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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOshkoshCitizenSurveyReport2025Oshkosh, WI The National Community Survey Report of Results 2025 Visit us online! www.polco.us National Research Center at Polco is a charter member of the AAPOR Transparency Initiative, providing clear disclosure of our sound and ethical survey research practices. Report by: About The NCS™ The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is about the “livability” of Oshkosh. A livable community is a place that is not simply habitable, but that is desirable. It is not only where people do live, but where they want to live. The survey was developed by the experts from National Research Center at Polco. Great communities are partnerships of the government, private sector, community-based organizations and residents, all geographically connected. The NCS captures residents’ opinions considering ten central facets of a community: • Economy • Mobility • Community Design • Utilities • Safety • Natural Environment • Parks and Recreation • Health and Wellness • Education, Arts, and Culture • Inclusivity and Engagement How the results are reported For the most part, the percentages presented in the following pages represent the “percent positive.” Most commonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the “Complete data” section of the online report. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in most of this report. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Comparisons to benchmarks NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 500 communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey. The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years. NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a wide geographic and population range. In the following report, Oshkosh's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Oshkosh residents is statistically similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that Oshkosh's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much higher” or “much lower,” then Oshkosh's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark. In addition to these national benchmarks, comparisons were also made to a smaller cohort of communities that aligned more closely to the demographics in Oshkosh . This cohort included communities from the Upper Midwest who had similar populations and and average household incomes. Comparisons to these communities can be found throughout the report and in a separate table in the Custom Benchmarks section of the online report. Trends over time Trend data for Oshkosh represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines.¹Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the percent difference. If the difference is greater than seven percentage points between the 2024 and 2025 surveys, the change is statistically significant. 1.In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent. The report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 440 residents of the City of Oshkosh collected from April 18th, 2025 to May 30th, 2025. The margin of error around any reported percentage is 5% for all respondents and the response rate for the 2025 survey was 15%. Survey results were weighted so that the demographic profile of respondents was representative of the demographic profile of adults in Oshkosh. 1 About The NCS™The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) report is aboutthe “livability” of Oshkosh. A livable community is a place that isnot simply habitable, but that is desirable. It is not only wherepeople do live, but where they want to live. The survey wasdeveloped by the experts from National Research Center at Polco.Great communities are partnerships of the government, privatesector, community-based organizations and residents, allgeographically connected. The NCS captures residents’ opinionsconsidering ten central facets of a community:• Economy• Mobility• Community Design• Utilities• Safety• Natural Environment• Parks and Recreation• Health and Wellness• Education, Arts, and Culture• Inclusivity and EngagementHow the results are reportedFor the most part, the percentages presented in the following pages represent the “percent positive.” Mostcommonly, the percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e.,excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, etc.). On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer“don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the“Complete data” section of the online report. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in most of this report. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who Comparisons to benchmarks NRC’s database of comparative resident opinion is comprised of resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 500 communities whose residents evaluated the same kinds of topics on The National Community Survey. The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community in the last five years. NRC adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a wide geographic and population range. In the following report, Oshkosh's results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark, or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by Oshkosh residents is statistically similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that Oshkosh's average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much higher” or “much lower,” then Oshkosh's average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark. In addition to these national benchmarks, comparisons were also made to a smaller cohort of communities that aligned more closely to the demographics in Oshkosh . This cohort included communities from the Upper Midwest who had similar populations and and average household incomes. Comparisons to these communities can be found throughout the report and in a separate table in the Custom Benchmarks section of the online report. Trends over time Trend data for Oshkosh represent important comparison data and should be examined for improvements or declines.¹ Deviations from stable trends over time represent opportunities for understanding how local policies, programs, or public information may have affected residents' opinions. Changes between survey years have been noted with an arrow and the percent difference. If the difference is greater than seven percentage points between the 2024 and 2025 surveys, the change is statistically significant. 1. In 2020, The NCS survey was updated to include new and refreshed items. Consequently, some of the trends may be impacted due to wording modifications that could have potentially altered the meaning of the item for the respondent. The report provides the opinions of a representative sample of 440 residents of the City of Oshkosh collected fromApril 18th, 2025 to May 30th, 2025. The margin of error around any reported percentage is 5% for all respondentsand the response rate for the 2025 survey was 15%. Survey results were weighted so that the demographic profileof respondents was representative of the demographic profile of adults in Oshkosh. 2 Conducting the survey The 3,000 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on April 18th, 2025 and data collection for the survey remained open for 6 weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in the survey. The next mailing contained a cover letter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online, as well as QR codes to further encourage participation. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completed the survey to do so, and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again. About 3% of the 3,000 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant or the postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,900 households that received the invitations to participate, 440 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 15%. The response rate was calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #2 for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.² It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is 95%. The 95% confidence interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the survey results because some residents’ opinions are relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error for the City of Oshkosh survey is no greater than plus or minus five percentage points around any given percent reported for all respondents (440 completed surveys). In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open-participation survey was publicized by the City of Oshkosh. The open-participation survey was identical to the random sample survey, with two small updates; it asked a question to confirm the respondent was a resident of Oshkosh and also a question about where they heard about the survey. The open-participation survey was open to all city residents and became available on May 16th, 2025. The survey remained open for two weeks. The data presented in the following pages exclude the open participation survey data, and a separate report provides the complete frequency of responses to questions by the open-participation respondents. The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the “Complete data” section of the online report. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Contact The City of Oshkosh funded this research. Please contact Jake Timm of the City of Oshkosh at JTimm@oshkoshwi.gov if you have any questions about the survey. Study Limitations All public opinion research is subject to unmeasured error. While the methodologies employed for this survey were designed to minimize this error as much as possible, these other sources of potential error should be acknowledged. Non-response error arises when those who were selected to participate in the survey did not do so, and may have different opinions or experiences than those who did respond. Coverage error refers to the possibility that some respondents that should have been included in the surveyed population were not (e.g., for a general resident survey, USPS mailing lists may exclude certain types of housing units, such as multi-family buildings where mail is delivered to a common area rather than to a specific unit (though this is rare), or where mail is received at a PO box instead of the at household's physical location. Finally, recall bias occurs when respondents may not perfectly remember their experiences in the past year (such as participation in social or civic events), and social desirability bias may cause respondents to answer in ways they think cast their responses in a more favorable light. Survey Validity See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali 2. See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at https://aapor.org/standards-and-ethics/standard-definitions/ 3. Pasek, J. (2014). