Every three years, Hanover County hires the National Survey Center to conduct a Citizens Survey.  The National Survey Center mailed surveys to 1,500 randomly-selected County households in September and invited an additional 700 to take the survey online.

The Board of Supervisors heard a presentation about the results on Wednesday, December 13.  Key findings included:

• On the 119 standardized questions used by most or all of participating local governments, Hanover County was at least 10% higher than the benchmark on 18 questions and lower than the benchmark on five questions.
• Compared to 2017, the County received rankings that were at least 6% higher on 27 questions and lower on seven questions.
• Categories in which respondents rated the County highly had to do with the quality of life; public safety services; general governance; the economy; and the environment.
• Categories in which respondents gave lower ratings had to do with mobility, such as the lack of availability of paths and walking trails and ease of travel by bicycle.

Three customized questions were asked. Responses were:

• 73% of respondents said they supported providing more local funds to supplement state and federal dollars for the construction and maintenance of roads, even if it meant paying higher taxes or fees.
• Respondents listed “The Hanover Review” and website as their top sources for obtaining information about the County government and its activities, events and services.
• 79% of respondents agreed that Hanover County should maintain its current policy of higher residential densities in the suburban area while maintaining lower densities in the rural areas.

The National Survey Center is used by more than 600 local governments across the nation.