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A new survey is offering a closer look at how Detroit residents feel about their neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Vitality Index (NVI) has released its 2025 results while opening its 2026 resident survey. The community-built system measures issues that residents say matter most in their neighborhoods.
More than 6,700 Detroit residents participated in the 2025 survey. The results are available across the city, seven City Council districts and 22 Neighborhood Zones.
Detroit residents report strong quality of life
The 2025 findings show that 82% of respondents are satisfied with their overall quality of life.
Safety also emerged as a major part of residents’ experiences. About 87% said they feel safe in their neighborhoods. Among residents with children under 18, 79% said they feel their youth are safe in their neighborhood.
Housing remains an important issue, however. The survey found that 72% of respondents said their current housing needs are being met.
At the same time, only 54% believe their housing will meet their future needs. The results highlight the continuing need to understand housing conditions and long-term affordability across Detroit communities.
Survey highlights financial and family needs
The NVI also examined several factors connected to household stability.
According to the 2025 results, 64% of respondents have a savings account at a bank or credit union.
Childcare remains another challenge for Detroit families. Only 33% of parents with children under 5 said they have no difficulty finding the childcare they want.
Housing repairs also emerged as an area where many residents may need additional support. Just 28% said they do not need major housing improvements or repairs.
Together, these findings provide community organizations and policymakers with more information about where residents are doing well and where additional resources may be needed.
Detroit residents can take the 2026 survey
The 2026 NVI survey is now open to Detroit residents.
Residents ages 18 and older can complete the online survey. It takes about 20 minutes, and eligible participants can receive a $25 gift card.
Each resident can submit one response per year. Residents who participated in a previous survey are also encouraged to take part again.
The NVI is being implemented through a partnership between Community Development Advocates of Detroit, Data Driven Detroit and JFM Consulting Group.
The organizations designed the initiative to place resident experiences at the center of neighborhood planning.
The index tracks more than 60 indicators
The Neighborhood Vitality Index measures more than 60 indicators related to neighborhood development and quality of life.
Its measures fall into several broad areas, including community capacity, neighborhood conditions and quality of life.
Community capacity looks at neighborhood connections, available resources and the ability of residents and organizations to create positive change.
Neighborhood conditions focus on the physical characteristics of communities. Meanwhile, quality-of-life indicators examine whether residents, including young people, can enjoy a strong standard of living.
The data can help community development organizations, foundations and city government identify priorities and guide future investments.
Residents have a role in Detroit’s future
The NVI was created with input from residents, community organizations and other stakeholders.
Its goal goes beyond collecting statistics. The initiative also brings neighborhood advocates, community organizations and policymakers together to discuss the issues affecting Detroit communities.
As more residents participate, the data can provide a broader picture of neighborhood needs across the city.
The 2026 survey will continue gathering resident perspectives while the NVI updates its data with new survey responses and refreshed secondary information.
For Detroit residents, the survey provides an opportunity to share what is working in their communities and what still needs attention.
Source: Neighborhood Vitality Index
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