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from https://surveyinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Full-anesrake-paper.pdf 4. Targets come from the 2020 Census and 2023 American Community Survey Unweighted Weighted Target ⁴ Age 18-34 35-54 55+ Hispanic origin No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin Yes, I consider myself to be of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin Housing tenure Own Rent Housing type Attached Detached Race & Hispanic origin Not white alone White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Sex Man Woman Sex/age Man 18-34 Man 35-54 Man 55+ Woman 18-34 Woman 35-54 Woman 55+ Analyzing the data Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses. The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2020 Census and 2023 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Oshkosh. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, and housing tenure. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.³ The results of the weighting scheme for the probability sample are presented in the following table. NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g., age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups. Methods Selecting survey recipients All households within the City of Oshkosh were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within the zip codes serving Oshkosh was purchased from Polco's mailing vendor, Go-Dog Direct, based on updated listings from the United States Postal Service. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Oshkosh households may also serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact geographic location of each housing unit was compared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary file. Addresses located outside of the City of Oshkosh boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey. From that list, addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with a unit number) sampled at a rate of 5:3 compared to single family housing units. An individual within each household was randomly selected using the "birthday method". The birthday method selects a person within the household by asking the “person who most recently had a birthday” to complete the questionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way people respond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the introduction of the survey. 3 Conducting the surveyThe 3,000 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on April 18th, 2025 and data collection forthe survey remained open for 6 weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in thesurvey. The next mailing contained a cover letter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paidreturn envelope. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online,as well as QR codes to further encourage participation. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completedthe survey to do so, and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again.About 3% of the 3,000 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant orthe postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,900 households that receivedthe invitations to participate, 440 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 15%. The responserate was calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #2 for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.²It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” andaccompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is95%. The 95% confidence interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the surveyresults because some residents’ opinions are relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error forthe City of Oshkosh survey is no greater than plus or minus five percentage points around any given percentreported for all respondents (440 completed surveys).In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open-participation surveywas publicized by the City of Oshkosh. The open-participation survey was identical to the random sample survey,with two small updates; it asked a question to confirm the respondent was a resident of Oshkosh and also aquestion about where they heard about the survey. The open-participation survey was open to all city residents andbecame available on May 16th, 2025. The survey remained open for two weeks. The data presented in thefollowing pages exclude the open participation survey data, and a separate report provides the complete frequencyof responses to questions by the open-participation respondents. The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the “Complete data” section of the online report. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Contact The City of Oshkosh funded this research. Please contact Jake Timm of the City of Oshkosh at JTimm@oshkoshwi.gov if you have any questions about the survey. Study Limitations All public opinion research is subject to unmeasured error. While the methodologies employed for this survey were designed to minimize this error as much as possible, these other sources of potential error should be acknowledged. Non-response error arises when those who were selected to participate in the survey did not do so, and may have different opinions or experiences than those who did respond. Coverage error refers to the possibility that some respondents that should have been included in the surveyed population were not (e.g., for a general resident survey, USPS mailing lists may exclude certain types of housing units, such as multi-family buildings where mail is delivered to a common area rather than to a specific unit (though this is rare), or where mail is received at a PO box instead of the at household's physical location. Finally, recall bias occurs when respondents may not perfectly remember their experiences in the past year (such as participation in social or civic events), and social desirability bias may cause respondents to answer in ways they think cast their responses in a more favorable light. Survey Validity See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali 2. See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at https://aapor.org/standards-and-ethics/standard-definitions/ 3. Pasek, J. (2014). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from https://surveyinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Full-anesrake-paper.pdf 4. Targets come from the 2020 Census and 2023 American Community Survey Unweighted Weighted Target ⁴ Age 18-34 35-54 55+ Hispanic origin No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin Yes, I consider myself to be of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin Housing tenure Own Rent Housing type Attached Detached Race & Hispanic origin Not white alone White alone, not Hispanic or Latino Sex Man Woman Sex/age Man 18-34 Man 35-54 Man 55+ Woman 18-34 Woman 35-54 Woman 55+ 33% 27% 41% 34% 27% 39% 72% 20% 8% 4% 96% 4% 96% 1% 99% 46% 54% 46% 54% 26% 74% 56% 44% 56% 44% 64% 36% 85% 15% 85% 15% 95% 5% 49% 51% 52% 48% 60% 40% Analyzing the data Responses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where all responses are entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to the original survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses from surveys completed on Polco were downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses. The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2020 Census and 2023 American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Oshkosh. The primary objective of weighting survey data is to make the survey respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristics used for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, and housing tenure. No adjustments were made for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANES Weighting Algorithm.³ The results of the weighting scheme for the probability sample are presented in the following table. NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Some categories (e.g., age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smaller subgroups. MethodsSelecting survey recipientsAll households within the City of Oshkosh were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within thezip codes serving Oshkosh was purchased from Polco's mailing vendor, Go-Dog Direct, based on updated listingsfrom the United States Postal Service. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Oshkosh households mayalso serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact geographic location of each housing unit wascompared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary file. Addresses located outside ofthe City of Oshkosh boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey. From that list,addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with aunit number) sampled at a rate of 5:3 compared to single family housing units.An individual within each household was randomly selected using the "birthday method". The birthday methodselects a person within the household by asking the “person who most recently had a birthday” to complete thequestionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way peoplerespond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the introduction of the survey. 