Helsinki residents’ satisfaction with their lives remains high – perceived evening insecurity continues to increase

The results of the Helsinki Barometer, conducted for the tenth time, show that Helsinki residents are generally doing well. Satisfaction with their own lives has remained high, and expectations for the future are more positive than negative. Most respondents (83%) feel a strong connection to their neighbourhood and find it pleasant. 

Most people believe their neighbourhood has improved or stayed the same

Attitudes towards the development of neighbourhoods are generally positive. Only one-fifth of respondents felt that their neighbourhood had deteriorated. However, views on neighbourhoods tend to differ based on factors such as the socioeconomic status of the area. Residents in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are less satisfied with their neighbourhoods, perceive weaker relations between different population groups and feel more insecure.

Perceived insecurity in the evening continues to increase

The sense of insecurity in the city during the evening has generally increased. This spring, 72% of respondents reported feeling safe when alone in their neighbourhood on weekend evenings, compared to 85% in spring 2022. Women feel more insecure than men, but in the latest survey, men’s sense of security also declined significantly (-11 percentage points). 

More people are worried about Helsinki’s future

The spring 2024 Helsinki Barometer asked residents about their concerns for the third time. The well-being of children, young people and the elderly, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine, are the top concerns, with over 80% of respondents expressing worry about these issues. However, the most significant increase was in concern about Helsinki’s future. Now, more than half of the respondents are worried, compared to 38% a year ago. Concerns about local nature and the climate crisis also remain high, with over 70% of respondents expressing concern. 

Local nature and construction are the most popular open feedback topics

The issues that concern residents were also reflected in the open feedback section of the barometer. As in last autumn, the most common feedback topics were related to local nature and construction. The declining attractiveness of Helsinki’s city centre was also a topic of discussion in this survey round. Based on the feedback, concerns about Helsinki’s future may be related to issues such as the development of the city centre or the impact of infill and new construction in one’s own neighbourhood. Additionally, the international security situation may also be a source of concern. Worry about the war in Ukraine is at its highest level since the war began, which may also be contributing to the growing concern about Helsinki’s future.

The Helsinki Barometer is a biannual survey conducted by the City of Helsinki Executive Office, with respondents (N=1000) representing a cross-section of the city’s adult population. The latest data collection took place between 11 and 24 April 2024. A more detailed report on the barometer’s results is available on the website kaupunkitieto.hel.fi. (Link leads to external service)