Knowledge Base: Benchmark Surveys

Polco’s benchmark surveys are professionally designed, validated instruments that measure key aspects of community livability and organizational performance. They allow you to compare your results with national and peer benchmarks, track trends over time, and inform strategic decisions with representative, data-driven insights.

What Are Benchmark Surveys?

Benchmark surveys are structured questionnaires developed and administered by Polco’s National Research Center (NRC). They follow rigorous scientific sampling methods to ensure results are representative of your community—not just the most vocal voices.

Key Features

Validated Question Sets – Designed by survey research experts to ensure accuracy and reliability.
National & Peer Comparisons – See how your community stacks up against others across the U.S. or in similar demographics.
Representative Sampling – Uses statistically valid sampling to capture the full spectrum of community perspectives.
Custom Add-Ons – Include locally specific questions alongside the standard benchmark set.
Actionable Reporting – Get clear, accessible reports that connect results to decision-making.

Benefits of Benchmark Surveys

Data You Can Trust – Scientifically rigorous methods ensure results are accurate and representative.
Comparable Metrics – Benchmarking reveals strengths and weaknesses in context.
Trend Tracking – Conduct surveys regularly to measure progress over time.
Strategic Alignment – Use results to guide planning, budgeting, and policy priorities.

How Benchmark Surveys Fit in Polco

Benchmark survey results are fully integrated into the Polco platform. You can:

View results in interactive dashboards alongside Track indicators and other local data.
Filter by demographic characteristics, geography, or custom tags.
Use AI assistants like Polly to interpret findings and recommend next steps.
Share results publicly via Project Pages or in downloadable reports.

Examples of Available Benchmark Surveys

The National Community Survey (The NCS) – Measures overall community livability across 10 domains.
The National Business Survey (The NBS) – Captures insights from local business owners and managers.
The National Employee Survey (The NES) – Assesses internal organizational climate and employee engagement.
The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) – Focuses on the needs, priorities, and quality of life for residents age 55+.
The National Law Enforcement Survey (The NLES) – Gathers resident perspectives on safety, trust, and police services.
The National Employee Survey for Law Enforcement (The NES-LE) - Measures the experiences of sworn and civilian personnel within law enforcement agencies.

Benchmark surveys are the gold standard for understanding your community in context—helping you move from data to informed, confident decisions.

The National Community Survey (The NCS)

The National Community Survey (The NCS) is Polco’s flagship benchmark survey, developed by the National Research Center (NRC) to provide a comprehensive picture of community livability. It measures residents’ opinions on a wide range of services, amenities, and quality-of-life factors, enabling local governments to make data-driven decisions and compare results with national and peer benchmarks.

What The NCS Measures

The NCS covers 10 key domains of community livability, each broken down into measurable facets:

Community Characteristics – Housing, transportation, economy, environment, and more.
Governance – Public trust, value of services, and performance of local government.
Participation – Resident involvement in civic life, volunteering, and engagement in public processes.
Safety – Perceptions of safety in neighborhoods and public spaces, as well as satisfaction with public safety services.
Mobility – Ease of travel by car, bike, public transit, and on foot.
Natural Environment – Cleanliness, air and water quality, and environmental stewardship.
Built Environment – Housing options, development patterns, and infrastructure quality.
Economy – Economic health, job opportunities, and cost of living.
Recreation & Wellness – Parks, recreation facilities, health care access, and wellness resources.
Education, Arts & Culture – Quality of schools, cultural opportunities, and lifelong learning.

Key Features of The NCS

Validated Methodology – Uses scientific sampling to ensure results represent the entire community.
National Benchmarks – Compare your community to hundreds of others across the U.S.
Custom Questions – Add locally relevant questions alongside the standard benchmark set.
Trend Data – Track changes in community perception over multiple years.
Actionable Reporting – Access user-friendly reports, data tables, and visual dashboards.

Benefits of The NCS

Comprehensive Insight – Captures a holistic view of resident satisfaction and priorities.
Informed Decision-Making – Aligns policies and investments with resident needs and expectations.
Performance Tracking – Measures progress toward strategic goals and community vision.
Community Engagement – Demonstrates transparency by sharing results with residents.

How The NCS Fits into Polco

NCS results are fully integrated into the Polco platform, allowing you to:

Compare results with Track indicators and other data sources.
Filter results by demographics, neighborhood, or other key segments.
Use AI assistants like Polly to identify trends, correlations, and actionable recommendations.
Share results via Project Pages, public dashboards, or downloadable reports.

