Fire prevention and education Similar
Emergency preparedness Similar
Preservation of natural areas Lower
Bozeman open space Similar
Recycling Much lower
Yard waste pick-up Lower
City parks Similar
Recreation programs or classes Similar
Recreation centers or facilities Similar
Health services Similar
Public library services Similar
Overall customer service by Bozeman employees Similar
Please rate the following
categories of Bozeman
government performance.
The value of services for the taxes paid to Bozeman Similar
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking Much lower
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming resident
involvement
Similar
5633214679%
4330317269%
1229826381%
2532324390%
2228822372%
1428724752%
1127024051%
3726216656%
331230132%
1726722060%
5230514584%
4329816972%
2028222461%
3325617164%
803036093%
2434826374%
2335227141%
031731622%
45
Please rate the following
categories of Bozeman
government performance.
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking Much lower
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming resident
involvement Similar
Overall confidence in Bozeman government Lower
Generally acting in the best interest of the community Lower
Being honest Lower
Being open and transparent to the public Lower
Informing residents about issues facing the community Lower
Treating all residents fairly Lower
Treating residents with respect Similar
Overall, how would you
rate the quality of the
services provided by each
of the following?
The City of Bozeman Similar
The Federal Government Similar
Please rate how important,
if at all, you think it is for
the Bozeman community to
focus on each of the
following in the coming
two years.
Overall economic health Similar
Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar
Overall feeling of safety Lower
Overall quality of natural environment Similar
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar
Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar
2131524740%
728226131%
328627630%
1327724140%
1117115338%
1017615835%
1128325240%
2016813457%
1734428660%
926624330%
1725721180%
571647071%
882573083%
1316314283%
025725662%
922572084%
481648572%
2125720267%
46
Please rate how important,
if at all, you think it is for
the Bozeman community to
focus on each of the
following in the coming
two years.
Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar
Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar
In general, how many times
do you:
Access the internet from your home Similar
Access the internet from your cell phone Similar
Visit social media sites Similar
Use or check email Similar
Share your opinions online Similar
Shop online Similar
Please rate your overall health.Similar
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your
family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:Lower
625724063%
1225722463%
541647595%
831642896%
1216314474%
821643099%
716415223%
2016413148%
942681681%
527025714%
47
% positiveRankNumber ofcommunitiesPercentilePlease rate each of the
following aspects of
quality of life in Bozeman.
Bozeman as a place to live Similar
Your neighborhood as a place to live Similar
Bozeman as a place to raise children Similar
Bozeman as a place to work Similar
Bozeman as a place to visit Higher
Bozeman as a place to retire Lower
The overall quality of life Similar
Sense of community Similar
Please rate each of the
following characteristics
as they relate to Bozeman
as a whole.
Overall economic health Lower
Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Lower
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar
Overall feeling of safety Similar
Overall quality of natural environment Higher
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar
Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar
321258680%
261138478%
471276882%
221239652%
92110986%
1512510752%
2013510769%
171149554%
111099740%
26695245%
410510141%
34674567%
721213489%
901091189%
82681388%
741062882%
Custom benchmark tables
This table contains the comparisons of Bozeman's results to those from other communities with similar population sizes (between
25,000 and 75,000). The first column shows the comparison of Bozeman's rating to the benchmark. Bozeman's results are noted as
being “higher”, “lower” or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Bozeman residents is statistically
similar to or different than the benchmark. The second column is Bozeman's “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is
the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good). The third column is the rank assigned to
Bozeman's rating among communities where a similar question was asked. The fourth column is the number of communities that asked
a similar question. The fifth column shows the percentile for Bozeman's result -- that is what percent of surveyed communities had a
lower rating than Bozeman.
48
Please rate each of the
following characteristics
as they relate to Bozeman
as a whole.
Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar
Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar
Please indicate how likely
or unlikely you are to do
each of the following.
Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who asks Much lower
Remain in Bozeman for the next five years Lower
Please rate how safe or
unsafe you feel:
In your neighborhood during the day Similar
In Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during the day Similar
From property crime Similar
From violent crime Similar
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Similar
Please rate the job you feel
the Bozeman community
does at each of the
following.
Making all residents feel welcome Lower
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Much lower
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Lower
Taking care of vulnerable residents Lower
Please rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Overall quality of business and service establishments Similar
Variety of business and service establishments Similar
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Much higher
Employment opportunities Similar
Shopping opportunities Similar
Cost of living Much lower
Overall image or reputation Similar
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Traffic flow on major streets Lower
Ease of public parking Much lower
Ease of travel by car Similar
591084571%
38684353%
010910946%
710910270%
841181996%
651113993%
83661284%
72661990%
34674582%
8736857%
4716928%
4716939%
5686533%
761102781%
64682568%
95100683%
561135052%
621144465%
01041044%
371227766%
201179431%
110510424%
49
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Ease of public parking Much lower
Ease of travel by car Similar
Ease of travel by public transportation Similar
Ease of travel by bicycle Similar
Ease of walking Similar
Well-planned residential growth Much lower
Well-planned commercial growth Lower
Well-designed neighborhoods Lower
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the
community Lower
Public places where people want to spend time Similar
Variety of housing options Much lower
Availability of affordable quality housing Much lower
Overall quality of new development Much lower
Overall appearance Similar
Cleanliness Similar
Water resources Similar
Air quality Similar
Availability of paths and walking trails Higher
Fitness opportunities Higher
Recreational opportunities Much higher
Availability of affordable quality food Lower
Availability of affordable quality health care Lower
Availability of preventive health services Similar
Availability of affordable quality mental health care Lower
191159460%
331036933%
331157849%
431176768%
2686718%
11686126%
7666239%
7676351%
671043572%
01101108%
01121123%
211211022%
421197073%
541165482%
67612171%
621044085%
851101785%
94104787%
100110191%
91029354%
111049343%
241017756%
50
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Availability of preventive health services Similar
Availability of affordable quality mental health care Lower
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Similar
Community support for the arts Higher
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool Much lower
K-12 education Similar
Adult educational opportunities Similar
Sense of civic/community pride Similar
Neighborliness of residents Similar
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Similar
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Similar
Opportunities to volunteer Similar
Opportunities to participate in community matters Similar
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of
diverse backgrounds Similar
Please indicate whether or
not you have done each of
the following in the last 12
months.
