According to a survey by the Gallup Institute, rural residents are more satisfied with their quality of life than city dwellers. In rural areas, 91 percent were satisfied and in urban areas only 84 percent. “In addition to the proximity to nature, the feeling of security and affordable housing probably also play a role here,” summarizes the head of the Austrian Gallup Institute Andrea Fronaschütz in a press release.
87 percent of the 1,000 Austrians surveyed are generally satisfied with the quality of life in their place of residence. About nine percent said they were ‘rather dissatisfied’ and three percent ‘not at all satisfied’. However, the perceived quality of life was slightly higher two years ago, namely 91 percent. The share of satisfaction increases with age and income; men were slightly more satisfied at 90 percent than women at 84 percent.
the sense of security of the respondents
In terms of safety, it turned out that 95 percent of respondents feel safe within their own four walls, 90 percent in public buildings, 87 percent in public streets and squares, 81 percent in parks and green spaces, and 77 percent on public transport. Women, people under 30 and people with low incomes feel more unsafe in public spaces, parks, streets and transport than men, the elderly and higher incomes.
The sense of security is stronger in the countryside than in the city. It is lowest in Vienna. About 32 percent of the Viennese population feel unsafe in the parks. “In large conurbations such as Vienna, safety in public space is the most urgent concern to improve the quality of life,” Fronaschütz is convinced.
Public Connections
“In rural areas, by contrast, the focus is on expanding public transport connections to facilitate commuting and access to key services such as health care,” she said. Satisfaction with public transport was around 83 percent in the cities, compared to only 51 percent in rural areas. Satisfaction increases with the size of the place of residence.
52 percent were satisfied with advice centres, 53 percent with entertainment venues, 58 percent with jobs, two thirds with cultural and educational opportunities, 75 percent with sports offerings and 80 percent with shopping opportunities. The city has the advantage here. 71 percent of people with children find childcare in their place of residence sufficient. However, the design of the public space is largely experienced as positive. More than three-quarters of all respondents are satisfied with the width of the sidewalks and the existing parks.
People were less satisfied with affordable housing. 47 percent are satisfied with the offer, 46 percent dissatisfied. The supply here in the countryside is 52 percent higher than in the city at 44 percent. Satisfaction with care has fallen: 70 percent were satisfied, 28 percent dissatisfied. In September 2021, 79 percent were still satisfied compared to 20 percent dissatisfied.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
