The Results of the Municipal Survey

The City of Uusikaupunki conducted a resident survey between March 12 and 31, 2025. The survey explored residents’ satisfaction with municipal services and gathered experiences related to wellbeing, health, and safety. It also included questions about the development and future of the city.

The survey was open to all Uusikaupunki residents aged 18 and over, including part-time residents. It was available in Finnish, English, and Ukrainian and was carried out in collaboration with FCG.

A total of 1,096 people responded to the survey, representing about seven percent of all adult residents of Uusikaupunki.

Residents Most Satisfied with Sports and Cultural Services

The city’s services received an average score of 7.5 on a scale from 4 to 10, aligning with the average for comparable municipalities.

According to the results, residents are most satisfied with the city’s sports and cultural services. The swimming hall, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, museums, exhibitions, and performing arts were especially appreciated. Early childhood education, comprehensive school, and the local upper secondary school also received high ratings.

Areas in need of improvement, according to the respondents, include public transport, opportunities for civic participation, the work of elected officials, and the maintenance of roads and streets. Compared to peer municipalities, improvements are also needed in accessibility, waste management, and support for local businesses.

“It’s great to see how residents value the work of our professionals and the city’s investments in services. The results show we’ve made bold strides in the right direction,” says Katja Aalto, Director of Finance and Administration.

“Of course, a city is never finished, and it’s encouraging that so many took the time to share their views,” Aalto adds.

Of the respondents, 60 percent would definitely or likely recommend Uusikaupunki as a place to live, and another 30 percent would do so in certain situations. Only about one in ten would not recommend it.

Uusikaupunki Residents as Happy as the World’s Happiest Nation

Uusikaupunki residents feel they live as happy a life as the people in the world’s happiest country. Respondents rated their overall life satisfaction at 7.7 on a scale from 0 to 10. This matches the national average in the Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s (SDSN) World Happiness Report, in which Finland has ranked first for eight consecutive years.

Compared to THL’s “Health Finland” (Terve Suomi) survey, Uusikaupunki residents report higher levels of wellbeing than the national average in several areas. In Uusikaupunki, 80.4% rated their quality of life as good or very good (national average: 71.9%), and 74.9% rated their health as good or fairly good (national average: 62.6%). Fewer respondents reported feelings of loneliness (9.6% vs. 13.6%), and satisfaction with personal relationships was more common.

There were differences in reported happiness and quality of life among population groups. Non-Ukrainian immigrants reported lower levels of happiness and a greater sense of insecurity and poorer quality of life than others.

In contrast, residents of Pyhämaa gave particularly positive ratings. They assessed both their quality of life and happiness above average and expressed a more optimistic outlook on the future.

“These results offer valuable insights into how local living environments and community ties may contribute to wellbeing. The findings will be used to support the city's efforts in promoting health, wellbeing, and safety,” explains Director of Wellfare Jan Vuorenlaakso.

A Hopeful View Toward the Future

The majority of Uusikaupunki residents have a hopeful outlook on their future. Many hope the city will continue focusing on maintaining existing services, as well as promoting wellbeing and employment.

Open-ended responses often highlighted the wish for Uusikaupunki to be a place that offers jobs, services, and a pleasant everyday life for people of all ages.

“The resident survey provides us with valuable information about people's experiences and expectations. The results will guide the development of the city’s operations and services and will play a central role in the update of our city strategy,” says Mayor Atso Vainio.

Read the full survey results (only in Finnish)