Social Survey 2024: This is how Haifa looks to its residents • Between high satisfaction and ongoing urban challenges

(haipo) – A new social survey for 2024 by the Central Bureau of Statistics, which examined the quality of life in Israel's major cities, presents a fascinating picture of Haifa: a city where most residents are satisfied with their living area and life itself, but still face challenges in transportation, cleanliness, health, and a sense of security. The data makes it possible to understand how Haifa residents see the city and what areas they expect to improve.

High satisfaction with life and the apartment

Haifa residents report a very high level of satisfaction with life in the city:

• 87.4% are satisfied with their apartment
• 86.7% are satisfied with the living area
• 80.8% are satisfied with the relationship with neighbors

The data indicate a strong sense of community and satisfaction with the home space, a significant figure in a large and diverse city like Haifa.

Green spaces – a bright spot

One of the impressive data in the survey is satisfaction with green spaces: 72.4% are satisfied with the green spaces in the residential area.
This figure is high compared to other cities and reinforces Haifa's status as a green and spacious city, with parks, gardens, and a natural landscape that accompanies residents on a daily basis.

Cleanliness, roads and sidewalks – an ongoing challenge

Alongside the high satisfaction with nature and the apartment, Haifa residents point to difficulties in other areas:

• Only 48.3% are satisfied with the cleanliness of their living area
• 51.3% are satisfied with the condition of roads and sidewalks
• 48.5% are satisfied with garbage collection services

The data indicates a need for improving infrastructure, maintenance, and basic urban services.

Public transportation and parking – a well-felt problem

Public transportation in Haifa receives moderate satisfaction: 64.1% are satisfied with public transportation in their residential area.
But when it comes to parking, the picture is less encouraging: 57.5% of residents believe there are not enough parking spaces.

The data reflects the transportation challenge in a mountainous city, where traffic congestion and parking are part of the routine.

Noise, air pollution and sense of security

The survey presents a complex picture:

• 36.2% report that noise outside the apartment bothers them
• 53.0% are satisfied with the municipality's attitude towards air pollution
• 63.2% feel safe walking alone in the dark in their residential area

The sense of security in Haifa is high relative to other cities, but a third of residents still do not feel safe at night.

Work, income and work-life balance

Among those employed in Haifa:

• 82.9% are satisfied with their job
• 69.0% are satisfied with their work-life balance
• Only 34.4% are satisfied with their income from work

The data indicate high satisfaction with the role itself, but a feeling of financial burnout among many.

Internet use – almost universal

Haifa continues to be a digital city:

• 95.7% use the internet
• 71.4% use it to receive government services

The data indicates high accessibility to digital services and broad adoption of technology among residents.

Community, coping and crisis

The survey presents significant social data:

• 92.7% feel they have someone to rely on in times of crisis
• 89.2% are able to deal with their problems always or often
• 82.2% think their family members appreciate them to a great extent

Haifa is emerging as a city with high social resilience – an especially important statistic in times of uncertainty.

Mental health and feelings of loneliness

Alongside resilience, there are also challenges:

• 35.1% feel lonely
• 38.3% feel depressed

The data highlights the need to expand mental health services and community support.

Volunteering and public involvement

Haifa residents are socially active:

• 36.7% engaged in volunteer activities
• 41.3% were involved in public life

The data indicates an engaged, caring, and influential community.

Summary: A strong city – with clear challenges

The 2024 Social Survey presents Haifa as a city with a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and impressive overall satisfaction. Along with this, residents indicate a need for improved infrastructure, cleanliness, transportation, and municipal services.

The data paints a picture of a city that is in constant motion: strong, connected, but also one that seeks to continue to improve.