San Francisco City Survey Data

The survey methodology changed in 2015 from a mail survey to a phone survey and expanded in 2023 to include in-person and online response options. In 2026, the methodology changed again, excluding intercept survey methods to reduce the risk of satisficing associated with in-person intercept surveying. Because survey methods and certain questions have changed over time, comparisons across years should be interpreted with caution.

Survey responses are weighted to adjust for demographic differences between the City Survey sample and San Francisco's population. Results were originally reported as unweighted through 1996. Beginning in 1997, City Survey results were weighted, except for data from 2011.

For years when results were unweighted, the Weight field is coded as 1. C. UPDATE PROCESS The dataset is updated following each City Survey cycle. The City Survey is generally conducted biennially, and new survey results are added to the dataset after data collection, processing, and quality review are complete.

D. HOW TO USE THIS DATASET When analyzing City Survey results, use the Weight field to produce weighted estimates that account for demographic differences between the survey sample and San Francisco's population. Use caution when comparing results across survey years because survey methodology and certain questions have changed over time. A codebook with variable definitions and additional information is available under About > Attachments.