4 Conducting the surveyThe 3,000 randomly selected households received mailings beginning on April 18th, 2025 and data collection forthe survey remained open for 6 weeks. The first mailing was a postcard inviting the household to participate in thesurvey. The next mailing contained a cover letter with instructions, the survey questionnaire, and a postage-paidreturn envelope. All mailings included a web link to give residents the opportunity to respond to the survey online,as well as QR codes to further encourage participation. All follow-up mailings asked those who had not completedthe survey to do so, and those who had already done so to refrain from completing the survey again.About 3% of the 3,000 mailed invitations or surveys were returned because the household address was vacant orthe postal service was unable to deliver the survey as addressed. Of the remaining 2,900 households that receivedthe invitations to participate, 440 completed the survey, providing an overall response rate of 15%. The responserate was calculated using AAPOR’s response rate #2 for mailed surveys of unnamed persons.²It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” andaccompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). A traditional level of confidence, and the one used here, is95%. The 95% confidence interval can be any size and quantifies the sampling error or imprecision of the surveyresults because some residents’ opinions are relied on to estimate all residents’ opinions. The margin of error forthe City of Oshkosh survey is no greater than plus or minus five percentage points around any given percentreported for all respondents (440 completed surveys).In addition to the randomly selected “probability sample” of households, a link to an online open-participation surveywas publicized by the City of Oshkosh. The open-participation survey was identical to the random sample survey,with two small updates; it asked a question to confirm the respondent was a resident of Oshkosh and also aquestion about where they heard about the survey. The open-participation survey was open to all city residents andbecame available on May 16th, 2025. The survey remained open for two weeks. The data presented in thefollowing pages exclude the open participation survey data, and a separate report provides the complete frequencyof responses to questions by the open-participation respondents. The survey datasets were analyzed using all or some of a combination of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), R, Python and Tableau. For the most part, the percentages presented in the reports represent the “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., excellent/good, very safe/somewhat safe, essential/very important, etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. On many of the questions in the survey respondents may answer “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in the “Complete data” section of the online report. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the reports. In other words, the tables and graphs display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item. Contact The City of Oshkosh funded this research. Please contact Jake Timm of the City of Oshkosh at JTimm@oshkoshwi.gov if you have any questions about the survey. Study Limitations All public opinion research is subject to unmeasured error. While the methodologies employed for this survey were designed to minimize this error as much as possible, these other sources of potential error should be acknowledged. Non-response error arises when those who were selected to participate in the survey did not do so, and may have different opinions or experiences than those who did respond. Coverage error refers to the possibility that some respondents that should have been included in the surveyed population were not (e.g., for a general resident survey, USPS mailing lists may exclude certain types of housing units, such as multi-family buildings where mail is delivered to a common area rather than to a specific unit (though this is rare), or where mail is received at a PO box instead of the at household's physical location. Finally, recall bias occurs when respondents may not perfectly remember their experiences in the past year (such as participation in social or civic events), and social desirability bias may cause respondents to answer in ways they think cast their responses in a more favorable light. Survey Validity See the Polco Knowledge Base article on survey validity at https://info.polco.us/knowledge/statistical-vali 2.See AAPOR's Standard Definitions for more information at https://aapor.org/standards-and-ethics/standard-definitions/ 3.Pasek, J. (2014). ANES Weighting Algorithm. Retrieved from https://surveyinsights.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Full-anesrake-paper.pdf 4.Targets come from the 2020 Census and 2023 American Community Survey Unweighted Weighted Target ⁴Age 18-3435-5455+Hispanicorigin No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish originYes, I consider myself to be of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, orSpanish originHousingtenureOwnRentHousing type AttachedDetachedRace &Hispanicorigin Not white aloneWhite alone, not Hispanic or LatinoSexMan Woman Sex/age Man 18-34 Man 35-54 Man 55+ Woman 18-34 Woman 35-54 Woman 55+ 49% 51% 52% 48% 60% 40% 17% 12% 20% 15% 14% 21% 18% 13% 21% 16% 15% 17% 44% 11% 4% 28% 9% 3% Analyzing the dataResponses from mailed surveys were entered into an electronic dataset using a “key and verify” method, where allresponses are entered twice and compared to each other. Any discrepancies were resolved in comparison to theoriginal survey form. Range checks as well as other forms of quality control were also performed. Responses fromsurveys completed on Polco were downloaded and merged with the mailed survey responses.The demographics of the survey respondents were compared to those found in the 2020 Census and 2023American Community Survey estimates for adults in the City of Oshkosh. The primary objective of weighting surveydata is to make the survey respondents reflective of the larger population of the community. The characteristicsused for weighting were age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, housing type, and housing tenure. No adjustments weremade for design effects. Weights were calculated using an iterative, multiplicative raking model known as the ANESWeighting Algorithm.³The results of the weighting scheme for the probability sample are presented in the followingtable.NRC aligns demographic labels with those used by the U.S. Census for reporting purposes, when possible. Somecategories (e.g., age, race/Hispanic origin, housing type, and length of residency) are combined into smallersubgroups.MethodsSelecting survey recipientsAll households within the City of Oshkosh were eligible to participate in the survey. A list of all households within thezip codes serving Oshkosh was purchased from Polco's mailing vendor, Go-Dog Direct, based on updated listingsfrom the United States Postal Service. Since some of the zip codes that serve the City of Oshkosh households mayalso serve addresses that lie outside of the community, the exact geographic location of each housing unit wascompared to community boundaries using the most current municipal boundary file. Addresses located outside ofthe City of Oshkosh boundaries were removed from the list of potential households to survey. From that list,addresses were randomly selected as survey recipients, with multi-family housing units (defined as those with aunit number) sampled at a rate of 5:3 compared to single family housing units.An individual within each household was randomly selected using the "birthday method". The birthday methodselects a person within the household by asking the “person who most recently had a birthday” to complete thequestionnaire. The underlying assumption in this method is that day of birth has no relationship to the way peoplerespond to surveys. This instruction was contained in the introduction of the survey. 5 Key Findings Highest-performing areas: •Upward trends were seen in multiple ratings related to inclusivity and engagement, including ratings for Oshkosh as a place to retire, sense of community, and the neighborliness of residents. •The quality of bus or transit services, as well as the ease of travel by public transportation both saw increases since 2024 and both ranked higher than the national benchmark average. •After experiencing previous declines, ratings for affordable quality food and affordable quality housing both leveled off in 2025 and ranked similar to communities nationwide. Potential areas of focus: •The availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool continues to be a concern among residents, as rating declined in 2025 and ranked lower than the benchmark. •Residents emphasized safety as a top focus for the city, while ratings for the overall feeling of safety, as well as feeling safe from violent crime both declined since 2024. •Respondents homed in on the local economy as the top priority of focus in the coming two years while sharing growing concerns related to cost of living, and expected economic impact on family income, although both ratings ranked similar to the benchmark. Areas of greatest change since 2024: Of the 123 evaluative questions included on both the 2024 and current survey iterations, 106 were statistically similar to previous results. Upward trends were seen in 6 items, while 11 ratings decreased since 2024. The most significant of those trends are listed below. Increases •Neighborliness of residents in Oshkosh (+11%) •Oshkosh as a place to retire (+11%) •Sense of community (+9%) •Street cleaning (+8%) •Bus or transit services (+7%) Decreases •Cost of living (-10%) •Public places where people want to spend time (-10%) •Overall feeling of safety in Oshkosh (-9%) •Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities (-9%) •Feeling safe from violent crime (-9%) 6 Facets of livability Every jurisdiction must balance limited resources while meeting resident needs and striving to optimize community livability. To this end, it is helpful to know what aspects of the community are most important to residents and which they perceive as being of higher or lower quality. It is especially helpful to know