Administration Options

Mail and Online Hybrid – Combines mailed invitations with an online response option to maximize participation.
Online-Only – Cost-effective option with targeted digital outreach.
Supplemental Outreach – Add open participation options alongside your representative sample to gather more voices.

Reporting Deliverables

Executive Summary Report
Full Technical Report with methodology details
Interactive Polco dashboards
Data tables for all questions and facets
Trend analysis for repeat surveys

The NCS is a proven, trusted tool for understanding resident perspectives and guiding community decisions. By leveraging its benchmark comparisons, rigorous methodology, and integrated reporting, local governments can make confident, well-informed choices that reflect the values and needs of their residents.

The National Business Survey (The NBS)

The National Business Survey (The NBS) is Polco’s benchmark survey designed to capture the perspectives of local business owners and managers. Developed by the National Research Center (NRC), The NBS helps communities understand the local business climate, identify barriers to growth, and guide policies that support a thriving economy.

What The NBS Measures

The NBS covers critical aspects of the business environment, including:

Overall Business Climate – Perceptions of the community as a place to do business.
Economic Health – Confidence in the local economy, industry stability, and growth potential.
Government Support – Satisfaction with local government services, regulations, and business assistance programs.
Infrastructure and Utilities – Quality of transportation, broadband, utilities, and public infrastructure.
Workforce and Talent – Availability of qualified workers, workforce development opportunities, and training programs.
Quality of Life Factors – How livability elements (housing, safety, amenities) influence business success.

Key Features of The NBS

Validated Methodology – Uses proven survey science to ensure responses are representative of the local business community.
National Benchmarks – Compare your results to other communities across the U.S.
Customizable Content – Add local or industry-specific questions alongside the standard benchmark set.
Flexible Distribution – Administer online or with supplemental outreach through chambers of commerce, business associations, or municipal networks.
Action-Oriented Reporting – Receive insights in both executive summary and detailed data formats.

Benefits of The NBS

Informed Economic Development – Identify strengths and challenges in the local business environment.
Policy Alignment – Ensure that regulations, incentives, and programs reflect business needs.
Partnership Opportunities – Strengthen relationships with chambers of commerce and business groups.
Performance Tracking – Monitor how the business climate changes over time.

How The NBS Fits into Polco

The NBS results are integrated into the Polco platform so you can:

Compare business sentiment with community livability data from The NCS and Track indicators.
Filter responses by industry sector, company size, or location.
Use AI assistants like Polly to identify trends and generate recommendations for economic growth.
Share findings through Project Pages, public reports, or targeted stakeholder briefings.

Administration Options

Representative Sample – NRC selects a scientifically valid sample of businesses for statistically reliable results.
Open Participation – Invite all local businesses to participate for broader input.
Hybrid Approach – Combine representative sampling with open participation to maximize reach and inclusivity.

Reporting Deliverables

Executive Summary highlighting key findings
Full Technical Report detailing methodology and data
Interactive dashboards for deeper exploration
Comparative benchmarks with peer and national data
Trend analysis for repeat surveys

The NBS provides a clear, data-driven understanding of your local business climate. By leveraging its benchmarks and actionable insights, communities can craft policies and programs that strengthen their economic base and support long-term growth.

The National Employee Survey (The NES)

The National Employee Survey (The NES) is Polco’s benchmark survey designed to measure the experiences, satisfaction, and engagement of local government employees. Developed by the National Research Center (NRC), The NES helps organizations understand their workforce, identify areas for improvement, and compare results with other jurisdictions nationwide.

What The NES Measures

The NES covers key aspects of the employee experience, including:

Job Satisfaction – How employees feel about their roles, responsibilities, and daily work.
Engagement – Level of commitment to the organization’s mission and willingness to go above and beyond.
Work Environment – Quality of workplace culture, relationships with supervisors and peers, and support for collaboration.
Training and Development – Access to professional growth opportunities, mentoring, and skill-building resources.
Organizational Effectiveness – Communication quality, efficiency of processes, and confidence in leadership.
Compensation and Benefits – Perceptions of pay, benefits, and overall rewards.
Health and Well-Being – Support for physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Key Features of The NES

Validated Methodology – Designed by survey research experts to produce accurate, reliable results.
National Benchmarks – Compare your organization’s scores to other government employers across the U.S.
Confidential Responses – Ensures candid feedback through anonymous data collection.
Customizable Content – Add department-specific or locally relevant questions.
Actionable Analysis – Reports connect findings to practical recommendations for improvement.

