Do you smell that fresh scent in the air? It’s not just the crisp leaves—there’s also a wave of optimism pervading the Seattle area this fall.
In a survey conducted in September 2024, the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce polled 700 registered voters in Seattle and the majority of them expressed optimism for Seattle’s future. The questions covered topics such as overall quality of life in Seattle, top concerns, long-term priorities for improving the city, and the best things about living here.
Read on for our overview of the survey’s most interesting learnings!
Optimism
In the survey, 61% of respondents said that they are optimistic about the future of Seattle. And 77% agreed with the statement, “I am proud to call myself a Seattleite.”
Quality of life
The Chamber of Commerce’s Quality of Life Index, which reflects an overall score derived from several quality of life survey questions, now reflects the largest positive score increase since September 2022. On a scale of zero to 10, with 10 being the most positive, it now sits at 4.66.
Improving quality of life
When asked about solutions for improving the quality of life in Seattle, respondents’ top three choices were public safety-related. When choosing options that would have a “very significant impact” on quality of life, 55% said “addressing violent crime and gun violence,” 52% said “shutting down open air drug markets,” and 49% said “closing encampments.”
The survey asked voters to choose one of two statements about addressing public safety. 53% agreed with the sentiment that leaders need to do more “even if it means a stronger police presence and arresting people.” The other 46% sided with the statement that we need to address the root causes of public safety issues (such as poverty, addiction, and mental health).
Leaving Seattle
Almost half of voters surveyed (46%) said that they’re actively considering moving away from Seattle. That number has dropped from 51% in the fall of 2022.
Currently, the top reasons why people said they’re considering leaving Seattle are crime/public safety and the lack of affordable housing.
Top concerns
Public safety (which includes crime and drug use) is the top concern of the survey’s respondents. Trailing closely behind is homelessness, then affordable housing and overall cost of living.
Other concerns include Seattle’s leaders and government officials, racial issues and police brutality, and jobs.
Since fall 2021, concerns about affordable housing and public safety have increased while concerns about homelessness have drastically decreased.
One improvement is that more people now feel safe visiting downtown Seattle than at any time since the pandemic, with 75% of respondents saying they’d feel safe there during the day.
Best things about living in Seattle
When asked what the best thing is about living in Seattle, 50% of respondents chose the area’s natural beauty and environment. The second-most popular response, at 20%, was the city’s location.
Other things people like about living in Seattle are the climate/weather (particularly the summer), the culture and community of a small city, and all the entertainment, food, and amenities available to enjoy.
Long-term priorities
In addition to urgent issues such as public safety and housing, the survey also asked voters their opinion on long-term priorities for Seattle. Respondents showed the strongest support for keeping the light rail to West Seattle and Ballard on track to open by 2032, with 66% in favor—even if it costs more.
Other priorities supported by the majority of Seattleites surveyed were helping small businesses benefit from large events, revitalizing Seattle Center (which would include bringing back the Sonics), and funding a “lid” over I-5.
Survey demographics
700 registered voters were polled for this survey. In the overall pool of registered voters in Seattle, 6 out of 10 are Democrats. They are more likely to be progressive, renters, younger, new to the city, and people of color.
You can view all the details in the 72-page report of the Seattle Chamber survey results.