when a facet of livability is considered of high importance but rated as lower quality, as this should be a top priority to address. Inclusivity and Engagement Economy Safety Community Design Education, Arts, and Culture Mobility Utilities Natural Environment Health and Wellness Parks and Recreation 44% 55% 57% 57% 58% 62% 45% 52% 59% 63% 68% 91% 86% 65% 75% 67% 80% 77% 74% 77% Quality and Importance by the Numbers The table below shows the proportion of residents who rated the community facets positively for quality and the priority (importance) placed on each. Also displayed is whether local quality ratings were lower, similar, or higher t.. Quality % excellent or good Importance % essential or very importantFacet of Livability Economy Quality Importance Safety Quality Importance Inclusivity and Engagement Quality Importance Utilities Quality Importance Natural Environment Quality Importance Education, Arts, and Culture Quality Importance Parks and Recreation Quality Importance Health and Wellness Quality Importance Mobility Quality Importance Community Design Quality Importance 45% 91% 52% 86% 44% 68% 58% 80% 59% 77% 57% 75% 63% 77% 62% 74% 57% 67% 55% 65% Quality/Importance Gap Analysis The gap analysis chart below shows the same data as above; however, this chart more clearly illustrates the comparative differences in quality and importance ratings for each facet, as well as the absolute ratings for each. Quality Importance vs. national benchmark Similar vs. national benchmark Lower Similar 7 Gap between Importance & Quality 46% 34% 24% 22% 18% 18% 14% 12% 10% 10% Excellent Good Fair Poor 11% 50% 30% 9% The overall quality of life in Oshkosh, 2025 Quality of Life Measuring community livability starts with assessing the quality of life of those who live there, and ensuring that the community is attractive, accessible, and welcoming to all. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Oshkosh as a place to live The overall quality of life Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Lower SimilarLowerSimilar 68% 74%76%68% 74%76%63% 67% 67%72%76%67% 67%72%76%61% Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 Recommend living in Oshkosh to someone who asks Remain in Oshkosh for the next five years Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 75% 77%78%71%75% 77%78%71% 78%73% 80%78%78%73% 80%78% Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. (% very or somewhat likely) 8.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 9.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark ⁸ vs. custom benchmark ⁹ -1 0 1 2 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 Overall image or reputation LowerLower SimSimilarilar54%54% 53%53%56%51%51% Please rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 8.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 9.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 8 Excellent Good Fair Poor 33% 26% 35% 7% Overall confidence in Oshkosh government, 2025 Governance Strong local governments produce results that meet the needs of residents while making the best use of available resources, and are responsive to the present and future needs of the community as a whole. 10. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 11.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 The value of services for the taxes paid to Oshkosh The overall direction that Oshkosh is taking The job Oshkosh government does at welcoming resident involvement Overall confidence in Oshkosh government Generally acting in the best interest of the community Being honest Being open and transparent to the public Informing residents about issues facing the community Treating all residents fairly Treating residents with respect Lower LowerLowerLower Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Lower LowerLowerLower Lower LowerLowerLower Lower LowerLowerLower 38%40%41%35%38%40%41%35% 44%43%47%41%47%44%43%47%41% 38% 42% 36%42% 38% 42% 36%42% 37%35%33%40% 37%35%33%40% 43%46%42%42%43%46%42%42% 42%42%43%38%42%42%43%38% 38%38% Please rate the following categories of Oshkosh government performance. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Public information services Overall customer service by Oshkosh employees Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 55%57%58% 50% 55%57%58% 50% 72%72%76%71%72%72%76%71% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) The City of Oshkosh The Federal Government Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? (% excellent or good) Attended a local public meeting Contacted Oshkosh elected officials to express your opinion Contacted the City of Oshkosh for help or information Watched a local public meeting Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% excellent or good) vs. national benchmark ¹⁰ vs. custom benchmark ¹¹ 9 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall confidence in Oshkosh government,2025GovernanceStrong local governments produce results thatmeet the needs of residents while making the bestuse of available resources, and are responsive tothe present and future needs of the community asa whole. 10. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 11. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. -1 0 1 2 The value of services for the taxes paid toOshkoshThe overall direction that Oshkosh is takingThe job Oshkosh government does atwelcoming resident involvementOverall confidence in Oshkosh governmentGenerally acting in the best interest of thecommunityBeing honest Being open and transparent to the public Informing residents about issues facing the community Treating all residents fairly Treating residents with respect Lower LowerLowerLower Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 38%38%38% 36%38%38%38% 36% 38%38% 35% 40%38%38% 35% 40% 41%42%40%40%41%42%40%40% 51% 49%53%53%51% 49%53% Please rate the following categories of Oshkosh government performance.(% excellent or good)Public information servicesOverall customer service by OshkoshemployeesPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 The City of Oshkosh The Federal Government Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 58% 56% 56% ↘62%58% 56% 56% ↘ 25% 29% 25% 28% 25% 29% 25% 28% Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Attended a local public meeting Contacted Oshkosh elected officials to express your opinion Contacted the City of Oshkosh for help or information Watched a local public meeting Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar HigherSimilarHigher 12%12%12% 14%12%12%12% 14% 16% 13%12% 18%16% 13%12% 18% 44% 40%40%44% 44% 40%40% 29%30% 25% 32% ↗29%30% 25% 32% ↗ Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% excellent or good) vs. nationalbenchmark¹⁰vs. custombenchmark ¹¹ 10 Excellent Good Fair Poor 10% 35% 39% 16% Overall economic health of Oshkosh, 2025 Economy Local governments work together with private and nonprofit businesses, and with the community at large, to foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and promote a thriving local economy. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Oshkosh as a place to work Oshkosh as a place to visit Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 65%66%64%71%61%65%66%64%71%61% 58% 67% 56% 60%58% 67% 56% 60% Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 Overall quality of business and service establishments Variety of business and service establishments Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Employment opportunities Shopping opportunities Cost of living Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 70%71%71%71%70%71%71%71% 58%58%56% 62%58%58%56% 62% Please rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Economic development Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar45%43%46%46%45%43%46%46% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: (% very or somewhat positive) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall economic health Lower SimilarLowerSimilar51% 42% 45%47%51% 42% 45% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 12. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 13. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark¹² vs. custom benchmark¹³ 11 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall economic health of Oshkosh, 2025EconomyLocal governments work together with private andnonprofit businesses, and with the community at large, tofoster sustainable growth, create jobs, and promote athriving local economy.Oshkosh as a place to workOshkosh as a place to visitPlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh.(% excellent or good) -1 0 1 2 Overall quality of business and serviceestablishmentsVariety of business and serviceestablishments Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area Employment opportunities Shopping opportunities Cost of living Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 48%47%44%54% 48%47%44%54% 60%61%61%57%60%61%61%57% 51% 46% 56%54%51% 46% 56%54% 39% 42%47%32% ↘39% 42%47%32% ↘ Please rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community.(% excellent or good)Economic developmentPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar14%13% 14% ↘ 22% 14%13% 14% ↘ What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: (% very or somewhat positive) Overall economic healthPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good) 12. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 13. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. nationalbenchmark¹²vs. custombenchmark¹³ 12 Excellent Good Fair Poor 12% 46% 33% 9% Overall quality of the transportation system in Oshkosh, 2025 Mobility The ease with which residents can move about their communities, whether for commuting, leisure, or recreation, plays a major role in the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the community. 14. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 15. