2025 Community Survey

In the summer of 2025, the Town of Highland Park partnered with ETC Institute, a nationally recognized government research and survey organization, to administer a community survey. This survey was conducted as part of the Town's Strategic Planning Process to gather input directly from residents to understand community priorities, assess satisfaction with the quality of Town services, compare the Town's performance with other communities nationally and regionally, and establish a baseline for future surveys. This marks the first community survey conducted for Highland Park.

Read the full 2025 Highland Park Community Survey Findings Report (PDF)

HP 2025 Community Survey Highlights

Survey Methodology

The eight-page survey was mailed to all households in the Town of Highland Park. Residents could return their survey by mail or complete it online. 

A total of 487 households completed the survey. The results have a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of ±4.6%.

Key Findings

Overall Perceptions

  • 99% of residents were very satisfied or satisfied with Highland Park as a place to live (compared to the national average of 49%)
  • 98% were very satisfied or satisfied with Highland Park as a place to raise children (compared to the national average of 61%)
  • 96% were very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of services provided by the Town (compared to the national average of 49%)
  • 99% felt safe in Highland Park (compared to the national average of 66%)

Quality of Town Services

Categories with the highest satisfaction levels included: 

  • The quality of police, fire, and emergency medical services (100%)
  • The quality of 911 services (99%)
  • The quality of customer service received from Town employees (96%)
  • The quality of Town parks and green spaces (96%)
  • The quality of the public library (96%)

Top Overall Priorities for Town Services

  • Traffic flow and congestion management
  • Maintenance of Town streets and sidewalks
  • Public safety services

Biggest Issues Facing Highland Park Over the Next Five Years

  • Cut Through Traffic and Congestion
  • Encroachment of Urban Development Adjacent to Highland Park
  • Historic and/or Architecturally Significant Home Demolitions and Redevelopment