By Polco on September 24, 2025
When local governments launch community surveys, they’re not just checking a box, they’re making a genuine effort to listen to residents and make better decisions. But despite their value, surveys often face skepticism. Misunderstandings about how they work can lead to lower participation or mistrust of the results.
Let’s clear the air. Below are five common myths about community surveys, and the real story behind them.
1. Only the loudest voices get heard.
The Misconception:
Surveys just reflect the opinions of a small, vocal group - not the full community.
The Truth:
Not with scientific sampling. Polco’s benchmark surveys, like The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™), use probability-based random sampling. That means invitations are sent to a random, representative cross-section of residents, not just those who choose to opt in. The goal is statistical validity, not volume.
Responses are weighted to reflect the actual demographics of the community, ensuring that all groups, regardless of age, income, race, or housing status, are proportionately represented. Loud voices aren’t ignored, but they don’t overshadow quieter ones either.
2. The survey isn’t for people like me.
The Misconception:
If someone doesn’t have kids, drive a car, or attend city meetings, their input doesn’t matter.
The Truth:
Every resident’s perspective matters, whether you're deeply involved in civic life or not. In fact, governments need to hear from people who don’t usually speak up. Community surveys are carefully designed to cover broad aspects of daily life: housing, safety, parks, mobility, economic opportunity, and more.
Even if a question doesn’t apply to you, there's always an option like "don’t know" or "not applicable." That data helps decision-makers understand not just what people think, but also who is and isn’t affected by certain issues.
3. Surveys don’t change anything.
The Misconception:
Government just files the results away and moves on.
The Truth:
When surveys are part of a larger feedback loop, they absolutely influence decisions. After a survey closes, Polco provides local leaders with clear, visual dashboards and benchmark comparisons. Many communities use those insights to shape budgets, launch new initiatives, or justify grants.
More importantly, results are often shared back with the public through presentations, reports, and engagement posts. When residents see how their feedback is used, it builds trust and encourages ongoing participation.
4. My information won’t be private.
The Misconception:
If I answer a survey, the government will know what I said, and who I am.
The Truth:
Polco has a strict privacy policy: your survey answers are never linked to your identity. Even if you create an account or receive a survey by mail, responses are kept completely separate from personal information like names or email addresses.
This protects your anonymity while still allowing for verified engagement when needed (like confirming residency). You can speak honestly, without being tracked or profiled.
5. Surveys are biased or rigged.
The Misconception:
The questions are written to get a certain answer, or the results are twisted to fit a narrative.
The Truth:
Polco’s surveys are designed by social scientists and public engagement experts, many of whom have decades of experience. Tools like The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™) use standardized, peer-reviewed questions that have been tested in hundreds of communities. That consistency allows for apples-to-apples comparisons across cities, counties, and states.
While governments can customize parts of the survey to reflect local priorities, the core methodology stays objective. The aim isn’t to sway opinion, it’s to understand it.
Final Thought: Real Voices Shape Real Policy
Surveys aren’t just about collecting data, they’re about democracy in action. They give every resident a seat at the table, whether or not they attend public meetings or post on social media.
The next time you see a community survey in your mailbox or your feed, take a few minutes to respond. Your voice could be the one that tips a decision toward better parks, safer streets, or more affordable housing.
Your perspective matters, and the tools are in place to make sure it’s heard.
Want to learn more about The National Community Survey or one of our other Benchmark Surveys?
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