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Community Survey

2026 Community Survey

To conduct the Community Survey, the county partners with an independent research firm, Polco, which randomly selects a statistically valid number of residents throughout the county to participate in the survey via mail and web. In September 2026, Polco will send postcards to 9,000 households, which includes survey instructions and a QR code linking to the survey. A week later, the same households will receive a physical survey as an alternative to the online version. 

Residents not included in the scientific survey can participate in an online open participation survey. All residents are encouraged to participate! The link will be available once the open participation survey begins.

The 2026 Community Survey will take place in phases: 

  • Sept. 14: Random sample survey begins 

  • Sept. 21: Paper surveys are mailed to randomly selected households 

  • Oct. 12: Open participation survey begins (link will be available once survey opens)

  • Nov. 2: Random sample and open participation surveys close 

 

Why Your Feedback Matters 

Results are used to guide strategic decisions made by the Board of County Supervisors, Executive Management and county departments. It helps shape the future of Prince William County.

The 2024 Community Survey helped inform development of the county’s current Strategic Plan. The survey included questions designed to better understand residents’ priorities for Prince William County’s future, and the results helped inform the goals established in the Strategic Plan. 

The 2026 survey will provide updated information that will continue to inform decisions about services, programs and community priorities.

 

Background:

Prince William County conducts a biennial Community Survey, which provides reliable and valid data to help guide strategic decisions made by the Board of County Supervisors.​ 

The survey also provides:

  • Valid insights from a representative sample on performance.
  • Reliable indicators of public support for proposed policies and initiatives.
  • Information about changes in demographics and attitudes.
  • Information that can help influence budget and resource allocation decisions.

Ultimately, it allows the County to assess resident perceptions of the overall quality of life in Prince William County, assess the perception of County services, identify subgroups that may be underserved, and address specific and relevant topics of interest.

Prince William County conducted an annual resident survey since 1993 until a decision was made to change to biennial surveys in 2012. Please note that the Results from previous surveys are available at accountability.

 

2024 Results

 

2021 Results

 

2018 Results

 

FAQs

 

What is the Prince William County Community Survey?
Since 1993, the County has surveyed its residents. The information gained from the survey is used by the Board of County Supervisors and various departments to better understand residents’ viewpoints and needs.

How was I chosen for the survey?
Potential participants for the survey were selected at random from all county households. By selecting participants randomly, we are better able to represent what the whole county population believes and has experienced regarding county services. Those selected receive a postcard with information about how to take the survey.

How many people are you inviting?
We invite 9,000 people to participate, randomly selected from across the county.

What if I am not one of the 9,000 households invited to participate?
We want to hear from everyone! The open participation survey is available to any resident that wanted to take the survey. We do ask that those who received a postcard follow the directions on the postcard. If you did not receive a postcard, residents are encouraged to use the open participation survey link when it becomes available.

What languages are available?
Right now, the survey is available in English and Spanish.

If I participate, how long will the survey take and what kinds of questions are you asking?
The survey takes about 12-15 minutes to complete and includes questions about your perceptions of and experiences with the county overall and the specific services and facilities that it provides. 

If I participate, will anyone else see my personal information?
No. Names or other identifying information are never seen by the county. We are only interested in what you have to say.

How can I be confident that my responses are confidential?
The survey is conducted confidentially under the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO) Code of Ethics. 

Why is my participation important?
We simply can’t reach everyone whose opinions would be valuable to us. Your participation helps build an accurate picture of county residents and their needs because you are part of a cross-section representing many other people with your responses. 

What if I don’t know an answer to a question?
Most of the questions are based on your experience and beliefs, so there is no right or wrong answer. Other questions ask for general information about your household, such as the ages of the people in your home. If you are not sure of the exact answer, please answer the question as best as you can.

Why do you ask for my household’s income and other personal information?
There are two main reasons that we ask for personal information like your household’s income. First, it is important for us to know how different the people we hear from are from the general population so that we accurately describe what we found in the survey. The best way to do that is to compare facts like income and education from the people we survey to the same information about the entire population. No individual personal information is provided to the county.

If I have questions about the Community Survey, whom can I contact?
Please contact the county's Office of Communications and Engagement at [email protected].