Using a common methodology, the Quality of Life in Cities survey is carried out in 83 of Europe’s largest cities, including almost all national capitals. Data for Riga are collected by the European Commission and, together with results from other largest cities, are available in the Quality of Life in European Cities report and the official statistics portal.
In Latvia, Statistics Latvia carried out a national survey in nine State cities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jēkabpils, Jūrmala, Liepāja, Ogre, Rēzekne, Valmiera and Ventspils. The survey was conducted from June to October 2025 under the project Data Collection for City and Sub-National Statistics co-funded by the European Commission and covered 4 624 respondents.
Survey covers various aspects influencing life in cities
The survey covers various topics, including satisfaction with educational facilities, health care services, urban environment (green and public spaces, sport and cultural facilities). It also provides information on main modes of transport, whether people feel safe in their city and trust in local police, as well as whether they are satisfied with the work of the local public administration and public transport.
A detailed news release with the key survey results is available on the official statistics portal.
Survey results reach State cities by special delivery
As the survey captures resident views on life in their city and each State city has its own strengths and weaknesses, Statistics Latvia concluded the Quality of Life survey with a special delivery of its results – each of the nine surveyed State cities received a tailored data story.
The results were presented in each city separately, starting in Liepāja and concluding in Jēkabpils, with an additional presentation covering all State cities together, held in Riga and intended for national-level policymakers and other stakeholders.
Statistics Latvia structured each presentation around seven core blocks – starting with overall satisfaction with life in each State city, followed by the highest- and lowest-rated factors affecting quality of life, changes since previous surveys, and broad comparisons between larger and smaller European cities, shining a light on areas where each State city stands out.
The meetings encouraged direct dialogue between policymakers and residents, supported evidence-based decision-making at municipal level, and provided Statistics Latvia with valuable feedback from data users.