Benefits of The NES

Improved Retention – Identify and address factors affecting employee satisfaction.
Stronger Engagement – Understand what drives motivation and morale.
Better Organizational Alignment – Ensure staff understand and support strategic priorities.
Informed Workforce Planning – Use data to guide recruitment, development, and succession planning.

How The NES Fits into Polco

The NES results are fully integrated into the Polco platform, allowing you to:

Analyze trends by department, tenure, or other demographic factors.
Compare internal employee sentiment with resident perspectives from The NCS.
Leverage AI assistants like Polly to pinpoint key drivers of satisfaction and recommend solutions.
Share department-specific findings securely with managers.

Administration Options

Full Census – Survey all employees for a complete view of the organization.
Representative Sample – Use sampling when surveying very large workforces.
Hybrid Approach – Combine broad participation with focused follow-up surveys.

Reporting Deliverables

Executive Summary of key insights
Full Technical Report with methodology details
Interactive dashboards for exploration
Benchmark comparisons to peer organizations
Trend analysis for repeat surveys

The NES gives local governments a clear, actionable understanding of their workforce. By identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement, leaders can create a workplace culture that attracts and retains talented public servants.

The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA)

The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) is Polco’s benchmark survey designed to assess the needs, priorities, and quality of life of residents age 55 and older. Developed by the National Research Center (NRC), CASOA provides communities with data to inform planning, policy, and services that support healthy aging.

What CASOA Measures

CASOA evaluates multiple dimensions of older adult well-being, including:

Community Design and Accessibility – Housing options, walkability, transportation, and public space accessibility.
Health and Wellness – Physical and mental health status, access to care, preventive services, and wellness programs.
Social Engagement – Opportunities for socializing, volunteering, lifelong learning, and cultural participation.
Safety and Security – Perceptions of personal safety, emergency preparedness, and community support in crisis.
Support Services – Availability and quality of aging-related services, including caregiving resources.
Economic Security – Financial well-being, affordability, and access to essential goods and services.

Key Features of CASOA

Validated Methodology – Scientifically designed to ensure reliable, representative results.
National and Peer Benchmarks – Compare findings with other communities across the country.
Customizable Questions – Add local priorities or specific service-related questions.
Older Adult Focus – Tailored language and topics relevant to the aging population.
Actionable Reporting – Data presented in accessible formats with recommendations for improvement.

Benefits of CASOA

Informed Planning – Guide decisions on housing, transportation, and community design for older adults.
Service Alignment – Ensure programs and services match the needs of the aging population.
Grant Support – Provide credible data for funding applications and program justification.
Community Engagement – Elevate older adult voices in decision-making.

How CASOA Fits into Polco

CASOA results are fully integrated into the Polco platform, allowing you to:

Analyze results alongside Track indicators related to health, housing, and mobility.
Filter findings by age subgroup, location, or other demographics.
Use AI assistants like Polly to identify gaps and recommend policy or program changes.
Share insights via Project Pages, reports, and community presentations.

Administration Options

Representative Sample – NRC selects a statistically valid sample of residents age 55+.
Open Participation – Allow all older adults in the community to contribute feedback.
Hybrid Approach – Combine representative sampling with open participation for inclusivity and validity.

Reporting Deliverables

Executive Summary of findings
Full Technical Report with methodology
Interactive dashboards for exploration
Comparative benchmarks with peer and national data
Trend analysis for repeat surveys

CASOA equips communities with the insight needed to create an age-friendly environment—supporting independence, health, and quality of life for older residents.

The National Law Enforcement Survey (The NLES)

The National Law Enforcement Survey (The NLES) is Polco’s benchmark survey designed to capture resident perceptions of safety, trust, and the quality of police services in their community. Developed by the National Research Center (NRC), The NLES provides law enforcement agencies and local governments with actionable insights to strengthen community relationships and improve public safety outcomes.

What The NLES Measures

The NLES covers critical aspects of community safety and policing, including:

Perceptions of Safety – How safe residents feel in their neighborhoods, public spaces, and during different times of day.
Trust in Law Enforcement – Confidence in police fairness, professionalism, and accountability.
Quality of Police Services – Satisfaction with responsiveness, communication, and problem-solving.
Crime and Disorder Concerns – Resident views on the prevalence and severity of various crime types.
Community Engagement – The extent to which residents feel connected to, and engaged with, local law enforcement.
Traffic Safety – Perceptions of enforcement effectiveness, traffic flow, and safety on local roads.