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Traffic flow on major streets Ease of public parking Ease of travel by car Ease of travel by public transportation Ease of travel by bicycle Ease of walking Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Higher SimilarHigherSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 56%53% 61%60% 56%53% 61%60% 57% 53%53% 59%57% 53%53% 59% 69%78%75%78%69%78%75% 49% 50%42%54%49% 50%42%54% 53% 47% 55% 47%53% 47% 55% 47% 66% 60%67%63%66% 60%67%63% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) Used public transportation instead of driving Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Walked or biked instead of driving Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes) Traffic enforcement Traffic signal timing Street repair Street cleaning Street lighting Snow removal Sidewalk maintenance Bus or transit services Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall quality of the transportation system Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar52% 55% 44% 57%52% 55% 44% 57% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good)vs. national benchmark¹⁴ vs. custom benchmark¹⁵ 13 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall quality of the transportation system inOshkosh, 2025MobilityThe ease with which residents can move abouttheir communities, whether for commuting,leisure, or recreation, plays a major role in thequality of life for all who live, work, and play inthe community. 14. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 15. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. Traffic flow on major streetsEase of public parkingEase of travel by carEase of travel by public transportationEase of travel by bicycleEase of walkingPlease also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Used public transportation instead of driving Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone Walked or biked instead of driving Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar LowerSimilarLower 13%14%12%14%13%14%12%14% 52%45%47%55%52%45%47% 60%63%65%49% ↘60%63%65%49% ↘ Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% yes) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Traffic enforcement Traffic signal timing Street repair Street cleaning Street lighting Snow removal Sidewalk maintenance Bus or transit services Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Higher SimilarHigherSimilar 53% 50% 57%48% ↘53% 50% 57%48% ↘ 55% 54% 54%54%76%55% 54% 54%54% 20%21%24%15%20%21%24% 63%61%60% 69% ↗63%61%60% 69% ↗ 60%63%60%63% 60%63%60%63% 64%56%59% 62%66%64%56%59% 62% 57% 59%55%54% 61% ↗ 57% 59%55%54% 61% ↗ 56%57% 53%51% 60% ↗ 56%57% 53%51% 60% ↗ Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) Overall quality of the transportationsystemPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good)vs. nationalbenchmark¹⁴vs. custombenchmark¹⁵ 14 Excellent Good Fair Poor 47% 32% 13% 8% Overall design or layout of Oshkosh's residential and commercial areas, 2025 Community Design A well-designed community enhances the quality of life for its residents by encouraging smart land use and zoning, ensuring that affordable housing is accessible to all, and providing access to parks and other green spaces. 16. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 17. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 Well-planned residential growth Well-planned commercial growth Well-designed neighborhoods Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Public places where people want to spend time Variety of housing options Availability of affordable quality housing Overall quality of new development Overall appearance Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 41% 47% 39% 41%41% 47% 39% 41% 41%41% 47%40% ↘41%41% 47%40% ↘ 45% 42% 49%46%45% 42% 49%46% 58%63%57%58%58%63%57%58% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Your neighborhood as a place to live Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar73%76%70%71%73%76%70%71% Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) Land use, planning and zoning Code enforcement Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar51% 54% 48% 55% 51% 54% 48% 55% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) vs. national benchmark¹⁶ vs. custom benchmark¹⁷ 15 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall design or layout of Oshkosh's residentialand commercial areas, 2025Community DesignA well-designed community enhances thequality of life for its residents byencouraging smart land use and zoning,ensuring that affordable housing isaccessible to all, and providing access toparks and other green spaces. 16. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 17. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. -1 0 1 2 Well-planned residential growthWell-planned commercial growthWell-designed neighborhoods Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community Public places where people want to spend time Variety of housing options Availability of affordable quality housing Overall quality of new development Overall appearance Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar LowerSimilarLower Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 58%63%57%58%58%63%57%58% 49% 53%54%44% ↘49% 53%54%44% ↘ 39% 38% 43%37% 39% 38% 43%37% 29% 28%19%20% 69% 29% 28%19%20% 47%49%50%42% ↘47%49%50%42% ↘ 52%51% 53%53%52%51% 53%53% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community.(% excellent or good)Your neighborhood as a place to livePlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Land use, planning and zoning Code enforcement Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 36%35%33%34%42%36%35%33%34% 37% 32% 39%43%37% 32% 39% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) Overall design or layout of residential andcommercial areasPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good)vs. nationalbenchmark¹⁶vs. custombenchmark¹⁷ 16 Excellent Good Fair Poor 11% 46% 26% 17% Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Oshkosh, 2025 Utilities Services such as water, gas, electricity, and internet access play a vital role in ensuring the physical and economic health and well-being of the communities they serve. 18. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 19. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Affordable high-speed internet access Garbage collection Drinking water Sewer services Storm water management Power (electric and/or gas) utility Utility billing Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Lower LowerLowerLower Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar LowerSimilarLower 49% 50%48%50%49% 50%48%50% 88%85%89%85%88%88%85%89%85%88% 59%63% 66%55%59%63% 66%55% 75%77%79%72%75%77%79%72% 66%67% 57%70%72%66%67% 57%70%72% 76% 70%79%75%76% 70%79%75% 54%55% 52% 57%54%55% 52% 57% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall quality of the utility infrastructure Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar54%52%50% 58% ↗54%52%50% 58% ↗ Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good)vs. national benchmark¹⁸ vs. custom benchmark¹⁹ 17 Excellent Good Fair Poor 10% 42% 31% 17% Overall feeling of safety in Oshkosh, 2025 Safety Public safety is often the most important task facing local governments. All residents should feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods and in the greater community, and providing robust safety-related services is essential to residents' quality of life. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall feeling of safety Lower LowerLowerLower60%61%52% ↘61%60%61%52% ↘ Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 2022 2024 2026 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 In your neighborhood during the day In Oshkosh's downtown/commercial area during the day From property crime From violent crime From fire, flood, or other natural disaster Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 91%91%93%89%89%91%91%93%89%89% 86%87%84%90%81%86%87%84%90%81% 69% 71% 66%67%69% 71% 66%67% 71% 76%77%67% ↘71% 76%77%67% ↘ 82% 77% 81%85%82% 77% 81% Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: (% very or somewhat safe) Police/Sheriff services Crime prevention Animal control Ambulance or emergency medical services Fire services Fire prevention and education Emergency preparedness Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 20. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 21. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark²⁰ vs. custom benchmark²¹ 18 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall feeling of safety in Oshkosh, 2025SafetyPublic safety is often the most important taskfacing local governments. All residents shouldfeel safe and secure in their neighborhoodsand in the greater community, and providingrobust safety-related services is essential toresidents' quality of life.Overall feeling of safetyPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good)In your neighborhood during thedayIn Oshkosh'sdowntown/commercial area duringthe dayFrom property crimeFrom violent crimeFrom fire, flood, or other naturaldisasterPlease rate how safe or unsafe you feel:(% very or somewhat safe) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Police/Sheriff services Crime prevention Animal control Ambulance or emergency medical services Fire services Fire prevention and education Emergency preparedness Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 71%71% 73% 70%72%71%71% 73% 70%72% 58%60%62% 56%58%60%62% 56% 69%67% 69%66%69%67% 69%66% 84%85%90%81%83%84%85%90%81%83% 90%88%91%92%90%90%88%91%92%90% 77%76%80%79%77%76%80%79% 58% 62% 57%60%58% 62% 57%60% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 20. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 21. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. nationalbenchmark²⁰vs. custombenchmark²¹ 19 Excellent Good Fair Poor 13% 46% 31% 10% Overall quality of natural environment in Oshkosh, 2025 Natural Environment The natural environment plays a vital role in the health and well-being of residents. The natural spaces in which residents live and experience their communities has a direct and profound effect on quality of life. