The National Community Survey™ • © 2001-2023 National Research Center, Inc.
The City of Richmond 2023 Community Survey
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 Richmond.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Richmond as a place to live ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to raise children ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to work .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to visit ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Richmond as a place to retire ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 The overall quality of life in Richmond .......................................................................... 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 Richmond as a whole.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall economic health of Richmond ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Richmond ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall design or layout of Richmond’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Richmond (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) ........................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall feeling of safety in Richmond ............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of natural environment in Richmond .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Richmond ....................................... 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 Richmond to someone who asks ....................1 2 3 4 5 Remain in Richmond 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 Richmond’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 Richmond 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 Richmond community.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Richmond .............. 1 2 3 4 5 Variety of business and service establishments in Richmond ............................. 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 Richmond ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall image or reputation of Richmond ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The National Community Survey™ • © 2001-2023 National Research Center, Inc.
7. Please also rate each of the following in the Richmond 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 Richmond .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by public transportation in Richmond .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of travel by bicycle in Richmond ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Ease of walking in Richmond .............................................................................................. 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 Richmond .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall appearance of Richmond ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Cleanliness of Richmond ....................................................................................................... 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 Richmond ..................................................................... 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 Richmond (in-person, phone, email, or web) for help or information .......................... 1 2 Contacted Richmond 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 Richmond ....................................................................................... 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
The National Community Survey™ • © 2001-2023 National Research Center, Inc.
The City of Richmond 2023 Community Survey
9. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Richmond.
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 Richmond 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 Richmond employees
(police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
10. Please rate the following categories of Richmond government performance.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The value of services for the taxes paid to Richmond .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The overall direction that Richmond is taking ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 The job Richmond government does at welcoming resident involvement ...... 1 2 3 4 5 Overall confidence in Richmond 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
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 Richmond ......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 The Federal Government .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The National Community Survey™ • © 2001-2023 National Research Center, Inc.
12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Richmond 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 Richmond ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Richmond ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall design or layout of Richmond’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ............................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Richmond (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) .................................................. 1 2 3 4 Overall feeling of safety in Richmond ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of natural environment in Richmond ......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ....................................................... 1 2 3 4 Overall health and wellness opportunities in Richmond .................................................. 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 important, if at all, are the following issues for the City to address within the next two years? Very Somewhat Not at all
Essential important important important
Expanding community wi-fi .................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Providing quality affordable housing ................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Preserving historic buildings ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving park conditions .................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Providing more parks and open space ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Renovating community centers and expanding programming ............................................. 1 2 3 4 Upgrading existing and developing more athletic fields .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Improving street and pedestrian lighting ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Developing job training opportunities ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Addressing blighted properties ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Reducing crime and disorder ............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing transportation options (i.e. car/bike share, shuttles) ........................................ 1 2 3 4 Positively marketing the City ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving downtown Richmond ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Improving street paving conditions .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 Improving environmental quality ...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Providing supportive services to previously incarcerated persons .................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing the generation of revenue to support City services ............................................. 1 2 3 4 Improving the financial stability of the City ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing services to support the homeless population......................................................... 1 2 3 4 Increasing economic development activities ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 Providing more local retail and shopping opportunities for Richmond residents .............. 1 2 3 4
14. Please rate the impact of the following City services on your health and well -being:
Very positive Moderate No Moderate Very negative impact positive impact impact negative impact impact Parks .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation programs .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Police ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Fire .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Street quality .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Street lighting ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Library services ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Affordable and quality housing.......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Traffic safety ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 Blight abatement ...................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
15. In the last year, how often, if at all, did you worry about you, someone in your family or any other person of your same race, ethnicity or nationality experiencing unfair treatment because of your race, ethnicity, or color? Most of the time Some of the time Rarely Never
The National Community Survey™ • © 2001-2023 National Research Center, Inc.
The City of Richmond 2023 Community Survey
16. Compared to one year ago, how would you rate your health in general now? Much better now than one year ago Somewhat worse now than one year ago Somewhat better now than one year ago Much worse now than one year ago Our last questions are about you and your household. Responses are confidential . 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
Richmond?
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?
Single-family detached home
Townhouse or duplex (may share walls but
no units above or below you)
Condominium or apartment (have units
above or below you)
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 $300 $2,500 to $3,999
$300 to $599 $4,000 to $6,999
$600 to $999 $7,000 to $9,999
$1,000 to $1,499 $10,000 or more
$1,500 to $2,499
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 $100,000 to $149,999
$25,000 to $49,999 $150,000 to $199,999
$50,000 to $74,999 $200,000 to $299,999
$75,000 to $99,999 $300,000 or more
D11. Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin? No Yes
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
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White
A
race not listed
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 gender?
Woman
Man
Identify in another way go to D14a
D14a. If you identify in another way, how would you
describe your gender?
Agender/I don’t identify with any gender
Genderqueer/gender fluid
Non-binary
Transgender man
Transgender woman
Two-spirit
Identify in another way
Thank you! Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to:
National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 085 02