Contacted the City of Bozeman for help or information Similar
Contacted Bozeman elected officials to express your opinion Similar
Attended a local public meeting Higher
Watched a local public meeting Higher
Volunteered your time to some group/activity Much higher
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Similar
Voted in your most recent local election Similar
Used public transportation instead of driving Similar
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Much higher
Walked or biked instead of driving Much higher
8999225%
831101973%
8967875%
110210116%
631064079%
661033665%
40674158%
241037859%
851071777%
771082578%
911061081%
621064165%
111119944%
331157741%
94104723%
96106528%
911001033%
100105160%
881021327%
80681483%
72982824%
99102263%
51
Please indicate whether or
not you have done each of
the following in the last 12
months.
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Much higher
Walked or biked instead of driving Much higher
Please rate the quality of
each of the following
services in Bozeman.
Public information services Similar
Economic development Lower
Traffic enforcement Lower
Traffic signal timing Similar
Street repair Similar
Street cleaning Similar
Street lighting Similar
Snow removal Lower
Sidewalk maintenance Similar
Bus or transit services Similar
Land use, planning and zoning Lower
Code enforcement Similar
Affordable high-speed internet access Similar
Garbage collection Similar
Drinking water Higher
Sewer services Similar
Storm water management Similar
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Similar
Utility billing Similar
Police/Sheriff services Similar
Crime prevention Similar
Animal control Similar
94102781%
301097667%
121089542%
712411646%
610610045%
281238942%
541115171%
501216067%
12948251%
261108255%
47985256%
111311225%
271208842%
23675245%
531135489%
93110890%
861091692%
781112583%
29946775%
331016866%
1313011473%
541225779%
52
Please rate the quality of
each of the following
services in Bozeman.
Crime prevention Similar
Animal control Similar
Ambulance or emergency medical services Similar
Fire services Similar
Fire prevention and education Similar
Emergency preparedness Lower
Preservation of natural areas Lower
Bozeman open space Similar
Recycling Much lower
Yard waste pick-up Lower
City parks Similar
Recreation programs or classes Similar
Recreation centers or facilities Similar
Health services Similar
Public library services Similar
Overall customer service by Bozeman employees Similar
Please rate the following
categories of Bozeman
government performance.
The value of services for the taxes paid to Bozeman Similar
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking Much lower
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming resident
involvement Similar
Overall confidence in Bozeman government Lower
Generally acting in the best interest of the community Lower
Being honest Lower
Being open and transparent to the public Lower
Informing residents about issues facing the community Lower
361137369%
810810081%
201149290%
201068572%
151129652%
81039551%
331026956%
511310832%
111059460%
461136284%
381127072%
171099161%
26957164%
761122793%
1912310074%
1612610541%
011411422%
151159840%
71059831%
210610430%
81049640%
11706338%
53
Please rate the following
categories of Bozeman
government performance.
Being open and transparent to the public Lower
Informing residents about issues facing the community Lower
Treating all residents fairly Lower
Treating residents with respect Similar
Overall, how would you
rate the quality of the
services provided by each
of the following?
The City of Bozeman Similar
The Federal Government Similar
Please rate how important,
if at all, you think it is for
the Bozeman community to
focus on each of the
following in the coming
two years.
Overall economic health Similar
Overall quality of the transportation system Similar
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar
Overall feeling of safety Much lower
Overall quality of natural environment Similar
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Similar
Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar
Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar
In general, how many times
do you:
Access the internet from your home Similar
Access the internet from your cell phone Similar
Visit social media sites Similar
Use or check email Similar
Share your opinions online Similar
Shop online Similar
Please rate your overall health.Similar
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your
family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:
Lower
8716635%
610710140%
16685857%
1012311160%
91009230%
151018680%
65672471%
92101983%
16675783%
010110162%
96101584%
46673772%
211018067%
61019563%
151018663%
57662995%
81661396%
7666274%
83661299%
7666223%
24665148%
96102581%
54
Please rate your overall health.Similar
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your
family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:Lower 51039814%
55
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
Bozeman as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Your neighborhood as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman as a place to raise children Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman as a place to work Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman as a place to visit Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman as a place to retire Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall quality of life Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
2%
18%
46%
34%
4%
18%
39%
38%
5%
13%
40%
43%
17%
31%
35%
18%
4%
11%
34%
52%
28%
20%
28%
24%
4%
27%
48%
20%
Complete set of frequencies
This dashboard contains a complete set of responses to each question on the survey. By default, "don't know" responses are excluded, but
may be added to the table using the response filter to the right. In some tables, the percentages may not sum to 100%; this is either because
the question permitted the respondent to "choose all that apply", or for a question that asked the respondent to select one answer, it is due
to the customary practice of rounding values to the nearest whole number.
56
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
The overall quality of life Poor
Sense of community Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Bozeman as a whole.
Overall economic health Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the transportation system Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall design or layout of residential and
commercial areas
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall feeling of safety Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of natural environment Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of parks and recreation
opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
17%
29%
39%
14%
24%
37%
30%
10%
21%
33%
36%
10%
22%
37%
34%
7%
10%
23%
51%
16%
2%
8%
47%
42%
3%
8%
38%
50%
9%
40%
48%
57
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Bozeman as a whole.
Overall quality of parks and recreation
opportunities
Fair
Poor
Overall health and wellness opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and
the arts
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate how likely or unlikely
you are to do each of the following.
Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who
asks
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Remain in Bozeman for the next five years Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:
In your neighborhood during the day Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
In Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during
the day
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
From property crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
3%
4%
14%
47%
34%
6%
23%
46%
25%
11%
35%
42%
11%
31%
22%
32%
15%
17%
13%
28%
42%
1%
3%
12%
84%
2%
6%
22%
71%
38%
46%
58
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:
From property crime
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From violent crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Very unsafe
Please rate the job you feel the
Bozeman community does at each of
the following.
Making all residents feel welcome Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Taking care of vulnerable residents Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the following in
the Bozeman community.
Overall quality of business and service
establishments
Excellent
Good
Fair
1%
6%
10%
0%
2%
7%
31%
59%
1%
6%
12%
40%
42%
14%
29%
46%
11%
34%
38%
19%
9%
19%
42%
27%
13%
32%
35%
28%
5%
56%
24%
59
Please rate each of the following in
the Bozeman community.
