SDSU sends survey to S. Dakota households

BROOKINGS – The Department of Sociology and Rural Studies at South Dakota State University is conducting a survey on the quality of life in South Dakota.

The survey, funded by the Bush Foundation, will go out to more than 1 percent of South Dakota households.

Mike McCurry, South Dakota's State demographer, explained the need for the survey and the opportunity it provides.

"In the past, we had the Census long form, which went to every sixth household. It's been replaced with the ongoing American Community Survey; so now we get more current data, but it isn't as reliable. We're hoping to make our data a little more reliable and to gain a better understanding of how the people of South Dakota feel.

"South Dakotans have been great at sharing information with the Data Center. This time we're able to treat them a little better. Each survey includes a crisp $2 bill, so at least we can buy a cold soda for the person filling out the survey."

The survey covers a variety of topics ranging from road maintenance, education, commuting distances, email use and community satisfaction.

Some questions build upon the department's 2004 Quality of Life Survey; others provide a check of the American Community Survey, enabling the Center to use that data more effectively.

If you're interested in seeing information the Data Center has provided or if you are curious as to how well confidentiality of individuals is protected, McCurry invites you to visit the web site at: http://www.sdstate.edu/soc/rlcdc/index.cfm.

If you would like to be informed of new reports as they are released, contact: sdsudata@sdstate.edu, or call 688-4899.