Quality of Life in Greater Victoria

Vital Signs citizen survey participants were asked a range of questions about their quality of life. 

When asked to rate their overall quality of life, the average grade was:

B
TOP 5 THINGS TO ADDRESS TO MAKE GREATER VICTORIA AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
27% SOCIAL ISSUES (including mental health,
homelessness, etc.)

27% SOCIAL ISSUES (including mental health,
homelessness, etc.)

26% AFFORDABLE HOUSING  / MORE RENTAL OPTIONS

26% AFFORDABLE HOUSING / MORE RENTAL OPTIONS

 16% IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (including better connection to the mainland, buses, etc.)

16% IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (including better connection to the mainland, buses, etc.)

15% BETTER ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE (including dental, detox centres, etc.)

15% BETTER ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE (including dental, detox centres, etc.)

14% IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY (including open drug use, street disorder, etc.)

14% IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY (including open drug use, street disorder, etc.)

See the full survey responses at victoriafoundation.bc.ca/vital-signs

0%

of respondents said they are likely to still be living and/or working in Greater Victoria 10 years from now.

0%

of respondents said they are satisfied with their work and home life balance.

0%

of respondents rate their access to physical healthcare in a timely manner as good or excellent.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN GREATER VICTORIA

When asked to rate diversity, equity, and inclusion in Greater Victoria, the overall grade was: B

According to the 2025 Vital Signs citizen survey, the top three issues to focus on in the region when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion are:

70% Provide supports for people experiencing mental health problems, addictions, and homelessness
67% Provide affordable housing/more rental opportunities
46% Provide equal opportunities to all citizens
Those more likely to give diversity,equity, and inclusion a grade of B or higher include:

59%Men

59%Living in Victoria up to 5 years

55%Higher incomes $80K+

54%No children in household

Overall, Greater Victorians feel accepted in their neighbourhood, for who they are, and in the city, town, or district they live in. Those who are white, and those with an annual household income over $55,000 are more likely to feel this way.

76%of respondents feel accepted in the neighbourhood they live in.

72%of respondents said they feel accepted for who they are.

66%of respondents feel free and open to express ideas, opinions, and beliefs.

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS
ABOUT GREATER VICTORIA?

According to this year’s survey, these are the region’s 14 best things, ranked by the percentage of respondents who selected them:

66%NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
47%AIR QUALITY
46%CLIMATE
44%WALKABILITY
43%PARKS
36%FRIENDS & FAMILY
34%ACCESS TO LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
26%RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
26%ARTS & CULTURE
23%CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE
21%FESTIVALS & EVENTS
21%RESTAURANTS
15%FEELING OF SAFETY
13%ACCESS TO CULTURAL FOODS AND RESTAURANTS

THE BEST THING about Greater Victoria, the natural environment, is the focus of SDG #14, Life Below Water, which speaks to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, and SDG #15, Life on Land, which looks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

Life Below Water Life On Land

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING GREATER VICTORIA TODAY?

According to this year’s survey, these are the region’s top
14 issues, ranked by the percentage of respondents who selected them. 

71%COST OF LIVING
57%HEALTHCARE
57%HOUSING
55%HOMELESSNESS
50%ADDICTIONS
33%MENTAL HEALTH
19%COMMUNITY PLANNING/DEVELOPMENT
17%TRANSPORTATION
15%POVERTY
15%ECONOMY
14%CLIMATE CHANGE
14%ELDERCARE
12%FOOD SECURITY
11%EMPLOYMENT

THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing Greater Victoria, cost of living, is particularly embodied in SDG #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, and SDG #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Decent Work and Economic Growth Sustainable Cities and Communities