Overall quality of business and service
establishments
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of business and service establishments Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Employment opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Shopping opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cost of living Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall image or reputation Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Traffic flow on major streets Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of public parking Excellent
Good
2%
17%
6%
26%
50%
18%
2%
15%
48%
35%
17%
31%
35%
17%
10%
25%
48%
17%
84%
12%
4%
0%
6%
28%
48%
18%
27%
42%
26%
5%
6%
60
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Ease of public parking
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by car Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by public transportation Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by bicycle Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of walking Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned residential growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned commercial growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-designed neighborhoods Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
30%
46%
18%
10%
30%
49%
11%
35%
32%
28%
6%
19%
33%
39%
10%
11%
21%
46%
22%
49%
33%
14%
4%
36%
38%
23%
3%
25%
37%
33%
6%
61
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Well-designed neighborhoods Poor
Preservation of the historical or cultural character
of the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public places where people want to spend time Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of housing options Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality housing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of new development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall appearance Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cleanliness Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Water resources Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
22%
27%
43%
8%
6%
22%
52%
21%
67%
25%
6%
2%
91%
6%
2%
1%
37%
40%
20%
2%
5%
23%
52%
21%
3%
15%
56%
26%
23%
47%
25%
62
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Water resources
Fair
Poor
Air quality Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of paths and walking trails Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fitness opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality food Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality health care Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of preventive health services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality mental health
care
Excellent
Good
Fair
6%
1%
13%
50%
36%
2%
13%
42%
44%
1%
12%
38%
49%
1%
9%
28%
62%
14%
32%
45%
9%
19%
38%
37%
7%
12%
32%
47%
9%
21%
4%
63
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Availability of affordable quality mental health
care
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music
activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Community support for the arts Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
childcare/preschool
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
K-12 education Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Adult educational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sense of civic/community pride Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Neighborliness of residents Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in social events andactivities Excellent
Good
42%
33%
4%
24%
54%
19%
4%
21%
50%
25%
56%
28%
13%
3%
4%
18%
46%
33%
9%
26%
47%
18%
10%
32%
47%
11%
11%
31%
45%
13%
18%
64
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Opportunities to participate in social events and
activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend special events and
festivals
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to volunteer Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in community
matters
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Openness and acceptance of the community
toward people of diverse backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in the
last 12 months.
Contacted the City of Bozeman for help or
information
No
Yes
Contacted Bozeman elected officials to express
your opinion
No
Yes
Attended a local public meeting No
Yes
Watched a local public meeting No
Yes
Volunteered your time to some group/activity No
Yes
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause,
or candidate
No
Yes
No
3%
21%
59%
3%
19%
56%
21%
2%
17%
52%
29%
7%
29%
48%
17%
19%
37%
32%
12%
41%
59%
23%
77%
28%
72%
33%
67%
60%
40%
27%
73%
65
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in the
last 12 months.
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause,
or candidate Yes
Voted in your most recent local election No
Yes
Used public transportation instead of driving No
Yes
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of
driving alone
No
Yes
Walked or biked instead of driving No
Yes
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Public information services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Economic development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic enforcement Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic signal timing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street repair Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street cleaning Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
83%
17%
24%
76%
62%
38%
81%
19%
3%
31%
61%
5%
19%
39%
35%
7%
19%
35%
40%
6%
25%
30%
40%
4%
19%
39%
37%
5%
25%
54%
17%
66
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Street cleaning
Fair
Poor
Street lighting Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Snow removal Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sidewalk maintenance Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bus or transit services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Land use, planning and zoning Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Code enforcement Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Affordable high-speed internet access Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Garbage collection Excellent
Good
Fair
4%
8%
25%
53%
14%
20%
29%
44%
7%
17%
28%
48%
7%
18%
26%
44%
12%
44%
31%
20%
5%
27%
31%
33%
9%
24%
30%
36%
9%
57%
33%
67
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Garbage collection
Good
Fair
Poor
Drinking water Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sewer services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Storm water management Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Utility billing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Police/Sheriff services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Crime prevention Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Animal control Excellent
Good
3%
8%
2%
8%
44%
47%
1%
8%
53%
38%
3%
14%
55%
28%
2%
23%
51%
23%
7%
27%
45%
21%
11%
16%
52%
22%
5%
17%
56%
22%
18%
68
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Animal control
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ambulance or emergency medical services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fire services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fire prevention and education Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Emergency preparedness Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Preservation of natural areas Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman open space Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recycling Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
9%
23%
51%
1%
18%
58%
24%
0%
10%
56%
34%
6%
22%
48%
24%
17%
31%
40%
12%
23%
26%
40%
11%
13%
31%
38%
18%
36%
32%
24%
8%
69
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Recycling Poor
Yard waste pick-up Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
City parks Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation programs or classes Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation centers or facilities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Health services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public library services Excellent
Good
Fair
Overall customer service by Bozeman employees Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate the following categories
of Bozeman government performance.
The value of services for the taxes paid to
Bozeman
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
14%
26%
46%
14%
1%
14%
54%
31%
6%
22%
55%
18%
14%
25%
45%
15%
9%
27%
49%
15%
7%
42%
51%
9%
17%
53%
21%
19%
40%
31%
10%
70
Please rate the following categories
of Bozeman government performance.
The value of services for the taxes paid to
Bozeman Poor
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming
resident involvement
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall confidence in Bozeman government Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Generally acting in the best interest of the
community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Being honest Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Being open and transparent to the public Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Informing residents about issues facing the
community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treating all residents fairly Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
41%
37%
17%
5%
19%
41%
31%
10%
28%
41%
26%
4%
35%
34%
25%
6%
20%
40%
34%
6%
26%
36%
33%
5%
28%
38%
29%
6%
34%
33%
7%
71
Please rate the following categories
of Bozeman government performance.
Treating all residents fairly
Fair
Poor
Treating residents with respect Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
each of the following?
The City of Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The Federal Government Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Bozeman
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.
Overall economic health Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of the transportation system Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall design or layout of residential and
commercial areas
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall feeling of safety Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
26%
16%
28%
45%
12%
9%
31%
49%
11%
30%
40%
27%
3%
2%
18%
31%
49%
4%
25%
36%
35%
3%
14%
37%
46%
3%
15%
41%
42%
34%
28%
72
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Bozeman
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.
Overall feeling of safety
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of natural environment Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of parks and recreation
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall health and wellness opportunities Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and
the arts
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
How likely would you be, if at all, to opt to
increase your utility fees to receive electricity
from renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.)?
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not at all likely
How much would you support or
oppose an increase in property taxes
to fund the following in Bozeman?
Combined aquatics/recreation facility and west
side branch of the Bozeman Public Library
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
New fire station and staff to maintain citywide
service levels relative to growth
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
6%
32%
1%
15%
29%
55%
2%
25%
33%
40%
5%
29%
36%
31%
5%
32%
37%
27%
4%
32%
41%
23%
24%
33%
43%
20%
15%
37%
28%
46%
32%
73
How much would you support or
oppose an increase in property taxes
to fund the following in Bozeman?
New fire station and staff to maintain citywide
service levels relative to growth
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Currently, the City of Bozeman receives no local
sales tax revenue. How much would you support
or oppose a local option sales tax that would go
to the City to support property tax relief?