Key Features of The NLES

Validated Methodology – Uses scientific sampling for statistically reliable and representative results.
National Benchmarks – Compare results with other jurisdictions across the U.S.
Customizable Questions – Add locally relevant or department-specific questions.
Confidential Participation – Encourages honest and candid feedback from residents.
Actionable Reporting – Provides clear recommendations linked to survey findings.

Benefits of The NLES

Community Trust-Building – Identify areas where public trust can be strengthened.
Service Improvement – Pinpoint aspects of policing that residents value most or see as needing change.
Strategic Planning – Use data to guide resource allocation, training, and outreach priorities.
Accountability – Demonstrate commitment to transparency and responsiveness.

How The NLES Fits into Polco

NLES results are fully integrated into the Polco platform, allowing you to:

Analyze findings by neighborhood, demographic group, or time trends.
Compare perceptions of safety with Track crime data and other indicators.
Leverage AI assistants like Polly to interpret results and recommend targeted actions.
Share selected findings with the public through Project Pages or reports.

Administration Options

Representative Sample – NRC uses scientific sampling to ensure results reflect the full community.
Open Participation – Allow all residents to share feedback for broader perspectives.
Hybrid Approach – Combine representative sampling with open participation for both statistical validity and inclusivity.

Reporting Deliverables

Executive Summary of key findings
Full Technical Report with methodology
Interactive dashboards for exploring results
National and peer community comparisons
Trend analysis for repeat surveys

The NLES equips law enforcement and municipal leaders with credible, representative data to improve safety, enhance trust, and guide strategic decision-making in public safety.

The National Employee Survey for Law Enforcement (The NES-LE)

The National Employee Survey for Law Enforcement (The NES-LE) is Polco’s benchmark survey designed to measure the experiences, satisfaction, and engagement of sworn and civilian personnel within law enforcement agencies. Developed by the National Research Center (NRC), The NES-LE provides agency leaders with actionable insights to improve workplace culture, strengthen retention, and align internal operations with community safety goals.

What The NES-LE Measures

The NES-LE evaluates critical aspects of the law enforcement workplace, including:

Job Satisfaction – Overall fulfillment with roles, responsibilities, and work environment.
Engagement and Morale – Commitment to the agency’s mission and day-to-day motivation levels.
Leadership and Supervision – Confidence in leadership, fairness, communication, and decision-making.
Training and Career Development – Access to professional growth, continuing education, and advancement opportunities.
Operational Effectiveness – Efficiency of internal processes, staffing, and resource allocation.
Compensation and Benefits – Perceptions of pay, benefits, scheduling, and overall job rewards.
Health, Wellness, and Safety – Support for mental, physical, and emotional well-being; workplace safety practices.

Key Features of The NES-LE

Validated Methodology – Developed by survey research experts to ensure accuracy and reliability.
National Benchmarks – Compare results with other law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Confidential Participation – Ensures candid and honest feedback from staff.
Customizable Questions – Add locally relevant or agency-specific topics.
Actionable Insights – Clear reporting with recommendations linked to results.

Benefits of The NES-LE

Retention and Recruitment – Identify strengths and address challenges that affect staffing.
Organizational Alignment – Ensure internal priorities support agency and community goals.
Enhanced Morale – Foster a workplace culture that supports collaboration and respect.
Strategic Workforce Planning – Use data to guide training, succession planning, and resource allocation.

How The NES-LE Fits into Polco

NES-LE results integrate seamlessly into the Polco platform, allowing agencies to:

Analyze findings by division, tenure, or job classification.
Compare internal staff perspectives with resident perceptions from the National Law Enforcement Survey (NLES).
Use AI assistants like Polly to identify priority action areas.
Share selected results securely with leadership and oversight bodies.

Administration Options

Full Census – Survey all sworn and civilian staff for complete coverage.
Representative Sampling – Use sampling for very large departments.
Hybrid Approach – Combine broad participation with targeted follow-up surveys for deeper insight.

Reporting Deliverables

Executive Summary of key findings
Full Technical Report with methodology
Interactive dashboards for secure internal review
National and peer agency benchmark comparisons
Trend analysis for repeat surveys

The NES-LE gives law enforcement leaders the internal perspective they need to strengthen their agency’s culture, improve retention, and ensure operational priorities align with both staff and community needs.

