Durham Reporter

Durham County residents have expressed a positive outlook on their community, according to the 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey results. The findings were presented to the Durham Board of County Commissioners during their regular session on March 10, 2025. Conducted from November 2024 to January 2025, the survey assessed resident satisfaction with life in Durham County and services provided by the local government.

Jason Morado, Vice President and Director of Community Research with ETC Institute, shared the survey's findings. The ETC Institute administered the survey in partnership with the City of Durham. Since its inception in 2015, this annual survey has gathered responses from residents to evaluate community perceptions. In total, 810 residents participated in this year's survey, answering questions about quality of life and satisfaction with city and county services.

The results show that Durham County continues to rank above national averages as a desirable place to live and work. "Seventy-six-point-seven percent of residents rated the County as an excellent or good place to live—30.8% higher than the national benchmark," Morado stated. Additionally, 77% consider it a great place to work, while 65.9% believe that the county values diversity among its residents.

The quality of services provided by Durham County also received high marks from respondents. Notably, "the Durham County Library (82.6%) remains one of the highest-rated services provided by Durham County." Fire and life safety programming received a satisfaction rating of 70.1%, while Emergency Medical Services were rated at 67.7%. Both areas saw increased approval compared to previous years.

Interactions with county employees were generally positive according to most respondents who reported high levels of satisfaction with customer service and information accuracy provided by staff members.

Local leaders use these survey results as a resource for strategic planning and decision-making as they address community needs amid ongoing growth in Durham County.

For further details about the survey or access to its Executive Summary, interested parties can visit the City-County Resident Survey webpage.