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Please select the option that best
describes how you think the City
should address each of the following
aspects of the community.
Economy More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Environment More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Neighborhoods More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Safety More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Parks & recreation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Transportation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
General government More effort
Same effort
11%
10%
38%
17%
18%
27%
2%
11%
38%
49%
1%
7%
47%
45%
3%
8%
57%
32%
2%
10%
74%
13%
1%
10%
71%
17%
1%
9%
46%
44%
23%
74
Please select the option that best
describes how you think the City
should address each of the following
aspects of the community.
General government
More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Housing More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Other More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
In general, how many times do you:Access the internet from your home Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Access the internet from your cell phone Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Visit social media sites Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Use or check email Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Several times a day
9%
12%
56%
1%
5%
9%
84%
67%
2%
10%
20%
3%
1%
3%
8%
85%
3%
1%
1%
3%
92%
21%
5%
10%
14%
50%
1%
0%
4%
15%
80%
75
In general, how many times do you:
Use or check email Less often or never
Share your opinions online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Shop online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Please rate your overall health.Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will
have on your family income in the next 6 months?
Do you think the impact will be:
Very positive
Somewhat positive
Neutral
Somewhat negative
Very negative
How many years have you lived in Bozeman?Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
Which best describes the building you live in?One family house detached from
any other houses
Building with two or more
homes (duplex, townhome, apa..
Mobile home
Other
Do you rent or own your home?Rent
Own
About how much is your monthly housing cost for
the place you live (including rent, mortgage
payment, property tax, property insurance and
homeowners' association (HOA) fees)?
Less than $500
$500 to $999
60%
17%
11%
4%
8%
12%
41%
32%
9%
6%
3%
15%
43%
39%
17%
36%
34%
11%
3%
26%
18%
22%
26%
9%
1%
2%
58%
39%
43%
57%
4%
76
About how much is your monthly housing cost for
the place you live (including rent, mortgage
payment, property tax, property insurance and
homeowners' association (HOA) fees)?
Less than $500
$500 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 to $3,499
$3,500 or more
Do any children 17 or under live in your
household?
No
Yes
Are you or any other members of your household
aged 65 or older?
No
Yes
How much do you anticipate your household's
total income before taxes will be for the current
year? (Please include in your total income money
from all sources for all persons living in your
household.)
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or
Latino
Yes, I consider myself to be
Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
What is your race? (Mark one or more races to
indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)
American Indian or Alaskan
Native
Asian, Asian Indian, or Pacific
Islander
Black or African American
White
Other
In which category is your age?18-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65-74 years
75 years or older
Female
5%
5%
7%
18%
25%
18%
18%
19%
81%
15%
85%
18%
20%
16%
23%
16%
7%
4%
96%
3%
97%
1%
2%
3%
5%
8%
7%
11%
11%
44%
14%
77
In which category is your age?75 years or older
What is your sex?Female
Male
Identify in another way
What is your sexual orientation?Asexual
Bisexual
Gay
Heterosexual
Lesbian
Pansexual
Queer
Other
1%
52%
47%
2%
2%
0%
1%
85%
1%
6%
2%
78
2005200720152022Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in
Bozeman.
Bozeman as a place to live
Your neighborhood as a place to live
Bozeman as a place to raise children
Bozeman as a place to work
Bozeman as a place to visit
Bozeman as a place to retire
The overall quality of life
Sense of community
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Bozeman as a whole.
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
54%
69%
52%
86%
52%
82%
78%
80%
66%
90%
67%
93%
57%
89%
82%
90%
60%
83%
63%
51%
81%
80%
87%
68%
84%
62%
39%
85%
78%
93%
89%
89%
67%
41%
45%
40%
87%
92%
64%
66%
Full trends
This table contains the trends over time for the City of Bozeman. The combined "percent positive" responses for each
survey year are presented (e.g., excellent/good or yes). If an item was not included during an administration of the survey,
no percentage will be shown in the table. If the difference between the 2015 and 2022 surveys is greater than seven
percentage points, the change is statistically significant.
It is important to note that in 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some
of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item
for the respondent.
90
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Bozeman as a whole.
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their community
Please indicate how likely or
unlikely you are to do each of the
following.
Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who asks
Remain in Bozeman for the next five years
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:
In your neighborhood during the day
In Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during the day
From property crime
From violent crime
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster
Please rate the job you feel the
Bozeman community does at each
of the following.
Making all residents feel welcome
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds
Taking care of vulnerable residents
Please rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Overall quality of business and service establishments
Variety of business and service establishments
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area
Employment opportunities
Shopping opportunities
53%
71%
82%
88%
86%
81%
70%
46%
82%
82%
82%
90%
84%
93%
96%
97%
97%
74%
57%
97%
95%
78%
64%
97%
96%
33%
39%
28%
57%
52%
83%
68%
81%
43%
86%
76%
42%22%
91
Please rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Employment opportunities
Shopping opportunities
Cost of living
Overall image or reputation
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car
Ease of travel by public transportation
Ease of travel by bicycle
Ease of walking
Well-planned residential growth
Well-planned commercial growth
Well-designed neighborhoods
Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Overall quality of new development
Overall appearance
Cleanliness
Water resources
66%
4%
65%
86%
18%
59%
83%
59%
81%
53%
82%
73%
22%
3%
8%
72%
51%
39%
26%
18%
68%
49%
33%
60%
24%
31%
91%
90%
52%
10%
24%
85%
76%
51%
36%
56%
39%
37%
79%
42%
11%
69%
42%
40%
21%
80%
42%
9%
66%
42%
30%
22%
92
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Cleanliness
Water resources
Air quality
Availability of paths and walking trails
Fitness opportunities
Recreational opportunities
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Community support for the arts
Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Sense of civic/community pride
Neighborliness of residents
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities
Opportunities to attend special events and festivals
Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
81%
78%
77%
59%
58%
65%
79%
16%
75%
73%
25%
56%
43%
54%
91%
87%
85%
85%
71%
86%
74%
81%
66%
77%
83%
42%
75%
50%
70%
64%
68%
93%
89%
83%
93%
68%
61%
32%
89%
87%
63%
85%
93
Please also rate each of the
following in the Bozeman
community.
Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of
diverse backgrounds
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in
the last 12 months.
Contacted the City of Bozeman for help or information
Contacted Bozeman elected officials to express your opinion
Attended a local public meeting
Watched a local public meeting
Volunteered your time to some group/activity
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate
Voted in your most recent local election
Used public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Bozeman.
