News
November 04, 2025
Poverty, homelessness overtake housing and public safety as top concerns in Victoria, survey finds
Eight in 10 residents polled said their quality of life in the city remains good or better, according to the Ipsos survey, which comes as the city prepares to reveal its draft 2026 budget.
**Poverty, homelessness overtake housing and public safety as top concerns in Victoria, survey finds**
Victoria residents are increasingly worried about poverty and homelessness, pushing aside long-standing concerns about housing affordability and public safety, according to a recent survey. The Ipsos poll reveals a significant shift in priorities as the city grapples with complex social issues and prepares to unveil its draft 2026 budget.
While the survey highlights growing anxieties, it also indicates that a majority of residents still feel positive about their overall quality of life in Victoria. Eight out of ten people polled reported that their quality of life remains good or better. This suggests a nuanced picture, where positive perceptions coexist alongside mounting concerns about the city's most vulnerable populations.
The rise of poverty and homelessness as top concerns reflects a broader trend seen in many urban centers. Factors such as rising living costs, limited affordable housing options, and inadequate support services are likely contributing to the problem. The survey results underscore the urgent need for effective strategies to address these challenges and improve the lives of those struggling in the community.
The timing of the survey is particularly significant, as the City of Victoria prepares to release its draft 2026 budget. The budget will provide a roadmap for the city's spending priorities in the coming year, and the survey findings are expected to inform discussions about resource allocation. With poverty and homelessness now at the forefront of residents' minds, there will likely be increased pressure on city officials to invest in programs and initiatives that offer real solutions.
It remains to be seen how the city will respond to the survey's findings and how it will balance competing demands in the upcoming budget. However, one thing is clear: Victoria residents are calling for action on poverty and homelessness, and the city will need to demonstrate a commitment to addressing these critical issues in order to maintain the overall well-being of its community. The 2026 budget will serve as a crucial test of that commitment.
Victoria residents are increasingly worried about poverty and homelessness, pushing aside long-standing concerns about housing affordability and public safety, according to a recent survey. The Ipsos poll reveals a significant shift in priorities as the city grapples with complex social issues and prepares to unveil its draft 2026 budget.
While the survey highlights growing anxieties, it also indicates that a majority of residents still feel positive about their overall quality of life in Victoria. Eight out of ten people polled reported that their quality of life remains good or better. This suggests a nuanced picture, where positive perceptions coexist alongside mounting concerns about the city's most vulnerable populations.
The rise of poverty and homelessness as top concerns reflects a broader trend seen in many urban centers. Factors such as rising living costs, limited affordable housing options, and inadequate support services are likely contributing to the problem. The survey results underscore the urgent need for effective strategies to address these challenges and improve the lives of those struggling in the community.
The timing of the survey is particularly significant, as the City of Victoria prepares to release its draft 2026 budget. The budget will provide a roadmap for the city's spending priorities in the coming year, and the survey findings are expected to inform discussions about resource allocation. With poverty and homelessness now at the forefront of residents' minds, there will likely be increased pressure on city officials to invest in programs and initiatives that offer real solutions.
It remains to be seen how the city will respond to the survey's findings and how it will balance competing demands in the upcoming budget. However, one thing is clear: Victoria residents are calling for action on poverty and homelessness, and the city will need to demonstrate a commitment to addressing these critical issues in order to maintain the overall well-being of its community. The 2026 budget will serve as a crucial test of that commitment.
Category:
Politics