Key Takeaways:
- Seattle residents are concerned about the national economy and potential for a recession.
- Despite national worries, locals are increasingly optimistic about progress on homelessness, crime, and public safety.
- Concerns persist about the rising living costs in Seattle, spurred by the city’s tech boom.
- A recent survey found affordability worries have nearly doubled since fall of 2021.
- A legislative session saw Washington state lawmakers pass a series of business tax increases.
- Despite rising costs, voters are less likely to consider moving, down to 52% from 67% three years prior.
Amid concerns about the state of the national economy, Seattle residents are showing increasing optimism about their city’s progress on local issues, such as homelessness and crime. However, escalating worries about the affordability of living in Seattle, a concern significantly heightened by the city’s tech boom, is casting a shadow on this local positivity.
Resident Perception of Progress in Seattle
A recent mid-April poll of 700 Seattle voters released by the Seattle Metro Chamber and Fulcrum Strategic offers crucial insights into these shifting attitudes. It showed that although 90% of participants believe the country is on a worrisome track, many Seattle residents are feeling more hopeful about their city’s direction. This enhanced perspective is particularly directed towards the city’s handling of prevailing issues such as homelessness, crime, and public safety.
The Soaring Cost of Living in Seattle
Despite the rising local positivity, the poll revealed significant concerns regarding living costs in Seattle. This concern finds its roots largely in the city’s thriving tech industry, which has accelerated the cost of living. This worry about affordability has witnessed a stark uptick, with findings showing a near doubling of concern since the fall of 2021. Currently, 29% of respondents marked it as a top concern.
The High Cost of Business in Seattle
Emerging from the data, a widespread agreement indicated businesses are closing or departing from Seattle due to soaring operating costs. An overwhelming 73% of those surveyed shared this view. Furthermore, 55% believed the city’s taxes were too high concerning the services provided. Interestingly, respondents were almost equally split about whether city regulations and taxes impacted the cost of living, with 52% saying they didn’t and 48% believing they did.
Tax Debates Fuel Controversy
Seattle and the larger Washington state have recently been embroiled in heated debates about raising taxes on businesses and affluent residents attempting to combat budget shortfalls. The contentious discussions reached a peak when, after a recent legislative session, state lawmakers enacted a series of tax increases across business sizes and sectors.
The Impact on Quality of Life in Seattle
Amid this sea of concern and conversation about affordability, the survey presented an unexpected finding. Worries about homelessness, public safety, and crime have seen a decline. Despite 49% of respondents claiming a deterioration in the city’s quality of life, optimism for the region’s future remained strong with a 66% positivity rating. Additionally, less than a quarter of the respondents felt their city’s quality of life was improving.
In terms of their favored aspects of living in Seattle, 48% cited the environment, nature, and beautiful Puget Sound as the top contributors, trumping other factors such as community, neighborhoods, culture, and even job opportunities.
Affordability and quality-of-life issues aside, the good news is that people are becoming less likely to consider moving away from Seattle. This latest survey showed that just over half, 52%, have contemplated relocating, a considerable decline from 67% just three years ago.
Overall, the key takeaway from the survey is that while Seattle residents are increasingly anxious about the cost of living, there is a strong sense of optimism in the progress made on tackling local issues and maintaining the city as a desirable place to live.