Public information services
Economic development
Traffic enforcement
Traffic signal timing
Street repair
Street cleaning
Street lighting
Snow removal
44%
65%
60%
75%
81%
63%
24%
83%
27%
60%
33%
28%
23%
41%
83%
69%
25%
21%
64%
20%
23%
14%
41%
73%
63%
40%
30%
64%
80%
60%
32%
60%
67%
71%
42%
45%
46%
42%
67%
60%
71%
38%
38%
58%
59%
73%
47%
47%
16%
26%
48%
50%
58%
46%
52%
31%
29%
43%
39%
56%
94
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Bozeman.
Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Bus or transit services
Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement
Affordable high-speed internet access
Garbage collection
Drinking water
Sewer services
Storm water management
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
Police/Sheriff services
Crime prevention
Animal control
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Fire services
Fire prevention and education
Emergency preparedness
Preservation of natural areas
52%
72%
90%
81%
69%
79%
73%
66%
75%
83%
92%
90%
89%
45%
42%
25%
56%
55%
51%
49%
84%
94%
92%
63%
80%
83%
68%
78%
66%
86%
80%
91%
47%
38%
58%
47%
56%
75%
92%
90%
62%
56%
67%
52%
78%
74%
79%
39%
24%
33%
42%
39%
69%
92%
84%
59%
59%
66%
61%
74%
66%
81%
37%
23%
46%
46%
95
Please rate the quality of each of
the following services in Bozeman.
Emergency preparedness
Preservation of natural areas
Bozeman open space
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up
City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation centers or facilities
Health services
Public library services
Overall customer service by Bozeman employees
Please rate the following
categories of Bozeman
government performance.
The value of services for the taxes paid to Bozeman
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming resident
involvement
Overall confidence in Bozeman government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Being open and transparent to the public
Informing residents about issues facing the community
Treating all residents fairly
Treating residents with respect
74%
93%
64%
61%
72%
84%
60%
32%
56%
51%
52%
77%
93%
72%
78%
83%
89%
57%
59%
62%
54%
49%
65%
88%
61%
65%
78%
87%
53%
47%
68%
75%
64%
77%
83%
58%
58%
40%
35%
38%
40%
30%
31%
40%
22%
41%
53%
58%
53%
52%
55%
46%
54%
53%
39%
47%
50%
37%
46%
96
Please rate the following
categories of Bozeman
government performance.
Treating all residents fairly
Treating residents with respect
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
each of the following?
The City of Bozeman
The Federal Government
Please rate how important, if at
all, you think it is for the Bozeman
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.
Overall economic health
Overall quality of the transportation system
Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure
Overall feeling of safety
Overall quality of natural environment
Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities
Overall health and wellness opportunities
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts
Residents' connection and engagement with their community
In general, how many times do
you:
Access the internet from your home
Access the internet from your cell phone
Visit social media sites
Use or check email
Share your opinions online
Shop online
Please rate your overall health.
57%
30%
60%
43%
81%
44%
62%
44%
65%
63%
63%
67%
72%
84%
62%
83%
83%
71%
80%
73%
77%
74%
85%
70%
78%
84%
48%
23%
99%
74%
96%
95%
97
In general, how many times do
you:Shop online
Please rate your overall health.
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your
family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:
81%76%
14%28%26%30%
98
Methods (open participation)
As part of its participation in The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™), the City of Bozeman conducted a survey of 466
residents. Survey invitations were mailed to randomly selected households and data were collected from May 19th, 2022 to July
7, 2022. The results from this main survey effort represent the most robust estimate of your residents’ opinions.
After the above data collection period was underway, a link to an online open participation survey was publicized by the City of
Bozeman. The open participation survey was identical to the probability sample survey with a question about where they heard
about the survey. The open participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on June 23, 2022. The survey
remained open for 4 weeks and there were 19 responses.
The open participation survey data were not collected through a random sample and it is unknown who in the community was
aware of the survey; therefore, a level of confidence in the representativeness of the sample cannot be estimated. Due to limited
response, the results were not statistically weighted.
* Pasek, J. (2010). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/group/iriss/cgi-bin/anesrake/resources/RakingDescription.pdf
99
Do you live within the City limits of Bozeman?Yes
No
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
Bozeman as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Your neighborhood as a place to live Excellent
Good
Fair
Bozeman as a place to raise children Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman as a place to work Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman as a place to visit Excellent
Good
Fair
Bozeman as a place to retire Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall quality of life in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
11%
89%
11%
26%
42%
21%
32%
26%
42%
18%
41%
12%
29%
19%
50%
13%
19%
22%
22%
56%
20%
33%
27%
20%
17%
17%
39%
28%
Open participation survey results
This dashboard contains a complete set of responses to each question on the open participation survey. By default, "don't know" responses
are excluded, but may be added to the table using the response filter to the right. In some tables, the percentages may not sum to 100%; this is
either because the question permitted the respondent to "choose all that apply", or for a question that asked the respondent to select one
answer, it is due to the customary practice of rounding values to the nearest whole number.
100
Please rate each of the following
aspects of quality of life in Bozeman.
The overall quality of life in Bozeman Poor
Sense of community Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Bozeman as a whole.
Overall economic health of Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the transportation system (auto,
bicycle, foot, bus) in Bozeman
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall design or layout of Bozeman's residential
and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings,
streets, parks, etc.)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in
Bozeman (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas,
broadband)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall feeling of safety in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Overall quality of natural environment in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall quality of parks and recreation
opportunities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall health and wellness opportunities inBozeman Excellent
Good
21%
26%
37%
16%
33%
39%
17%
11%
29%
18%
35%
18%
28%
39%
28%
6%
16%
16%
53%
16%
21%
58%
21%
11%
16%
26%
47%
11%
11%
32%
47%
26%
101
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to
Bozeman as a whole.
Overall health and wellness opportunities in
Bozeman
Excellent
Good
Fair
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and
the arts
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate how likely or unlikely
you are to do each of the following.
Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who
asks
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Remain in Bozeman for the next five years Very likely
Somewhat likely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:
In your neighborhood during the day Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
In Bozeman's downtown/commercial area during
the day
Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
From property crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
From violent crime Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
37%
37%
11%
21%
53%
16%
11%
47%
37%
5%
65%
6%
24%
6%
39%
6%
33%
22%
5%
16%
79%
6%
6%
6%
83%
11%
21%
32%
37%
21%
26%
42%
102
Please rate how safe or unsafe you
feel:
From violent crime
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Very safe
Somewhat safe
Neither safe nor unsafe
Somewhat unsafe
Please rate the job you feel the
Bozeman community does at each of
the following.
Making all residents feel welcome Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Valuing/respecting residents from diverse
backgrounds
Excellent
Fair
Poor
Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly,
disabled, homeless, etc.)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate each of the following in
the Bozeman community.
