DETROIT – The Neighborhood Vitality Index (NVI), a one-of-a-kind survey system designed with input from residents to measure and track progress on the issues people care about in their neighborhoods, has launched an updated data tool with 2025 results and a new resident survey for 2026.
Last year, more than 6,700 Detroit residents expressed their views about their neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Vitality Index (NVI) survey. The 2025 NVI results are now available and aggregated at three geographic levels: Citywide, 7 Council Districts, and 22 Neighborhood Zones. Some key data points:
- 87% feel safe and 79% with kids under 18 feel like their youth are safe in their neighborhood
- 82% satisfied with overall quality of life
- 72% current housing needs are being met. 54% housing will meet future needs
- 64% have a savings account in a bank or credit union
- 33% of parents with kids under 5 have no difficulty finding childcare they want
- 28% don’t need major housing improvements or repairs
The NVI project is being implemented as part of a collaborative partnership between Community Development Advocates of Detroit, Data Driven Detroit, and JFM Consulting Group. The 2026 NVI survey is open now and residents across the City of Detroit are encouraged to answer the survey and receive a $25 gift card. All Detroit residents ages 18+ are eligible to complete the 20-minute survey online. Limit one response per person per year.
The NVI is a first-of-its-kind survey designed by, and created for, residents to improve their neighborhoods. It provides data, tools, and support to community organizations to guide investment and track progress in Detroit neighborhoods. The NVI goes beyond the data, convening conversations between neighborhood advocates and community organizations and the policymakers making decisions…