Surveys and Research

2026 Biennial Resident Satisfaction Survey  

Data collection for the 2026 survey has ended, which included calls to about 400 Cary households to gather opinions on important topics such as taxes, customer service, programs, and initiatives. The results are now available below.

We’ve been doing this survey every two years since 1998. It’s become an important touchstone for the Town Council and staff as we work to keep Cary one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.

Overview

Citizen opinion is an important factor in making the best decisions for the community. The Town of Cary obtains input through a variety of channels, including open houses, public hearings, and social media.

But Cary has gone further by initiating a regular research program as part of its comprehensive communications effort. To gauge effectiveness in achieving its mission, the Town believes it must accurately measure residents' satisfaction with and confidence in their local government.

Biennial Resident Surveys

Every two years, the Town conducts a scientific telephone survey of Cary residents. The survey focuses on services and operations issues.

2026
Executive Summary
Full Report 

2024
Executive Summary
Full Report 

2022
Executive Summary
Full Report

2020
Executive Summary
Full Report

2018
Cary Citizens Give Cary Town Government its Best Ratings in 20 Years
Executive Summary
Full Report

2016
Cary Citizens Rate Town Government A- Overall in Biennial Survey
Executive Summary
2016 Biennial Citizen Survey Report

2014
Survey Says Citizens Continue to be Highly Satisfied with Cary Town Staff, Services and Operations
Executive Summary
2014 Biennial Citizen Survey Report
Focus Groups Report (Executive Summary)

2012
Cary Continues to Earn High Marks in Biennial Citizen Survey
Executive Summary
2012 Biennial Citizen Survey
Focus Groups Report (Executive Summary)

2010
The Results are In: Citizens Give Cary High Marks in 7th Satisfaction Survey
2010 Biennial Citizen Survey [HTML]
See Focus Groups Report [HTML]

2008
Citizens Give Cary High Marks on 6th Satisfaction Survey
2008 Biennial Citizen Survey [HTML]

2006
Majority of Cary Citizens Lack Necessary Preparedness for Emergencies
2006 Biennial Citizen Survey [HTML]
Focus Group Report

2004
The Results Are In: Citizens Continue to Have Great Things to Say About Cary
2004 Biennial Citizen Survey
Focus Group Report

2002 
The Results Are In: Citizen Satisfaction with Local Government Continues to Rise; Growth Remains Top Concern
2002 Biennial Citizen Survey
Focus Group Report

2000
The Results Are In: Citizen Satisfaction with Local Government Continues to Rise; Growth Remains Top Concern
2000 Biennial Citizen Survey

Transportation Studies

  • Raleigh-Cary Rail Crossing Study: The Town participated in, and contributed funding to, this 2014-2016 study by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). 
  • NC 54 and More Study: The Town contributed funding to this NCDOT-led study from January 2016. 

Other Research

From time to time, the Town commissions special research projects to gather opinion on important topics.

Contact

For more information on the Town's research program, contact:

Susan Moran, APR
Chief Strategy Officer
Town of Cary
P.O. Box 8005 
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 460-4951
Susan.Moran@carync.gov