Residents Love Living In Chester County: Survey Concludes

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County government’s five-yearly survey of citizen priorities and service satisfaction confirms that 94 percent of residents believe Chester County is an excellent or good place to live and raise a family.

Results of the latest “Chester County Quality of Life Survey”, conducted by West Chester University’s Center for Social and Economic Policy Research, are based on a random sample of 1,703 responses, representing all areas of Chester County.

The survey responders listed the top three priorities as maintaining the quality of water, preserving open space, and managing population growth.

The results provide a comparison to the citizen surveys undertaken in 2009, 2013, and 2018 which help form the basis of the county commissioners' goals.

“We know that people have a positive impression of Chester County, both as a place to live and with regard to county services, and it is reassuring to see this once again validated by our citizens through this survey,” said Marian Moskowitz, chairwoman of the boar of commissioners.

A total of 90 percent of the survey takers concluded Chester County is an excellent or good place to obtain a good education, and 83 percent define Chester County as an excellent or good place to participate in community affairs and activities.

Pandemic impact

As it relates to the pandemic, this year’s survey results showed that close to seven out of 10 respondents (68 percent) rated the county as excellent or good in its response to epidemics or public health hazards.

A total of 89 percent of the survey participants rated government employees as courteous and responsive.

Areas To Improve

The survey also found that only 30 percent of the responders said Chester County is a good place to find a job, up 9 percent from 2018 when 21 percent found Chester County a good place to find employment.

Those areas where Chester County did not rate as highly include planning for residential and commercial growth and development and ensuring the availability of affordable housing.

Commissioner Michelle Kichline said: “Chester County’s attraction as a great place to live brings with it challenges that we must address. This includes the way that we balance growth – including development, transportation, and housing – with the preservation of our beloved green and historic spaces."