Satisfaction with Oxford and Oxford City Council on the Rise, But Concerns Remain

Strategic Insights -

Residents' survey shows improving satisfaction rates, but concerns persist about affordable housing, transport, and crime. The survey, carried out by Oxford City Council, has been conducted annually since 2023 and aims to measure residents' perceptions of the local area, council services, economy, and community safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overall satisfaction with the local area as a place to live has increased from 66% in 2023 to 77% in 2025.
  • Fairly/very satisfied with the way the Council runs things has increased from 52% in 2023 to 60% in 2025.
  • Satisfied with the number of homes being built to meet Oxford's housing needs is at 14%, down from 17% in 2023 and 16% in 2024.
  • Only 13% of respondents said they were satisfied with the level of new council housing being provided, and just 7% were satisfied that enough infrastructure was being delivered with new homes.
  • Optimism about Oxford's economy has risen significantly, with 43% of respondents expressing a positive outlook in 2025 -- up from 36% in 2023 and 35% in 2024.
  • Residents' financial security has improved, with 13% saying they had experienced job insecurity in the last 12 months, compared to 19% in 2024.

Statistics:

  • 77% of residents are satisfied with their local area as a place to live (2025).
  • 14% of residents are satisfied with the number of homes being built to meet Oxford's housing needs (2025).
  • 13% of respondents are satisfied with the level of new council housing being provided (2025).
  • 7% of respondents are satisfied that enough infrastructure is being delivered with new homes (2025).
  • 43% of respondents are positive about Oxford's economy (2025).
  • 13% of residents have experienced job insecurity in the last 12 months (2025).
  • 11% of residents have difficulty affording fuel and bills (2025).
  • 63% of residents feel that crime and anti-social behaviour in their area have worsened in the past year (2025).
  • 90% of residents feel safe in their local area during the day (2025).
  • 88% of residents feel safe in the city centre during the day (2025).
  • 68% of residents feel safe in their local area at night (2025).

Sources:

  • City of Oxford (2025) Residents' Survey.
  • Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council (2025) Statement on Residents' Survey Results.