Overall quality of business and service
establishments in Bozeman
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of business and service establishments in
Bozeman
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
11%
5%
32%
42%
21%
32%
32%
21%
16%
58%
21%
11%
11%
44%
39%
17%
44%
39%
11%
6%
16%
16%
47%
21%
32%
32%
16%
21%
11%
26%
26%
37%
103
Please rate each of the following in
the Bozeman community.
Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Poor
Employment opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Shopping opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cost of living in Bozeman Excellent
Fair
Poor
Overall image or reputation of Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Traffic flow on major streets Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of public parking Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by car in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by public transportation in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of travel by bicycle in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
28%
44%
17%
11%
26%
47%
11%
16%
89%
5%
5%
11%
37%
32%
21%
58%
21%
16%
5%
42%
21%
37%
32%
16%
42%
11%
33%
33%
17%
17%
6%
19%
104
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Ease of travel by bicycle in Bozeman
Good
Fair
Poor
Ease of walking in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned residential growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-planned commercial growth Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Well-designed neighborhoods Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Preservation of the historical or cultural character
of the community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public places where people want to spend time Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Variety of housing options Excellent
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality housing Fair
Poor
Overall quality of new development in Bozeman Good
Fair
31%
44%
26%
26%
37%
11%
61%
17%
17%
6%
56%
28%
11%
6%
26%
42%
21%
11%
33%
33%
17%
17%
11%
21%
58%
11%
72%
22%
6%
94%
6%
22%
105
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Overall quality of new development in Bozeman
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall appearance of Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Cleanliness of Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Water resources (beaches, lakes, ponds, riverways,
etc.)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Air quality Excellent
Good
Fair
Availability of paths and walking trails Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes
and paths or trails, etc.)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Recreational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Availability of affordable quality food Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality health care Excellent
Good
50%
28%
11%
26%
53%
11%
5%
16%
42%
37%
5%
21%
53%
21%
32%
42%
26%
6%
22%
33%
39%
26%
26%
47%
21%
26%
53%
37%
26%
26%
11%
11%
106
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Availability of affordable quality health care
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of preventive health services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality mental health care Excellent
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music
activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Community support for the arts Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Availability of affordable quality
childcare/preschool
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
K-12 education Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Adult educational opportunities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sense of civic/community pride Excellent
Good
Fair
26%
37%
26%
16%
47%
26%
11%
50%
44%
6%
5%
26%
42%
26%
6%
28%
44%
22%
75%
8%
8%
8%
23%
15%
31%
31%
7%
47%
40%
7%
29%
6%
107
Please also rate each of the following
in the Bozeman community.
Sense of civic/community pride
Good
Fair
Poor
Neighborliness of residents in Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in social events and
activities
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to attend special events and
festivals
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to volunteer Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Opportunities to participate in community matters Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Openness and acceptance of the community toward
people of diverse backgrounds
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in the
last 12 months.
Contacted the City of Bozeman (in-person, phone,
email, or web) for help or information
No
Yes
Contacted Bozeman elected officials (in-person,
phone, email, or web) to express your opinion
No
Yes
Attended a local public meeting (of local elected
officials like City Council or County Commissioners,
advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood w..
No
Yes
No
24%
41%
11%
53%
32%
5%
11%
39%
22%
28%
16%
26%
37%
21%
6%
11%
61%
22%
11%
22%
50%
17%
44%
39%
6%
11%
58%
42%
37%
63%
47%
53%
108
Please indicate whether or not you
have done each of the following in the
last 12 months.
Attended a local public meeting (of local electedofficials like City Council or County Commissioners,
advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood w..Yes
Watched (online or on television) a local public
meeting
No
Yes
Volunteered your time to some group/activity in
Bozeman
No
Yes
Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause,
or candidate
No
Yes
Voted in your most recent local election No
Yes
Used bus, rail, subway, or other public
transportation instead of driving
No
Yes
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of
driving alone
No
Yes
Walked or biked instead of driving No
Yes
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Public information services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Economic development Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic enforcement Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Traffic signal timing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Street repair Excellent
Good
Fair
63%
37%
74%
26%
47%
53%
83%
17%
21%
79%
58%
42%
74%
26%
11%
37%
42%
11%
20%
53%
20%
7%
28%
28%
39%
6%
21%
42%
32%
5%
17%
22%
109
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Street repair
Good
Fair
Poor
Street cleaning Excellent
Good
Fair
Street lighting Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Snow removal Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sidewalk maintenance Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bus or transit services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Land use, planning, and zoning Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings,
etc.)
Good
Fair
Poor
Affordable high-speed internet access Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
11%
50%
37%
32%
32%
17%
28%
28%
28%
21%
32%
37%
11%
5%
47%
42%
5%
20%
27%
33%
20%
50%
39%
6%
6%
33%
47%
20%
61%
22%
6%
11%
110
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Affordable high-speed internet access Poor
Garbage collection Excellent
Good
Fair
Drinking water Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Sewer services Excellent
Good
Fair
Storm water management (storm drainage, dams,
levees, etc.)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Power (electric and/or gas) utility Excellent
Good
Fair
Utility billing Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Police/Sheriff services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Crime prevention Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Animal control Excellent
Good
Fair
Ambulance or emergency medical services Excellent
Good
26%
32%
42%
6%
24%
18%
53%
24%
29%
47%
12%
53%
35%
39%
39%
22%
12%
41%
29%
18%
22%
22%
22%
33%
24%
35%
12%
29%
53%
29%
18%
36%
111
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Excellent
Good
Fair
Fire services Excellent
Good
Fair
Fire prevention and education Excellent
Good
Fair
Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the
community for natural disasters or other
emergency situations)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Preservation of natural areas (open space,
farmlands, and greenbelts)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Bozeman open space Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recycling Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Yard waste pick-up Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
City parks Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Excellent
21%
43%
7%
36%
57%
33%
40%
27%
31%
23%
38%
8%
38%
31%
25%
6%
29%
35%
24%
12%
58%
11%
26%
5%
14%
36%
21%
29%
11%
16%
32%
42%
112
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Bozeman.
City parks Poor
Recreation programs or classes Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Recreation centers or facilities Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Health services Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Public library services Excellent
Good
Fair
Overall customer service by Bozeman employees
(police, receptionists, planners, etc.)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate the following categories
of Bozeman government performance.
The value of services for the taxes paid to Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The overall direction that Bozeman is taking Good
Fair
Poor
The job Bozeman government does at welcoming
resident involvement
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall confidence in Bozeman government Good
Fair
Poor
22%
22%
39%
17%
41%
29%
18%
12%
29%
21%
36%
14%
11%
21%
68%
11%
33%
39%
17%
32%
37%
26%
5%
58%
26%
16%
44%
28%
22%
6%
39%
11%
113
Please rate the following categories
of Bozeman government performance.