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Cleanliness Water resources Air quality Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 54% 61% 53%57%54% 61% 53%57% 64%63%65%64%64%63%65%64% 80%79%78%82%80%79%78%82% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Preservation of natural areas Oshkosh open space Recycling Yard waste pick-up Similar LowerSimilarLower Similar LowerSimilarLower Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 52% 47% 53%52%52% 47% 53%52% 50%50%50% 53% 50%50%50% 53% 70%79%69%69%68%70%79%69%69%68% 72%79%66%64% 71%72%79%66%64% 71% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall quality of natural environment Lower LowerLowerLower59% 70% 57%59%59% 70% 57%59% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 22. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 23. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark²² vs. custom benchmark²³ 20 Excellent Good Fair Poor 16% 47% 29% 8% Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities, 2025 Parks and Recreation "There are no communities that pride themselves on their quality of life, promote themselves as a desirable location for businesses to relocate, or maintain that they are environmental stewards of their natural resources, without such communities having a robust, active system of parks and recreation programs for public use and enjoyment." - National Recreation and Park Association 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Availability of paths and walking trails Fitness opportunities Recreational opportunities Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 66%66%72%63% 67%66%66%72%63% 67% 64%73%62% ↘71%64%73%62% ↘ 64%66% 60%60%64%66% 60%60% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities Lower LowerLowerLower71%76%63% ↘72%71%76%63% ↘ Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 25.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark²⁴ vs. custom benchmark²⁵ 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 City parks Recreation programs or classes Recreation centers or facilities SSiimmiillaarr SSiimmiillaarr SSiimmiillaarr SSiimmiillaarr SSiimmiillaarr SSiimmiillaarr 7744%%7799%%7744%%7788%% 6666%% 6655%%6688%%6622%% 6666%% 6633%% 6666%%6622%% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 24.Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 25.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 21 Excellent Good Fair Poor 13% 48% 30% 8% Overall health and wellness opportunities in Oshkosh, 2025 Health and Wellness The characteristics of and amenities available in the communities in which people live has a direct impact on the health and wellness of residents, and thus, on their quality of life overall. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Availability of affordable quality food Availability of affordable quality health care Availability of preventive health services Availability of affordable quality mental health care Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 60%51% 61%54%60%51% 61%54% 55%51% 57%53%55%51% 57%53% 56%56%52%57% 56%56%52% 36% 40% 36%37%36% 40% 36%37% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Health services Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar66% 62%69%65%66% 62%69%65% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) Please rate your overall health. Please rate your overall health. (% excellent or very good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall health and wellness opportunities Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar64%59%66%62%64%59%66%62% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 26. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 27.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark²⁶ vs. custom benchmark²⁷ 22 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall health and wellness opportunities inOshkosh, 2025Health and WellnessThe characteristics of and amenities availablein the communities in which people live has adirect impact on the health and wellness ofresidents, and thus, on their quality of lifeoverall.Availability of affordable quality foodAvailability of affordable quality healthcareAvailability of preventive healthservicesAvailability of affordable qualitymental health carePlease also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community.(% excellent or good)Health servicesPlease rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Please rate your overall health. Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar58%60%56%61%58%60%56%61% Please rate your overall health. (% excellent or very good) Overall health and wellnessopportunitiesPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good) 26. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 27. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. nationalbenchmark²⁶vs. custombenchmark²⁷ 23 Excellent Good Fair Poor 17% 39% 29% 15% Overall opportunities for education, culture and the arts, 2025 Education, Arts, and Culture Participation in the arts, in educational opportunities, and in cultural activities is linked to increased civic engagement, greater social tolerance, and enhanced enjoyment of the local community. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities Community support for the arts Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool K-12 education Adult educational opportunities Opportunities to attend special events and festivals Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Lower LowerLowerLower Lower LowerLowerLower Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 61%61%61%63%61%61%61%63% 58%58%57% 63%58%58%57% 63% 33% 28% 40%24% ↘ 33% 28% 40%24% ↘ 51% 49% 57%47% 51% 49% 57%47% 54% 52% 61%50% 54% 52% 61%50% 65%69% 62%63%65%69% 62%63% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) Public library services Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar57% 67% 56%57%57% 67% 56%57% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 28. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 29. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark²⁸ vs. custom benchmark²⁹ 24 ExcellentGoodFairPoorOverall opportunities for education,culture and the arts, 2025Education, Arts, and CultureParticipation in the arts, in educational opportunities, andin cultural activities is linked to increased civicengagement, greater social tolerance, and enhancedenjoyment of the local community. -1 0 1 2 Opportunities to attendcultural/arts/music activitiesCommunity support for the artsAvailability of affordable qualitychildcare/preschoolK-12 educationAdult educational opportunitiesOpportunities to attend specialevents and festivalsPlease also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Public library services Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar85%86%89%82%82%85%86%89%82%82% Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) Overall opportunities for education,culture, and the artsPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good) 28. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 29. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. nationalbenchmark²⁸vs. custombenchmark²⁹ 25 Excellent Good Fair Poor 38% 41% 15% 7% Residents' connection and engagement with their community, 2025 Inclusivity and Engagement Inclusivity refers to a cultural and environmental feeling of belonging; residents who feel invited to participate within their communities feel more included, involved, and engaged than those who do not. 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Oshkosh as a place to raise children Oshkosh as a place to retire Sense of community Lower LowerLowerLower Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 67%62%70%70%59%67%62%70%70%59% 48% 45%43% 54%54% ↗48% 45%43% 54%54% ↗ 47%50% 44% 53% ↗47%50% 44% 53% ↗ Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Residents' connection and engagement with their community Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar43% 41%41% 44%43% 41%41% 44% Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 Making all residents feel welcome Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Taking care of vulnerable residents Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 42% 58%61%55%60% 42% 58%61%55% 52%53%47%57% 52%53%47%57% Please rate the job you feel the Oshkosh community does at each of the following. (% excellent or good) Sense of civic/community pride Neighborliness of residents Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Opportunities to volunteer Opportunities to participate in community matters Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% excellent or good) 30. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 31. Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. national benchmark³⁰ vs. custom benchmark³¹ 26 ExcellentGoodFairPoorResidents' connection and engagement withtheir community, 2025Inclusivity and EngagementInclusivity refers to a cultural and environmentalfeeling of belonging; residents who feel invited toparticipate within their communities feel moreincluded, involved, and engaged than those who donot.Oshkosh as a place to raise childrenOshkosh as a place to retireSense of communityPlease rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh.(% excellent or good)Residents' connection and engagementwith their communityPlease rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole.(% excellent or good) -1 0 1 2 Making all residents feel welcome Attracting people from diverse backgrounds Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds Taking care of vulnerable residents Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 52%53%47%57% 52%53%47%57% 53%49%53%53%53%49%53%53% 45% 47%48% 44%45% 47%48% 44% Please rate the job you feel the Oshkosh community does at each of the following.(% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Sense of civic/community pride Neighborliness of residents Opportunities to participate in social events and activities Opportunities to volunteer Opportunities to participate in community matters Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds Lower SimilarLowerSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar Similar SimilarSimilarSimilar 44% 45% 42%43%44% 45% 42%43% 50%53% 44% 55% ↗50%53% 44% 55% ↗ 58% 60% 56%57%58% 60% 56%57% 73%70%74%70%73%70%74%70% 54% 59% 50% 50% ↘54% 59% 50% 50% ↘ 44%42% 51% 37% 46% 44%42% 51% 37% 46% Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. (% excellent or good) 2021 2023 2025 -1 0 1 2 -1 0 1 2 Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate SimilarSimilarSimilarSimilar 22% ↗19% 21% 16% 22% ↗19% 21% 16% Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. (% excellent or good) 30. Comparison to the national benchmark is shown. