For this month’s snapshot, we will be taking a look back at some of the results of the 2015 Metro Atlanta Speaks (MAS) survey, with a reference or two to previous editions of MAS. This annual survey—as of 2015—asked more than 5,000 individuals across 13 counties in the metro area questions about their perceptions and attitudes on an array of topics.
Whereas much of the survey focuses on current conditions, a few questions try to gauge respondents’ beliefs regarding the future. The results to one such question – “Will living conditions in the Metro Atlanta be better, worse, or about the same in 3 to 4 years?” – produced some interesting results, particularly as they relate to differences in attitudes along racial and ethnic lines as well as distinctions between counties.
Here are some key findings:
- Overall, in 2015, 35% of all respondents believe conditions will improve in 3 to 4 years. This is an improvement from 28% in 2013 and 29% in 2014.
- While the majority of all regional respondents expect conditions to stay “About the Same” (48%), the majority of black and Latino respondents believe conditions will get “Better” (45% and 51%, respectively). In contrast, white respondents for the most part expressed ambivalence with most believing conditions will stay “About the Same” (53%)
- The majority of those surveyed in each county believe that conditions will remain “About the Same,” ranging from 45% in Fulton County to 57% in Fayette County.
- The most optimistic county is DeKalb with 40% of those surveyed in the county stating they believe conditions will get “Better,” followed by Clayton at 38%, Fulton at 38%, and Cobb at 37%.
- The most pessimistic county is Cherokee with 22% of those surveyed in the county stating they believe conditions will get “Worse,” followed by Butts at 20%, Paulding at 19%, and Rockdale at 19%.