Overall confidence in Bozeman government
Fair
Poor
Generally acting in the best interest of the
community
Good
Fair
Poor
Being honest Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Being open and transparent to the public Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Informing residents about issues facing the
community
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Treating all residents fairly Good
Fair
Poor
Treating residents with respect Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Overall, how would you rate the
quality of the services provided by
each of the following?
The City of Bozeman Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
The Federal Government Good
Fair
Poor
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Bozeman
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.
Overall economic health of Bozeman Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
50%
47%
42%
11%
33%
28%
28%
11%
41%
24%
29%
6%
56%
22%
11%
11%
50%
13%
38%
18%
35%
41%
6%
17%
50%
28%
6%
53%
32%
16%
26%
53%
114
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Bozeman
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.
Overall economic health of Bozeman
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of the transportation system (auto,
bicycle, foot, bus) in Bozeman
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall design or layout of Bozeman's residential
and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings,
streets, parks, etc.)
Essential
Very important
Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in
Bozeman (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas,
broadband)
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall feeling of safety in Bozeman Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of natural environment in Bozeman Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Overall quality of parks and recreation
opportunities
Essential
Very important
Not at all important
Overall health and wellness opportunities in
Bozeman
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Overall opportunities for education, culture, and
the arts
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
11%
11%
11%
11%
47%
32%
63%
37%
12%
6%
41%
41%
21%
26%
21%
32%
5%
11%
21%
63%
11%
32%
58%
16%
42%
42%
16%
21%
37%
26%
26%
32%
115
Please rate how important, if at all,
you think it is for the Bozeman
community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years.
Residents' connection and engagement with their
community
Very important
Somewhat important
Not at all important
How likely would you be, if at all, to opt to increase
your utility fees to receive electricity from
renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.)?
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not at all likely
How much would you support or
oppose an increase in property taxes
to fund the following in Bozeman?
Combined aquatics/recreation facility and west side
branch of the Bozeman Public Library
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
New fire station and staff to maintain citywide
service levels relative to growth
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Currently, the City of Bozeman receives no local
sales tax revenue. How much would you support or
oppose a local option sales tax that would go to the
City to support property tax relief?
Strongly support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Please select the option that best
describes how you think the City
should address each of the following
aspects of the community.
Economy More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Environment More effort
Same effort
Less effort
Neighborhoods More effort
Same effort
Less effort
Safety More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Parks & recreation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
11%
32%
37%
32%
32%
11%
17%
17%
56%
21%
16%
37%
26%
50%
11%
39%
5%
21%
42%
32%
6%
39%
56%
5%
42%
53%
11%
6%
67%
17%
47%
37%
116
Please select the option that best
describes how you think the City
should address each of the following
aspects of the community.
Parks & recreation
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
Transportation More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
General government More effort
Same effort
No opinion
Housing More effort
Same effort
Less effort
Other More effort
Same effort
Less effort
No opinion
In general, how many times do you:Access the internet from your home using a
computer, laptop, or tablet computer
Several times a day
Once a day
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Access the internet from your cell phone Several times a day
Visit social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter,
Nextdoor, etc.
Several times a day
Once a day
Less often or never
Use or check email Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Share your opinions online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Several times a day
5%
11%
6%
17%
44%
33%
6%
67%
28%
11%
11%
79%
46%
8%
8%
38%
5%
11%
5%
79%
100%
5%
16%
79%
11%
5%
84%
37%
21%
16%
5%
21%
117
In general, how many times do you:
Share your opinions online Less often or never
Shop online Several times a day
Once a day
A few times a week
Every few weeks
Less often or never
Please rate your overall health.Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
What impact, if any, do you think the economy will
have on your family income in the next 6 months?
Do you think the impact will be:
Neutral
Somewhat negative
Very negative
How many years have you lived in Bozeman?Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
Which best describes the building you live in?One family house detached from
any other houses
Building with two or more
homes (duplex, townhome, apa..
Do you rent or own your home?Rent
Own
About how much is your monthly housing cost for
the place you live (including rent, mortgage
payment, property tax, property insurance, and
homeowners' association (HOA) fees)?
Less than $500
$500 to $999
$1,000 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 to $2,499
$2,500 to $2,999
$3,000 to $3,499
Do any children 17 or under live in your household?No
Yes
Are you or any other members of your household
aged 65 or older?
No
Yes
$25,000 to $49,999
6%
39%
33%
6%
17%
11%
16%
37%
37%
16%
68%
16%
26%
21%
32%
11%
11%
42%
58%
63%
37%
5%
16%
37%
21%
11%
5%
5%
37%
63%
16%
84%
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Are you or any other members of your household
aged 65 or older?Yes
How much do you anticipate your household's total
income before taxes will be for the current year?
(Please include in your total income money from all
sources for all persons living in your household.)
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
Are you Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino?No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or
Latino
Yes, I consider myself to be
Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
What is your race? (Mark one or more races to
indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)
American Indian or Alaskan
Native
White
Other
In which category is your age?18-24 years
25-34 years
35-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65-74 years
What is your sex?Female
Male
Identify in another way
What is your sexual orientation?Bisexual
Heterosexual
Pansexual
Queer
How did you hear about this survey? (Select all that
apply.)
The City's social media
(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,..