Survey Methodology

Polco’s benchmark surveys are designed and administered by the National Research Center (NRC) using rigorous, scientifically validated methods. This ensures results are representative, reliable, and comparable across communities and over time. Understanding the methodology behind our surveys helps you interpret the data with confidence and credibility.

Sampling Approach

Representative Samples – Participants are selected using random sampling methods to reflect the full demographic makeup of the community or target group.
Stratification – In some cases, sampling is stratified by geography, demographic characteristics, or other factors to ensure all subgroups are adequately represented.
Sample Size – Determined to balance cost, accuracy, and statistical power, typically achieving margins of error between ±2% and ±5% at the 95% confidence level.

Data Collection

Multi-Mode Distribution – Surveys may be administered online, by mail, or using a hybrid approach to maximize participation.
Mail Invitations – For hybrid surveys, selected households or businesses receive mailed invitations with instructions and a unique access code.
Open Participation – Supplemental open-link surveys may be offered to allow broader public input alongside the representative sample.
Follow-Up Reminders – Email or postcard reminders are sent to increase response rates.

Weighting and Analysis

Demographic Weighting – Responses are statistically weighted to match the population profile (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, etc.) based on census or other reliable sources.
Non-Response Adjustment – Weighting accounts for differences between respondents and non-respondents to reduce bias.
Cross-Tabulation – Results can be analyzed by demographic subgroups, geographic area, or other relevant factors.

Benchmarking

National Comparisons – Survey results are compared against NRC’s database of responses from communities nationwide.
Peer Comparisons – Communities may be benchmarked against peers with similar population size, region, or characteristics.
Trend Analysis – Repeat surveys allow tracking of changes over time.

Data Integrity

Confidentiality – All responses are kept confidential, and identifying information is not included in reported results.
Quality Checks – Data is reviewed for inconsistencies, outliers, or suspicious patterns before analysis.
Validation – Methodology is based on established survey research best practices and peer-reviewed standards.

Reporting

Results are presented in clear, accessible formats, including executive summaries, detailed data tables, and visual dashboards.
Technical reports include full methodology details for transparency and reproducibility.

By adhering to these rigorous methodological standards, Polco ensures that survey findings are credible, actionable, and valuable for guiding community and organizational decisions.

How to Use Benchmark Survey Data

Benchmark survey data provides local governments and organizations with reliable, representative insights into community priorities, perceptions, and performance. When used effectively, these results can guide policy, improve services, and strengthen trust between leaders and residents. The following strategies will help you turn survey results into meaningful action.

Understand the Context

Review Key Findings – Start with the executive summary to understand high-level results before diving into detailed data.
Compare with Benchmarks – See how your results stack up against national and peer communities.
Look at Trends – For repeat surveys, identify areas where perceptions have improved or declined.
Cross-Reference Other Data – Compare survey results with Track indicators, operational data, or public safety statistics for a fuller picture.

Identify Priorities

Spot Strengths – Highlight areas where your community is performing well to maintain and promote those successes.
Pinpoint Challenges – Focus on low-scoring areas that significantly impact community livability or service delivery.
Segment the Data – Examine results by demographic group, neighborhood, or stakeholder type to uncover equity gaps or unique needs.

Engage Stakeholders

Share Results Publicly – Post summaries, infographics, and dashboards on Project Pages or community websites.
Facilitate Discussions – Host workshops, public meetings, or online forums to discuss results with residents, staff, and elected officials.
Involve Departments – Share department-specific data with managers to inform operational improvements.

Incorporate into Planning

Strategic Plans – Use results to update or validate your community’s strategic goals.
Budgeting – Align resource allocation with the priorities identified in survey data.
Program Development – Create or adjust programs to address identified needs or gaps.

Communicate Actions and Progress

Close the Loop – Let residents know how their feedback influenced decisions and investments.
Showcase Success – Publicize improvements or new initiatives tied to survey findings.
Track and Report Back – Share updates regularly, especially before conducting the next survey cycle.

Leverage AI and Analytics

Use AI Assistants – Tools like Polly can help interpret results, identify patterns, and suggest evidence-based actions.
Integrate with Other Systems – Combine survey data with operational, financial, and demographic data for more comprehensive analysis.
Automate Alerts – Set up notifications for significant changes in key indicators between survey cycles.

By integrating benchmark survey data into strategic planning, budgeting, and daily operations, your organization can make informed decisions that reflect community priorities and build lasting trust.

