All households in the City of Rochester are eligible to participate in the 2024 National Community Survey.  A carefully selected number of surveys will be sent via mail to 4,200 households, ensuring a diverse representation of perspectives.  For those who do not receive a mailer, there's still an open invitation to provide feedback by opting into the survey between August 11 to August 28, 2024.  Your input matters! 

Interested in other survey opportunities?  Sign up for POLCO surveys, which focus on various initiatives.

The National Community Survey (NCS) focuses on evaluating the "livability" of Rochester, Minnesota. A livable community is not just habitable but desirable, where residents want to live.  Developed by experts at the National Research Center at Polco, the survey aims to capture residents' opinions on ten central facets of the community:

• Economy
• Mobility
• Community Design
• Utilities
• Safety
• Natural Environment
• Parks and Recreation
• Health and Wellness
• Education, Arts, and Culture
• Inclusivity and Engagement

The City of Rochester is dedicated to regular intervals of data collection.  Therefore, we plan to conduct the National Community Survey every two years.

Survey results will be posted on the City website and reviewed at City Council on November 25, 2024 Study Session, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.   

Please note that all responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared.  

• National Community Survey: 5,500 residences in Rochester were randomly selected and invited to participate in the statistically significant National Community Survey.  In total, 828 responses were received.  The NCS provides more than 500 comparison communities across the nation, which represent opinions of more than 50 million residents. 
• National Business Survey: The National Business Survey was an opt-in opportunity and over 230 businesses participated. 

• Highlights from the 2022 Survey Results:
  • Residents enjoy a positive quality of life and strong sense of safety in Rochester
  • Rochester's economy and employment opportunities are an asset to the community
  • Although sentiments about community design are generally positive, housing availability may be a concern for residents
  • Rochester's parks and recreation offerings are highly valued by residents. 

 

NCS Disaggregated Data Categories with Statistical Significance (Excel File)