Northwest residents say they love where they live, even amidst the global pandemic

​Stay at home? That's no problem for Northwest residents who say they're satisfied with their current living arrangements, despite spending even more time in their homes due to the ongoing pandemic. But while many say they like where they live, the pandemic has piqued the interest of some Seattle and Portland metro-area residents who say they'd entertain a move.

According to the latest poll from PEMCO Mutual Insurance, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, at least eight out of ten Northwest residents (84%) say they're satisfied with their current home environment. In fact, for some Northwesterners, the love for their living arrangements has grown even stronger – 28% of Northwest residents report they've become more satisfied with where they live since the start of the pandemic.

While that's true for residents across demographics, employment status seems to make the biggest difference in determining which Northwest residents share the most satisfaction with their living situation. About one-third (35%) of those employed in the Seattle metro area report being more satisfied with their home environment since the pandemic began, compared to only 22% of residents who are not currently working who say the same. Similarly, one-third (32%) of those employed in the Portland metro area share the same sentiment, compared to those who aren't employed (21%).

"For about the past year, our homes have become classrooms, workplaces and gyms. And for many residents, despite the close quarters, our poll seems to suggest that's OK," said PEMCO spokesperson Derek Wing. "While remote work and school, other pandemic-induced factors may provide more flexibility to everyone, we were surprised to see that so many in the Northwest have no plans to change up their current living situation."

While many residents say they're satisfied with their current home environments, more than one in four workers say they're also open to moving elsewhere, whether that be to a new home, city or state. In fact, 26% of employed Seattleites and 30% of Portlanders say they'd be likely to move residences now that they've experienced the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, Northwesters who aren't currently working, and those who are retired, have no plans on leaving their residences anytime soon: 86% of Seattle and Portland metro area residents say it's not likely they'll pack up and leave given the pandemic.

Of those who may consider a move, both Seattleites and Portlanders say having more space with less density is the primary reason they'd make a change (40% in the Seattle metro area and 42% in the Portland metro area), while one-quarter (28%) say one reason for making a permanent move is simply because their job now allows them to work remotely.

For a complete summary of PEMCO's proprietary poll results visit www.pemco.com/blog/nw-polls, where you'll find responses collected by FBK Research of Seattle in June 2020.

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About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll

PEMCO Mutual Insurance commissioned this independent survey, conducted by FBK Research of Seattle, that asked Washington and Oregon residents questions about driving habits and attitudes toward current Northwest issues. The sample size, 664 respondents in the Seattle Metro (King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties) region and 621 respondents in the Portland Metro (Multnomah, Marion, Clackamas, Washington Counties) region yields an accuracy of +/- 3.9% and 4.0% respectively at the 95% confidence level. In other words, if this study were conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than the associated error range.

About PEMCO Mutual Insurance

PEMCO Mutual Insurance is the Defender of Your Northwest, providing auto, home, renters and boat coverage. We are consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee expertise and social impact. Our Mutual Good programs raise the achievement levels for youth in education; build stronger, greener environments; and increase safety at home, on the road and at play. Our mission: Free our communities to worry less and live more.