2026 National Community Survey

A red paddleboat glides on the river at the Riverwalk paddleboat quarry with the Millennium Carillon in the background. Overlaid is a The National Community Survey logo in dark mauve.

The City of Naperville partnered with Polco, an independent research firm and civic engagement company, to launch the 2026 National Community Survey (NCS). The City’s Bridge to 2023 Priorities Plan recommended that the City conduct a statistically valid resident survey every few years to give decision-makers an assessment of resident satisfaction.

Naperville last completed the National Community Survey in 2023, and previous community surveys were completed in 2016, 2012, 2008 and 2006.

Results Reporting

The 2026 NCS survey results are available in a few different formats:

View the 2026 NCS Report - PDF

View the 2026 NCS Report - Presentation

View the 2026 NCS Report - Supplemental (PDF)

View the 2026 NCS Report - Dashboard (Tableau)

Key Findings

When compared to national benchmarks, Naperville rated higher in 103 areas, similar in 20 areas and lower in 0 areas. Key findings, as determined by Polco, include:

Strengths

Naperville remains one of the highest-rated communities as a place to live and raise children.
Residents continue to feel safe throughout Naperville and give high ratings to the City’s public safety services.
The local economy and business environment are perceived as major community assets, with several indicators rated well above the national average.
Environmental quality and inclusivity showed meaningful gains since 2023.
Residents rated mobility services highly, with ease of travel varying by transportation mode.
Residents voiced strong support for educational and cultural offerings, with the library topping the ratings.

Focus Areas

Perceptions of economic opportunity and government responsiveness declined since 2023.
Transportation, infrastructure and community design each saw declines across multiple indicators.
Quality of life and essential services indicators declined across recreation, food access, childcare and the arts.

Compared to 2023

Of the evaluative questions included on both the 2023 and 2026 survey iterations, 98 were statistically similar to previous results. Upward trends were seen in 3 items, while 22 ratings decreased since 2023. Please view the report for more detailed information.

Methodology

Polco surveyed from April 6 to June 1, 2026. A random sample of 5,000 Naperville households was mailed surveys. 760 responses were received, for an overall response rate of 16%.

In addition to the mailed survey, an Open Participation Survey was available online. 213 responses were received from the Open Participation Survey. The results report is based on the 760 results from the Sampled Survey.

The survey results are weighted so the demographic profile of respondents is representative of the entire demographic profile of adults in Naperville. The 2026 Naperville NCS has a 95% confidence interval with a +/-4 margin of error. This means that the survey researchers can be 95% confident that the survey results are accurate to within 4% of the true population value.

For more detailed information about the survey and its methodology, reference About the NCS™ and Methods in Polco’s report.

Benchmarks & Trends

Naperville’s results are noted as being higher, lower, or similar when compared to the benchmark. The benchmark refers to Polco’s database of comparative resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 400 communities.

Changes between the 2023 and 2026 surveys are noted in Polco’s report with an arrow and the percent difference. For more detailed information about the survey and its methodology, reference About the NCS™ and Methods in Polco’s report.

Next Steps

On Aug. 18, 2026, a Polco representative will present the survey results at the City Council meeting.
The results will guide strategic priority discussions. More information about the City's priorities will be shared during either the Sept. 15 or Oct. 6 City Council meeting.