NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY
FACT SHEET
WHAT:
Started in 1993, the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study evaluates social,
crime, physical and economic conditions in Charlotte's neighborhoods.
WHEN:
Conducted by the University of North Carolina – Charlotte every two years.
The last Quality of Life Study was 2008, and we are currently working on the
2010 data, which will be released this summer.
HOW:
The Neighborhood Quality of Life Study divides the City and its future
annexation areas into 173 Neighborhood Statistical Areas (NSA). Each NSA
contains one or more neighborhoods or subdivisions.
The study examines 20 neighborhood variables, separated into four
categories: Social, Crime, Physical and Economic. The research converts the
individual statistical values into NSA neighborhood-ranking categories –
stable, transitioning and challenged.
Data is collected from local databases maintained by the City of Charlotte,
Mecklenburg County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
WHY:
The study is used by local government to evaluate neighborhood conditions
and make changes to improve neighborhood vitality.