Canadian Index of Wellbeing survey shows Oxford residents satisfied with local neighbourhoods, seeking more from local government

Survey data supports local policy and programming, including update to Safe and Well Oxford Plan 

When it comes to wellbeing and quality of life, results from Oxford’s 2025 Canadian Index of Wellbeing Survey show Oxford County residents most often expressed satisfaction with the neighbourhood they live in (71% satisfied), the environmental quality of their neighbourhood (69%), access to parks and recreational opportunities (68%), and their own personal relationships (62%). 

Lower rates of satisfaction were noted for local government responsiveness (32% satisfied), how well democracy is working within the community (33%), and access to educational opportunities (34%).

The Canadian Index of Wellbeing survey results, based on responses from 1,630 residents, is available online at www.oxfordcounty.ca/publications and www.safewelloxford.ca/news. The findings helped inform the development of the new Safe and Well Oxford Plan, which will guide municipalities, organizations, and community partners in identifying priorities, addressing local challenges, and advancing well-being across Oxford County. 

The Safe and Well Oxford Plan focuses on six priority risk areas for community safety and well-being in Oxford: mental health and well-being, housing for all, people and belonging, substance use and addictions, gender-based violence, and affordability and economic stability.

The Canadian Index of Wellbeing survey asked respondents about their perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to a range of community issues, including intimate partner violence, safety, mental health, financial insecurity, and housing affordability. 

The results were used to assess Oxford residents’ feelings about their wellbeing based on eight domains measured by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing: community vitality, democratic engagement, education, environment, healthy populations, leisure and culture, living standards, and time use.

A follow-up technical report by Southwestern Public Health examined key findings of the survey results, noting that in Oxford County, about four in 10 residents (41.9%) reported a strong sense of belonging, while more than one-third (37.0%) reported a weak sense of belonging. “Sense of belonging” is an indicator that generally expresses the degree to which a person feels accepted, valued and included, and often correlates to mental and physical health.

The Southwestern Public Health summary also highlighted financial insecurity as an area of concern, noting that nearly three in ten residents (29.2%) reported being unable to afford nutritious food (e.g., fresh vegetables, whole foods), and that housing affordability was also a challenge for many, with 41.5% of households spending 30% or more of their income on housing.

Oxford County and Safe and Well Oxford undertook the Canadian Index of Wellbeing survey for the second time in 2025 to help advance the highest possible quality of life for residents. Results from the 2016 survey showed that 60.3% of adults in Oxford County reported positive wellbeing; 55.0% of adults in Oxford County had a strong sense of belonging to their community; and 44.5% were satisfied with the way local government was responding to community needs.

The Canadian Index of Wellbeing at the University of Waterloo uses survey results from communities across Canada to measure quality of life at a national level, generating research data, highlighting the current experiences of Canadians, and helping set targets for the future. 

Comment

Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County

“Last year, we asked residents to share how they were really doing so we could better understand their experiences, priorities, and the challenges they face. These survey results provide valuable insight into the needs of our community and will help guide the work of Safe and Well Oxford, where municipalities, organizations, and community partners work together to identify priorities, address local challenges, and improve wellbeing across Oxford County.”