Quality of Life Report

WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF LIFE REPORT?

Quality of Life survey is an independent survey tool that was developed by Mason-Dixon. They study communities around the country and came up with the categories and characteristics that people perceive as having the most impact on the quality of life.

Quality of life is defined as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture, community, and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. 

The survey includes standardized batteries of questions concerning the factors that contribute to and define the quality of life in the community—economic conditions, job security, educational opportunities, availability of cultural displays and entertainment, safety, clean and healthy environment, a sense of community and welcoming, a shared vision and understanding of future plans for community and economic development, and effective, competent government and community leadership that plans and executes.

Participants that are interviewed are randomly selected from commercially available phone-matched voter registration lists that included both landline and cell phone numbers. Quotas were assigned to reflect voter registration of the jurisdiction being surveyed.

The number of residents surveyed accurately represent the actual demographic breakdown of a community; i.e., the ratios of the respondents’ gender, race, age, political affiliation, and area of residence mirror the county’s real statistics.

WHY THE QUALITY OF LIFE REPORT

The mission of the Young Professionals of Odessa is to act as a catalyst for positive change in our community. We empower young professionals to make a difference by offering a platform for them to become active participants in the economic development, community development, local governmental affairs, and charitable organizations in our community. The Young Professionals of Odessa recognizes the value of community surveys for assessing citizens’ concerns and providing guidance for our local leaders. It is our hope that by presenting this yearly survey, we can foster discussion and stimulate change that will improve both the perception and the reality of Odessa as the premier place to live, work, and play. 

LEARN MORE…

The data presented here is high-level. The full data set including response breakdown by gender, race, voter party registration, education, income level, city or county residence, and county commission district can be found below via our cross tabs and raw data. Additionally, the Young Professionals of Odessa leaders are available to present and discuss this data with any and all agencies, organizations, and community stakeholders.

HOW VALID IS THE SURVEY AND RESULTS?

The 400 Odessa residents surveyed accurately represent the demographic breakdown of our community; i.e., the ratios of the respondents’ gender, race, age, political affiliation, and area of residence mirror the county’s real statistics. Also, the number of respondents provides a strong degree of confidence in the results; according to Mason-Dixon Polling: “The margin for error, according to standards customarily used by statisticians, is no more than plus or minus 5-percentage points.” This means there is a 95% probability that the ‘true’ figure would fall within that range if the entire population were sampled.

HOW ARE SURVEY QUESTIONS CHOSEN?

The original survey questions were established in 2008 by Mason-Dixon Polling in conjunction with the community of Pensacola. They identified metrics that would assess their citizens’ opinions regarding the City of Pensacola, Florida, and Escambia County. At the recommendation of Mason-Dixon Polling and the Studer Community Institute, the Young Professionals of Odessa has utilized the same survey questions for both years that the survey has been conducted. The Young Professionals of Odessa and Private Donors have continued to fund the Quality of Life Survey each year, but have not had any influence in the content or the compilation of information for the presentation of its results.

MASON-DIXON POLLING & RESEARCH:

Mason-Dixon, based in Washington, DC, is a highly-respected independent polling firm that conducts public policy and political polling research. Mason-Dixon has conducted both years of polling for the Quality of Life Survey. Our principal at the firm is Larry Harris, who can be contacted at lharris@mason-dixon.com