55+ Household Survey Questions You Need to Ask and Why
Enhance Your Household Surveys Using These Key Questions
Trusted by 5000+ Brands
Essential Household Survey Questions and Expected Outcomes
Household surveys are a paramount tool for gathering critical information on various aspects of living conditions. From examining water and sanitation conditions to probing into labor division, household surveys can provide a wealth of data. But what kind of household survey questions should one be asking, and what outcomes can we expect?
Core questions on drinking water and sanitation for household surveys can provide a detailed picture of the living conditions. The World Health Organization recommends asking about the source of drinking water, the distance and time taken to fetch water, and questions about sanitation facilities. Such questions can help in identifying communities lacking access to clean water, leading to targeted interventions. A survey in Kenya, for instance, revealed that 30% of urban households did not have access to safe drinking water.
To create an effective survey, consider using a survey maker and choosing from a variety of survey templates available. This can save time and ensure that you're asking the right questions.
National household survey questions often include queries about household composition, income, employment, and education levels. They provide a snapshot of the socio-economic status of the population. For example, a survey in Canada found that households with a higher education level were twice as likely to have a higher income.
Questions about labor division within the house are also vital. They shed light on gender roles and inequalities within households. In an American survey, women were found to spend 50% more time on unpaid domestic work than men, according to American Progress.
Household Topics Relevant to Household Survey Questions
When designing a household survey, it's essential to focus on topics that are relevant to your target audience. These can range from health and education to economic conditions, water and sanitation, and household chores.
Health-related questions, for example, can help identify common health issues in a population. A survey in India revealed that 34% of households had at least one member suffering from a chronic illness. Such data can guide health policy and resource allocation.
Education is another crucial topic to include in household surveys. Questions about the highest level of education achieved, school attendance, and barriers to education can provide valuable insights. As revealed in a study, children from low-income households were 40% less likely to attend school regularly.
Economic conditions, including income, expenditure, and employment, are fundamental areas to explore in household surveys. A survey showed that households with secure employment had 50% higher living standards than those with intermittent work.
Lastly, don't forget to include questions about household chores and labor division. These can help highlight gender disparities and contribute to policy changes aimed at promoting gender equality. A well-designed survey using a survey maker and survey templates can help you gather this valuable information.
Household Survey Sample Questions
General Household Survey Questions
These general household survey questions are designed to gather comprehensive information about the household's demographics, living conditions, and overall well-being, ensuring a holistic understanding of the surveyed population.
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| What is the total number of people living in your household? | To determine household size and occupancy rates. |
| What is the relationship of each household member to the head of household? | To understand family structure and relationships within the household. |
| What is the highest level of education attained by each adult in the household? | To assess educational attainment and its distribution within the household. |
| What is the primary source of income for your household? | To identify main income sources and economic stability. |
| Do you own or rent your current residence? | To determine housing status and ownership rates. |
| What is the primary language spoken in your household? | To assess linguistic diversity and communication needs. |
| How many vehicles are available in your household for transportation? | To evaluate transportation resources and accessibility. |
| What type of heating is used in your home? | To understand energy sources and heating methods. |
| Do you have access to the internet at home? | To gauge digital connectivity and access to information. |
| What is the age range of the children living in your household? | To identify age demographics and childcare needs. |
Core Drinking Water and Sanitation Questions for Household Surveys
These core questions on drinking water and sanitation are essential for household surveys aiming to evaluate the availability, quality, and management of water resources and sanitation facilities within households.
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| What is your primary source of drinking water? | To identify the main water sources used by households. |
| How far is the nearest water source from your home? | To assess accessibility to water resources. |
| Do you treat your drinking water before use? | To evaluate water treatment practices and safety. |
| What type of sanitation facility do you use? | To determine the types of sanitation facilities available. |
| Is your sanitation facility shared with other households? | To assess the availability and exclusivity of sanitation facilities. |
| How often is your sanitation facility cleaned? | To evaluate hygiene practices related to sanitation. |
| Do you have access to handwashing facilities with soap? | To determine the availability of hand hygiene resources. |
| Have you experienced any water shortages in the past year? | To assess the reliability of water supply. |
| Are there any water purification systems installed in your home? | To identify the use of water purification technologies. |
| Do you dispose of wastewater on-site or connect to a municipal system? | To understand wastewater management practices. |
Close-Ended Questions for a Household Survey
Close-ended questions for a household survey provide structured and easily quantifiable responses, facilitating straightforward data analysis and comparison across different households.
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Do you have electricity in your home? Yes/No | To determine the presence of electrical infrastructure. |
| Is there a refrigerator in your household? Yes/No | To assess access to essential appliances. |
| Do you have access to a television? Yes/No | To gauge access to information and entertainment. |
| Is your household connected to the municipal sewage system? Yes/No | To evaluate sanitation infrastructure connectivity. |
| Do you have a mobile phone? Yes/No | To determine digital communication access. |
| Is there a separate kitchen in your home? Yes/No | To understand household layout and facilities. |
| Do you have access to clean drinking water? Yes/No | To assess the quality and safety of water supply. |
| Is there a garden or agricultural land on your property? Yes/No | To evaluate land use and agricultural practices. |
| Do you own a vehicle? Yes/No | To assess household transportation resources. |
| Is there a member of your household currently employed? Yes/No | To understand employment status within the household. |
Head of Household Survey Questions
Survey questions for the head of household focus on leadership, decision-making, and the overall management of household affairs, providing insights into household dynamics and governance.
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| What is your role in the household? | To identify the responsibilities and duties of the head of household. |
| How do you make major decisions for the household? | To understand the decision-making process within the household. |
| What is your primary source of income? | To assess the economic contributions of the head of household. |
| Do you participate in community or local organizations? Yes/No | To gauge community engagement and social involvement. |
| How many hours do you work per week? | To evaluate the time commitment and employment status. |
| Are you involved in managing household finances? Yes/No | To determine financial management roles within the household. |
| Do you have access to credit or loans? Yes/No | To assess financial resources and credit availability. |
| How satisfied are you with the current living conditions? Very Satisfied/Satisfied/Unsatisfied | To measure satisfaction levels regarding household living standards. |
| Do you face any significant challenges in your role as head of household? Yes/No | To identify obstacles and areas needing support. |
| What are your top priorities for the household in the next year? | To understand future plans and priorities of the household. |
National Household Survey Questions
National household survey questions are crafted to collect data that reflects the broader trends and conditions across the country, facilitating national-level analysis and policy-making.
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| What is your household's monthly income range? | To categorize households based on income levels. |
| What type of housing do you live in? (e.g., detached house, apartment, etc.) | To assess the distribution of housing types nationally. |
| What is the primary occupation of adults in your household? | To analyze employment sectors and workforce distribution. |
| Do you have access to public transportation? Yes/No | To evaluate the availability and usage of public transit systems. |
| What is your highest level of education completed? | To measure educational attainment across the population. |
| Do you have any members with disabilities? Yes/No | To identify households with disabilities and their support needs. |
| What type of healthcare facilities are available near your home? | To assess access to healthcare services. |
| How do you primarily obtain news and information? | To understand media consumption habits. |
| Do you participate in any form of social or recreational activities? Yes/No | To gauge social engagement and recreational needs. |
| How would you rate your overall quality of life? Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor | To measure subjective well-being and life satisfaction. |