Wake County Residents Cite Housing, Growth, and Transportation as Top Concerns in Latest Survey
County leaders plan to use the survey findings to refine the County's five-year strategic plan.
Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 12, 2025 — A new Wake County community survey highlights growing concerns about affordable housing, transportation, and infrastructure as the county continues its rapid expansion. The findings presented at a recent Board of Commissioners work session provide insights into residents’ priorities and potential county actions in the coming years.
Housing and Growth Remain Key Issues
Among the 1,006 survey respondents, affordable housing and homelessness were the most commonly mentioned concerns. Nearly half of those surveyed said they struggle to find affordable housing, and the issue spans all income levels, including higher earners.
Survey analyst Jason Horton explained that even households earning over $130,000 per year reported difficulty accessing affordable housing. He emphasized that the issue is widespread and not limited to lower-income residents.
Concerns over growth and development were also prominent, with most respondents feeling that development is not effectively coordinated. Horton noted that while the county is actively involved in planning, these efforts may not always be visible to the public, leading to perceptions that growth is unstructured.
Transportation Concerns Increasing
Transportation and traffic issues have gained importance compared to the last survey, surpassing public education in priority.
Nearly 70 percent of respondents said they rely on personal vehicles for daily travel. Over 60 percent indicated that public transportation does not adequately connect them to local attractions such as parks, libraries, and cultural venues. More than 40 percent said road conditions and traffic congestion make travel difficult.
Horton acknowledged that although Wake County does not manage roads, residents' transportation challenges remain a significant issue.
High Marks for Public Safety and Services
Despite concerns about housing and infrastructure, respondents rated several county services highly. Fire and EMS services received some of the best ratings, and Wake Tech Community College was praised for its programs and facilities.
Public safety perceptions have improved since the last survey, with over 60 percent of respondents now viewing the Wake County Sheriff’s Office as providing high-quality services. County parks and libraries also received strong marks, with nearly 80 percent of respondents rating public libraries positively.
However, survey results indicated concerns about government transparency and public engagement. Commissioner Waters wanted to ensure that vulnerable community members were included in the survey process, emphasizing the importance of outreach efforts to capture a full range of perspectives.
Changes from Previous Surveys
While the top six issues identified by residents have remained mostly unchanged since the previous survey, transportation has moved up in concern. At the same time, public education funding has slightly declined in priority.
Another key shift was the rise in concerns about property taxes and the cost of living. In the previous survey, inflation was a top financial concern, but property taxes replaced it this time. Horton explained that as inflation somewhat stabilizes, homeowners have become more focused on property tax increases following the county’s latest property value reassessments.
County Plans to Address Concerns
County leaders will use the survey data to refine their five-year strategic plan. Among the key actions under consideration are expanding affordable housing programs, improving public transit, and increasing efforts to communicate more effectively with residents. Given their strong support in the survey, investments in public safety, education, and recreational spaces will also continue.
Horton noted that the county intends to conduct similar surveys every two years to track progress on these issues and evaluate the effectiveness of new initiatives.
Survey Methodology
ETC Institute, a research firm specializing in public opinion research, conducted the Wake County Community Survey between November 2024 and January 2025.
A total of 1,006 residents participated, with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.
Surveys were distributed through randomized mail invitations (over 7,000 invitations sent) and public online links.
Responses were weighted to reflect county demographics, including gender, age, race, income, and homeownership status.
Special efforts were made to reach underserved populations, such as residents in homeless shelters and lower-income communities.
The results will inform Wake County’s policy decisions and strategic planning over the next two years.
This article isn’t true. It doesn’t reflect the true voices of our town. And the “surveys that were sent out” weren’t random. At all. Would the random ppl that voted, please respond?