THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008
Survey Says...
City's Mixed Bag of Results As Seen In Latest 'National' Survey
Taxes, traffic congestion, and noise were three "major problems" cited by Park Ridge residents in The National Citizen Survey.
Conversely, those residents also gave the city the best marks for educational opportunities, overall image and reputation, and ease of walking.
The city sent surveys to 1,200 households in the community earlier this year with 566 completing and returning the questionnaire. The city hopes to use the information to guide future budget decisions and program planning.
Some 33% of those surveyed called the overall quality of life in the city "excellent" while only 2% rated it as "poor." On a scale of 1 to 100, Park Ridge received an average rating of 81 as a place to raise children.
Most respondents, 83%, feel "somewhat" or "very safe" from violent crimes in the city. Of the 12% that reported a family member victimized by crime over the past year, only 78% reported the act to police.
The city services only rated scores in the 60s on the 100-point scale. The overall direction of the city received a rating of 60, the quality of services provided rated 64, while those who had contact with a city employee during the past year gave those interactions a score of 63.
The survey also had questions regarding city policies. Traffic calming measures and pedestrian safety measures recorded mostly "good" or "fair" responses while the police department services received mostly "excellent" or "good" answers. Some 87% of the survey takers supported the creation of a Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect buildings in the city.
Demographically, about 42% of the city's residents have lived here for more than 20 years. While 83% are over the age of 34, 28% are older than 64. Only 70% are employed; 88% attended at least some college and 77% of households report an income of more than $50,000.
Single-family home dwellers account for 77% of the city; 90% of the residents own their domicile while only 10% rent. Racially, Caucasians account for 96% of the population while 3% indicated their heritage as Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino.
Full results of the survey are posted on the Park Ridge Web site, www.parkridge.us.