The biennial Citizen Survey is the most accurate way for the City of Wilmington to hear from a large number of residents across the city and all demographics about what is important to them and how they want their tax dollars spent. Conducted by ETC Institute since 2007, the survey is a key indicator of public satisfaction with city services. Over 800 Wilmington residents completed the survey in the fall of 2025, with enough data to create scientifically valid results across age, race, gender, income and geography.
Results from 2025 were compared with prior years to see how well the City government is doing and to help set focus areas and develop funding priorities. Results were also compared to other southeastern US cities, as well as national survey results.