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. 31.Comparison to the custom benchmark is shown. A description of the custom benchmark cohort can found in the About section of the report. If no comparison is available, this is left blank. vs. nationalbenchmark³⁰vs. custombenchmark³¹ 27 Th e N a t i o n a l C o m m u n i t y S u r v e y ™ • © 2 0 0 1 -20 2 5 Na t i o n a l R e s e a r c h C e n t e r , I n c . The City of Oshkosh 2025 Community Survey Page 1 of 5 Please complete this survey if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday (the year of birth does not matter). Your responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared. 1. Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Oshkosh. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q1a Oshkosh as a place to live ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q1b Your neighborhood as a place to live .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q1c Oshkosh as a place to raise children ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q1d Oshkosh as a place to work ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q1e Oshkosh as a place to visit ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q1f Oshkosh as a place to retire ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q1g The overall quality of life in Oshkosh .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q1h Sense of community ................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 2. Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Oshkosh as a whole. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q2a Overall economic health of Oshkosh ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q2b Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Oshkosh ............................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q2c Overall design or layout of Oshkosh’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q2d Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Oshkosh ............................................ (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q2e Overall feeling of safety in Oshkosh ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q2f Overall quality of natural environment in Oshkosh.................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q2g Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q2h Overall health and wellness opportunities in Oshkosh ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q2i Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q2j Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .......................... 1 2 3 4 5 3. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following. Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t likely likely unlikely unlikely know q3a Recommend living in Oshkosh to someone who asks .......................1 2 3 4 5 q3b Remain in Oshkosh for the next five years .............................................1 2 3 4 5 4. Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel: Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t safe safe nor unsafe unsafe unsafe know q4a In your neighborhood during the day ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 q4b In Oshkosh’s downtown/commercial area during the day .............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 q4c From property crime ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 q4d From violent crime ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 q4e From fire, flood, or other natural disaster ............................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 5. Please rate the job you feel the Oshkosh community does at each of the following. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q5a Making all residents feel welcome ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q5b Attracting people from diverse backgrounds .............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q5c Valuing/respecting residents from diverse backgrounds ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q5d Taking care of vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.) ........... 1 2 3 4 5 6. Please rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q6a Overall quality of business and service establishments in Oshkosh ................. 1 2 3 4 5 q6b Variety of business and service establishments in Oshkosh ................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q6c Vibrancy of downtown/commercial area ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q6d Employment opportunities ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q6e Shopping opportunities ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q6f Cost of living in Oshkosh ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q6g Overall image or reputation of Oshkosh ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 Th e N a t i o n a l C o m m u n i t y S u r v e y ™ • © 2 0 0 1 -20 2 5 Na t i o n a l R e s e a r c h C e n t e r , I n c . Page 2 of 5 7. Please also rate each of the following in the Oshkosh community. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q7a Traffic flow on major streets ............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7b Ease of public parking ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7c Ease of travel by car in Oshkosh ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7d Ease of travel by public transportation in Oshkosh .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q7e Ease of travel by bicycle in Oshkosh ................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7f Ease of walking in Oshkosh ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q7g Well-planned residential growth ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7h Well-planned commercial growth .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7i Well-designed neighborhoods ........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7j Preservation of the historical or cultural character of the community ............ 1 2 3 4 5 q7k Public places where people want to spend time ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7l Variety of housing options ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7m Availability of affordable quality housing ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7n Overall quality of new development in Oshkosh........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7o Overall appearance of Oshkosh ......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7p Cleanliness of Oshkosh .......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7q Water resources (beaches, lakes, ponds, riverways, etc.) ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7r Air quality .................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7s Availability of paths and walking trails .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7t Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.) ... 1 2 3 4 5 q7u Recreational opportunities .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q7v Availability of affordable quality food ............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7w Availability of affordable quality health care ............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7x Availability of preventive health services ..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7y Availability of affordable quality mental health care ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7z Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7aa Community support for the arts ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7bb Availability of affordable quality childcare/preschool ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7cc K-12 education .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7dd Adult educational opportunities ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7ee Sense of civic/community pride ........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7ff Neighborliness of residents in Oshkosh ......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7gg Opportunities to participate in social events and activities .................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q7hh Opportunities to attend special events and festivals ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q7ii Opportunities to volunteer .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q7jj Opportunities to participate in community matters ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q7kk Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 8. Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months. No Yes q8a Contacted the City of Oshkosh (in-person, phone, email, or web) for help or information .............................. 1 2 q8b Contacted Oshkosh elected officials (in-person, phone, email, or web) to express your opinion ................. 1 2 q8c Attended a local public meeting (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.) ............................................ 1 2 q8d Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting ............................................................................................... 1 2 q8e Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Oshkosh ........................................................................................... 1 2 q8f Campaigned or advocated for a local issue, cause, or candidate .................................................................................. 1 2 q8g Voted in your most recent local election ................................................................................................................................ 1 2 q8h Used bus, rail, subway, or other public transportation instead of driving ............................................................... 