In my Facebook feed
Heard about it from a family
member, friend or neighborhood
Polco's weekly email
Other
24%
29%
18%
18%
12%
6%
94%
16%
79%
5%
11%
5%
11%
32%
37%
5%
6%
39%
56%
6%
6%
78%
11%
5%
5%
11%
5%
79%
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Please complete this survey if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday (the year of birth does not matter). Your responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Bozeman. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Bozeman as a place to live ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Bozeman as a place to raise children .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Bozeman as a place to work ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Bozeman as a place to visit .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Bozeman as a place to retire ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Bozeman ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of community ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Bozeman as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Overall economic health of Bozeman .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Bozeman ............................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall design or layout of Bozeman’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Bozeman (water, sewer, storm water, electric, gas) ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall feeling of safety in Bozeman ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of natural environment in Bozeman ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Bozeman ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .......................... 1 2 3 4 5
3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know Recommend living in Bozeman to someone who asks ......................1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Bozeman for the next five years ............................................1 2 3 4 5
4. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know In your neighborhood during the day ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 In Bozeman’s downtown/commercial area during the day ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 From property crime ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 From violent crime ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 From fire, flood, or other natural disaster ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
5. Please rate the job you feel the Bozeman community does at each of the following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Making all residents feel welcome ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Attracting people from diverse backgrounds .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) ........... 1 2 3 4 5
6. Please rate each of the following in the Bozeman community. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Overall quality of business and service establishments in Bozeman ................ 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of business and service establishments in Bozeman ............................... 1 2 3 4 5 Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Employment opportunities ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping opportunities ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Cost of living in Bozeman ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Bozeman ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
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7. Please also rate each of the following in the Bozeman community. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Traffic flow on major streets ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of public parking ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by car in Bozeman ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Bozeman ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Bozeman .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Bozeman ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Well-planned residential growth ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Well-planned commercial growth .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Well-designed neighborhoods ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community ............ 1 2 3 4 5 Public places where people want to spend time ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of housing options ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality housing ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of new development in Bozeman ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Bozeman ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Bozeman ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Water resources (beaches, lakes, ponds, riverways, etc.) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Air quality .................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of paths and walking trails .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.) ... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreational opportunities .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality food ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality health care ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of preventive health services ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality mental health care ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Community support for the arts ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 K-12 education .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Adult educational opportunities ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sense of civic/community pride ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Neighborliness of residents in Bozeman ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in social events and activities .................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to attend special events and festivals ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to volunteer .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Opportunities to participate in community matters ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
8. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. No Yes Contacted the City of Bozeman (in-person, phone, email, or web) for help or information ............................ 1 2 Contacted Bozeman elected officials (in-person, phone, email, or web) to express your opinion ................ 1 2 Attended a local public meeting (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.) ............................................ 1 2 Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting ............................................................................................... 1 2 Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Bozeman ......................................................................................... 1 2 Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate .................................................................................. 1 2 Voted in your most recent local election ................................................................................................................................ 1 2 Used bus, rail, subway, or other public transportation instead of driving ............................................................... 1 2 Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone .............................................................................. 1 2 Walked or biked instead of driving ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2
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9. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Bozeman. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know Public information services ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Economic development ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic enforcement ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic signal timing ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Street repair ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street cleaning ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Snow removal ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Sidewalk maintenance ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Bus or transit services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Land use, planning, and zoning ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Affordable high-speed internet access ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Garbage collection ............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Drinking water ...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Sewer services ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees, etc.) .................... 1 2 3 4 5 Power (electric and/or gas) utility ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Utility billing .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Police/Sheriff services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Crime prevention ................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Animal control ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ambulance or emergency medical services ............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Fire services ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Fire prevention and education ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Preservation of natural areas (open space, farmlands, and greenbelts) ..... 1 2 3 4 5 Bozeman open space .......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recycling .................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Yard waste pick-up.............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 City parks................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs or classes .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation centers or facilities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Health services ...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Public library services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall customer service by Bozeman employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
10. Please rate the following categories of Bozeman government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The value of services for the taxes paid to Bozeman ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Bozeman is taking .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The job Bozeman government does at welcoming resident involvement ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Bozeman government ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Generally acting in the best interest of the community ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being honest ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Being open and transparent to the public ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Informing residents about issues facing the community ................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Treating all residents fairly ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Treating residents with respect .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
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11. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know The City of Bozeman ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Bozeman community to focus on each of the
following in the coming two years. Very Somewhat Not at all Essential important important important Overall economic health of Bozeman .................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Bozeman ................................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall design or layout of Bozeman’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) .....................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Bozeman (water, sewer, storm water, electric, gas) ....................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall feeling of safety in Bozeman ..................................................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of natural environment in Bozeman ...................................................1 2 3 4 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ...............................................1 2 3 4 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Bozeman ............................................1 2 3 4 Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts........................................1 2 3 4 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .............................1 2 3 4
13. How likely would you be, if at all, to opt to increase your utility fees to receive electricity from renewable
sources (wind, solar, etc.)?
Very likely Somewhat likely Not at all likely Dont know
14. How much would you support or oppose an increase in property taxes to fund the following in Bozeman? Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Don’t support support oppose oppose know Combined aquatics/recreation facility and west side branch of the Bozeman Public Library .....................................1 2 3 4 5 New fire station and staff to maintain citywide service levels relative to growth ...........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
15. Currently, the City of Bozeman receives no local sales tax revenue. How much would you support or oppose
a local option sales tax that would go to the City to support property tax relief?
Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know
16. Please select the option that best describes how you think the City should address each of the following
aspects of the community. More Same Less No effort effort effort opinion Economy ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Environment ................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Neighborhoods............................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Parks & Recreation ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 General Government ................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Housing ............................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Other ................................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
17. Of the areas above, which is the single most important for the City to increase efforts? If you chose ‘other,’
please explain.
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Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.
D1. In general, how many times do you: Several Once A few times Every Less often Don’t times a day a day a week few weeks or never know Access the internet from your home using a computer, laptop, or tablet computer ......................1 2 3 4 5 6 Access the internet from your cell phone .......................1 2 3 4 5 6 Visit social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc. .......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 Use or check email ....................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 Share your opinions online ...................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 Shop online ..................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6
D2. Please rate your overall health.
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
D3. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months?
Do you think the impact will be:
Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Somewhat negative Very negative D4. How many years have you lived in Bozeman?
Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
D5. Which best describes the building you live in?
One family house detached from any other houses
Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment, or condominium)
Mobile home
Other
D6. Do you rent or own your home?
Rent
Own
D7. About how much is your monthly housing cost
for the place you live (including rent, mortgage
payment, property tax, property insurance, and
homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?
Less than $500 $2,000 to $2,499
$500 to $999 $2,500 to $2,999
$1,000 to $1,499 $3,000 to $3,499
$1,500 to $1,999 $3,500 or more
D8. Do any children 17 or under live in your
household?
No Yes
D9. Are you or any other members of your household
aged 65 or older?
No Yes
D10. How much do you anticipate your household’s
total income before taxes will be for the current
year? (Please include in your total income
money from all sources for all persons living in
your household.)
Less than $25,000 $75,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $49,999 $100,000 to $149,999
$50,000 to $74,999 $150,000 or more
D11. Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?
No, not Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino
D12. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to
indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian, Asian Indian, or Pacific Islander
Black or African American
White
Other
D13. In which category is your age?
18-24 years 55-64 years
25-34 years 65-74 years
35-44 years 75 years or older
45-54 years
D14. What is your sex?
Female
Male
Identify in another way
D15. What is your sexual orientation?
Asexual Heterosexual Queer
Bisexual Lesbian Questioning
Gay Pansexual Other
Thank you! Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to: National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502
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