Best Practices for Benchmark Surveys

Following best practices ensures that your benchmark survey is not only methodologically sound but also produces insights that can drive real action. These recommendations apply to all Polco benchmark surveys, including The NCS, NBS, NES, NLES, NES-LE, and CASOA.

Plan with Clear Objectives

Define Your Goals – Know exactly what you want to learn and how you’ll use the results.
Select the Right Survey – Match your objectives to the survey type that best addresses them.
Identify Stakeholders – Involve key departments, elected officials, and community partners early in the process.

Maximize Participation

Use Multiple Channels – Promote the survey via email, mail, social media, local news, and partner organizations.
Target Outreach – Focus additional outreach on underrepresented groups to ensure diverse perspectives.
Send Reminders – Use follow-up messages to boost response rates.

Ensure Clarity and Accessibility

Use Clear Language – Avoid jargon and explain technical terms when necessary.
Provide Context – Give background information to help participants make informed responses.
Design for Accessibility – Ensure the survey meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards and works well on all devices.

Engage the Community Before and After

Set Expectations – Let residents know why the survey matters and how the data will be used.
Close the Loop – Share results widely and explain what actions will be taken in response.
Recognize Participation – Publicly thank participants and partners for their contributions.

Use Data Strategically

Align with Strategic Plans – Link survey results to long-term goals and annual work plans.
Integrate with Other Data – Combine survey findings with operational metrics, financial data, and Track indicators for richer insights.
Prioritize Actions – Focus on the most impactful changes based on both importance and feasibility.

Leverage AI and Analytics

Use AI Assistants – Employ tools like Polly to identify patterns, correlations, and opportunities.
Automate Monitoring – Set up alerts for significant shifts in key indicators over time.
Model Scenarios – Test the potential impact of policy changes or investments based on survey data.

Maintain a Long-Term Perspective

Repeat Regularly – Conduct surveys every 2–3 years to track progress and adjust strategies.
Track Trends – Monitor changes across survey cycles to evaluate the success of initiatives.
Institutionalize the Process – Make benchmark surveys a standard part of performance measurement and planning.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your benchmark surveys deliver credible, actionable insights that strengthen decision-making, build trust, and enhance community outcomes.

Benchmark Surveys FAQ

This FAQ covers common questions about Polco’s suite of benchmark surveys, including The National Community Survey (The NCS), The National Business Survey (The NBS), The National Employee Survey (The NES), The National Law Enforcement Survey (The NLES), The National Employee Survey for Law Enforcement (The NES-LE), and The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA).

What makes a survey a “benchmark” survey?

Benchmark surveys use scientifically validated methods and standardized questions, allowing results to be compared to national and peer community datasets maintained by the National Research Center (NRC).

How often should we conduct a benchmark survey?

Most communities conduct benchmark surveys every 2–3 years to track progress, monitor trends, and measure the impact of policy and program changes.

How are participants selected?

Benchmark surveys use representative sampling, meaning participants are randomly selected to reflect the full demographic makeup of the community or target audience. Supplemental open participation options may also be offered.

Can we add our own questions?

Yes. While each survey includes a core set of standardized questions for benchmarking, you can add custom questions to address local priorities or emerging issues.

What is the typical response rate?

Response rates vary depending on the survey type, distribution method, and community size. Hybrid mail-and-online surveys generally achieve higher response rates than online-only formats.

How long does it take to get results?

From kickoff to final report, most benchmark surveys take 8–12 weeks. This includes survey design, sampling, distribution, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

How are results reported?

Results are delivered through interactive dashboards, executive summaries, full technical reports, and downloadable data tables. You can also publish selected results on Project Pages.

Are responses confidential?

Yes. Individual responses are kept confidential, and no identifying information is included in public reports.

Can we compare our results to past surveys?

Yes. Repeat surveys include trend analysis so you can see how perceptions have changed over time.

Can survey data be integrated with other Polco tools?

Absolutely. Survey results are integrated into the Polco platform, allowing you to analyze them alongside Track indicators, engagement data, and AI-powered insights.

What if our community is small—can we still do a benchmark survey?

Yes. The methodology can be adapted for smaller populations, and NRC will work with you to determine the appropriate sample size and approach.

Do we need to be a Polco subscriber to run a benchmark survey?

Benchmark surveys are available to both Polco subscribers and non-subscribers, but integration with other tools and AI assistants is available only to subscribers.