1 2 q8i Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone .............................................................................. 1 2 q8j Walked or biked instead of driving ........................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Th e N a t i o n a l C o m m u n i t y S u r v e y ™ • © 2 0 0 1 -20 2 5 Na t i o n a l R e s e a r c h C e n t e r , I n c . The City of Oshkosh 2025 Community Survey Page 3 of 5 9. Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Oshkosh. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q9a Public information services ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q9b Economic development ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9c Traffic enforcement ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q9d Traffic signal timing ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q9e Street repair ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9f Street cleaning ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9g Street lighting ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q9h Snow removal ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q9i Sidewalk maintenance ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9j Bus or transit services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9k Land use, planning, and zoning ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9l Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.) ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9m Affordable high-speed internet access ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9n Garbage collection ............................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9o Drinking water ...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9p Sewer services ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9q Storm water management (storm drainage, dams, levees, etc.) .................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9r Power (electric and/or gas) utility ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9s Utility billing .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9t Police services ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9u Crime prevention ................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q9v Animal control ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9w Ambulance or emergency medical services ............................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q9x Fire services ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9y Fire prevention and education ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9z Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations) .................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9aa Preservation of natural areas (open space, farmlands, and greenbelts) ..... 1 2 3 4 5 q9bb Oshkosh open space ........................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9cc Recycling .................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q9dd Yard waste pick-up.............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q9ee City parks................................................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q9ff Recreation programs or classes .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9gg Recreation centers or facilities ...................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9hh Health services ...................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9ii Public library services ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q9jj Overall customer service by Oshkosh employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.) ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 10. Please rate the following categories of Oshkosh government performance. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q10a The value of services for the taxes paid to Oshkosh ............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q10b The overall direction that Oshkosh is taking ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q10c The job Oshkosh government does at welcoming resident involvement .......... 1 2 3 4 5 q10d Overall confidence in Oshkosh government ............................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q10e Generally acting in the best interest of the community ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q10f Being honest ........................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q10g Being open and transparent to the public ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q10h Informing residents about issues facing the community ................................... 1 2 3 4 5 q10i Treating all residents fairly ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 q10j Treating residents with respect .................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 11. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know q11a The City of Oshkosh ............................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 q11b The Federal Government .................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 Th e N a t i o n a l C o m m u n i t y S u r v e y ™ • © 2 0 0 1 -20 2 5 Na t i o n a l R e s e a r c h C e n t e r , I n c . Page 4 of 5 12. Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Oshkosh community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years. Very Somewhat Not at all Essential important important important q12a Overall economic health of Oshkosh ..................................................................................1 2 3 4 q12b Overall quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus) in Oshkosh ...............................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 q12c Overall design or layout of Oshkosh’s residential and commercial areas (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, parks, etc.) ...................................................1 2 3 4 q12d Overall quality of the utility infrastructure in Oshkosh (water, sewer, storm water, electric/gas, broadband) ........................................1 2 3 4 q12e Overall feeling of safety in Oshkosh ....................................................................................1 2 3 4 q12f Overall quality of natural environment in Oshkosh.....................................................1 2 3 4 q12g Overall quality of parks and recreation opportunities ...............................................1 2 3 4 q12h Overall health and wellness opportunities in Oshkosh ..............................................1 2 3 4 q12i Overall opportunities for education, culture, and the arts........................................1 2 3 4 q12j Residents’ connection and engagement with their community .............................1 2 3 4 Th e N a t i o n a l C o m m u n i t y S u r v e y ™ • © 2 0 0 1 -20 2 5 Na t i o n a l R e s e a r c h C e n t e r , I n c . The City of Oshkosh 2025 Community Survey Page 5 of 5 Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are confidential and no identifying information will be shared. D1. In general, how many times do you: Several Once A few times Every Less often Don’t times a day a day a week few weeks or never know d1a Access the internet from your home using a computer, laptop, or tablet computer ....................1 2 3 4 5 6 d1b Access the internet from your cell phone .......................1 2 3 4 5 6 d1c Visit social media sites such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Nextdoor, etc. ..........................1 2 3 4 5 6 d1d Use or check email ....................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 d1e Share your opinions online ...................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 d1f Shop online ..................................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 D2. Please rate your overall health. 1  Excellent 2  Very good 3  Good 4  Fair 5  Poor D3. What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be: 1  Very positive 2  Somewhat positive 3  Neutral 4  Somewhat negative 5  Very negative D4. How many years have you lived in Oshkosh? 1  Less than 2 years 2  2-5 years 3  6-10 years 4  11-20 years 5  More than 20 years D5. Which best describes the building you live in? 1  Single-family detached home 2  Townhouse or duplex (may share walls but no units above or below you) 3  Condominium or apartment (have units above or below you) 4  Mobile home 5  Other D6. Do you rent or own your home? 1  Rent 2  Own D7. About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance, and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)? 1  Less than $300 6  $2,500 to $3,999 2  $300 to $599 7  $4,000 to $6,999 3  $600 to $999 8  $7,000 to $9,999 4  $1,000 to $1,499 9  $10,000 or more 5  $1,500 to $2,499 D8. Do any children 17 or under live in your household? 1  No 2  Yes D9. Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older? 1  No 2  Yes D10. How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.) 1  Less than $25,000 5  $100,000 to $149,999 2  $25,000 to $49,999 6  $150,000 to $199,999 3  $50,000 to $74,999 7  $200,000 to $299,999 4  $75,000 to $99,999 8  $300,000 or more D11. Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin? 1  No 2  Yes D12. What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.) d12a ❑ American Indian or Alaskan Native d12b ❑ Asian d12c ❑ Black or African American d12d ❑ Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander d12e ❑ White d12f ❑ A race not listed D13. In which category is your age? 1  18-24 years 5  55-64 years 2  25-34 years 6  65-74 years 3  35-44 years 7  75 years or older 4  45-54 years D14. What is your gender? 1  Woman 2  Man 3  Identify in another way → go to D14a D14a. If you identify in another way, how would you describe your gender? 1  Agender/I don’t identify with any gender 2  Genderqueer/gender fluid 3  Non-binary 4  Transgender man 5  Transgender woman 6  Two-spirit 7  Identify in another way Thank you! Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to: National Research Center, Inc., PO Box 549, Belle Mead, NJ 08502