Courtesy of PWC Communications

Prince William County launched the open response version of the 2024 Community Survey and wants to hear from all of its residents. The county has conducted community surveys since 1993. This is the first time the county has included an open response survey, providing an opportunity for all residents to have a voice in the survey results.  

Data from the community survey provides reliable and valid data to help guide strategic decisions made by the county to develop better policies, initiatives and community programs. The ultimate goal is to assess the overall quality of life in Prince William County, evaluate the perception of county services, identify groups that may be underserved and address specific and relevant topics of interest. 

“We are very excited to provide an open response version of the community survey for the very first time, allowing an opportunity to hear from even more of our residents,” said County Executive Chris Shorter. “The responses to the survey are critical as it allows us to understand the experiences of our residents and what is most important to them. This data truly has an impact on the decisions we make, informs the county’s strategic planning process and helps shape the future of the community.” 

To conduct the survey, the county partnered with an independent research firm, Polco. To participate in the open response survey, residents should visit polco.us/2024PWC. Paper copies of the survey will be available in the community libraries, as well as the senior centers.  

Participants’ responses will always remain anonymous, and personal information will be securely stored on Polco. Residents’ individual data is never shared. The survey is conducted confidentially under the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO) Code of Ethics. 

Last month, Polco sent postcards to a statistically valid number of randomly selected households throughout the county inviting them to participate in the survey via mail or online. The postcards included survey instructions and a QR code linking to the online survey and then was followed up with a physical survey as an alternative to the online version. Those households that received a postcard should use the paper version or the link they received, not the open response survey. 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the Office of Communications & Engagement at communications@pwcgov.org or call 703-792-6606. 

More information about the 2024 Community Survey, as well as the results from past surveys, can be found on the county’s website at https://www.pwcva.gov/department/office-executive-management/community-survey.