by Nicole Bradford
Pearland residents generally feel safe and are satisfied with what the city offers but have concerns about affordability, according to the city’s 2023 community survey.
“This just kind of solidifies, in my mind, exactly what people in our community are thinking,” Councilman Jeffrey Barry said regarding the survey conducted every other year. “This is in line with what we’ve talked about for quite some time now.”
Survey respondents, selected at random, weighed in on issues such as outdoor opportunities, arts and education, cost of living, shopping, and public safety.
Pearland’s survey shows residents are more concerned about “general affordability and their own economic outlook.”
“When thinking about aspects of economy and related ratings around affordability, nationwide and in almost all the communities we serve, we have seen economic ratings decline in the last couple of years,” said Jade Arocha, director of survey research for Polco, a firm specializing in online engagement and civic communication. “It is not a phenomenon unique to Pearland.”
Approximately 11 percent of 3,000 randomly selected households responded to the mailed and online survey, a response rate that Arocha said is average for Texas communities.
A business survey drew 189 responses from 2,824 businesses contacted. Key findings from that survey indicate the city’s business climate remains strong and that businesses applaud Pearland as a place to work but have concerns about finding qualified employees.
