Insights from the West
Who responded to the 2025 survey, and what the regional livability indices tell us about life across the Western Region.
Introduction & respondent Demographics
Reflecting the Western Rural Development Center’s mission, the sample is 20% from rural communities and 80% from urban areas. Respondents averaged 51 years of age, with balanced gender representation across the sample.
20%
rural communities
80%
urban areas
51
average age
50/50
balanced gender
Clear socio-economic disparities emerge between rural and urban households. These structural differences provide important context for interpreting variation across economic, social, and well-being indicators.
|
Rural |
Urban |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Average household income |
$70,867 |
$88,840 |
|
Post-secondary education attainment |
62.9% |
79.2% |
Regional takeaways
Four domains of Livability
Across the Western Region, survey results highlight patterns across four interrelated domains of livability.
Economic environment
Indicators reflect moderate financial pressures across the region. The Financial Stress Index (2.71) points to ongoing economic strain among households. Recovery-friendly environments are moderately present (0.66), and institutional trust (3.51) remains mixed — pointing to varying confidence in local institutions and governance.
Engagement & socio-cultural environment
Indicators suggest relatively strong, stable community dynamics. Civic engagement (2.19) reflects steady participation, while community trust (3.89), community equity (3.75), and welcoming-community perceptions (3.68) indicate generally positive — if not uniformly strong — social cohesion and inclusion.
Health & wellness
Outcomes reveal moderate psychological and social challenges. Mental health (3.15) suggests some stress and anxiety, while loneliness (2.40) reflects moderate social isolation. Food security (0.33) remains a concern for many households. High social-balance scores (4.17) indicate relatively low reported discrimination.
Natural environment
Indicators point to moderate concern about environmental conditions. Respondents report concerns about pollution (2.52) and extreme weather events (2.42). Environmental pressures are present but less prominent relative to economic and well-being challenges.
3.75
Community Satisfaction Index
Overall, the community satisfaction index (out of 5) reflects generally positive but uneven perceptions of local living conditions.
REGIONAL OVERVIEW INDICES: REGION & STATE
Index Reference
Each index summarizes several survey questions on a fixed scale. The bar shows the regional average against the top of that scale.
Economic environment
Financial Stress Index
Regional Average
2.71/5
High: Greater financial stress and more negative impact of financial difficulties on emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Low: Less financial stress and fewer negative impacts on daily life.
Recovery-Friendly Index
Regional Average
.66/1
High: Greater availability of workplace supports for substance-misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Low: Fewer recovery-friendly workplace policies, programs, and support services.
Institutional Trust Index
Regional Average
3.51/5
High: Greater trust in local institutions, including government, news media, and law enforcement.
Low: Lower confidence in and trust toward local institutions.
Engagement & socio-cultural environment
Community Trust Index
Regional Average
3.89/5
High: Greater trust among community members and stronger social cohesion.
Low: Lower levels of trust and weaker social connections within the community.
Civic Engagement Index
Regional Average
2.19/3
High: Lower participation in civic activities.
Low: Higher civic engagement — volunteering, community organizations, fundraising, religious organizations, and working with others on community issues.
Reversed-scaled: a higher score means less participation
Welcoming Community Index
Regional Average
3.68/5
High: Stronger perceptions that the community is welcoming, inclusive, and accepting of diverse populations.
Low: Weaker perceptions of belonging, inclusion, and community acceptance.
Community Equity Index
Regional Average
3.75/5
High: Stronger perceptions that residents of all backgrounds have equal access to safety, employment, housing, education, healthcare, and civic participation.
Low: Greater perceptions of unequal access to these opportunities and services.
Health & Wellness
Mental Health Index
Regional Average
3.15/4
High: Better overall mental and emotional well-being.
Low: Poorer mental health and more frequent experiences of emotional distress.
Loneliness Index
Regional Average
2.40/3
High: Lower levels of loneliness.
Low: Greater feelings of loneliness.
Reversed-scaled: a higher score means less loneliness
Food Security Index
Regional Average
.33/1
High: Greater access to sufficient, nutritious, and affordable food.
Low: Higher levels of food insecurity and greater difficulty accessing adequate food.
Social Balance Index
Regional Average
4.17/5
High: Fewer experiences of discrimination and greater perceptions of being treated fairly and respectfully.
Low: More frequent experiences of discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, political beliefs, ability status, national origin, or sexual orientation.
Natural Environment
Pollution Index
Regional Average
2.52/4
High: Greater concern about pollution and its impact on residents and the environment.
Low: Fewer concerns about pollution and environmental quality.
Pollution Index
Regional Average
2.42/4
High: Greater concern about extreme weather events.
Low: Less concern about extreme weather events.