Survey of Detroit Area Residents -- Summary Brief

The Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University Survey of Detroit Area Residents reveals a population that is facing some of the worst effects of the current economic recession. Home of the nation’s domestic auto industry, Detroit’s residents have been at the forefront of the country’s economic woes. The survey illuminates the experiences and needs of those living in the midst of this economic catastrophe, including questions about job loss and job security, views about the future of the Detroit area, the U.S. auto industry, and the future for American workers more generally. It looks at the stark differences in experiences and attitudes of those living in the city of Detroit compared with the surrounding suburbs. It also explores how Detroiters feel about their local, state, and federal governments, particularly in light of recent federal government action such as the economic stimulus and the aid provided to General Motors.

The survey is part of an ongoing three-way partnership between The Washington Post, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University. The partners worked together to pick the survey topics, design the survey instruments, and analyze the results. The Washington Post featured a collection of articles built upon the findings from the survey.

Survey Report (.pdf)