Cities and villages want different things: what a survey of Kazakhstanis showed

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstanis were asked to assess the development of their local communities. While the majority of the country's residents report improvements over the last three years and expect further change, roads and landscaping remain the primary demands, with increasing attention paid to healthcare, internet access, and utility infrastructure. These findings were revealed in a nationwide survey conducted by the National Analytical Center in July-August 2026.
Youth show more optimism
Residents of Kazakhstan were asked if infrastructure and service quality in their communities had improved over the past three years. 68 percent of respondents answered positively: 42 percent fully agreed that conditions had improved, while another 26 percent somewhat agreed.
Meanwhile, 30 percent saw no improvement, and 2 percent were undecided. In urban areas, 71 percent of residents noted positive dynamics, compared to 62 percent in rural areas.
Young people are the most optimistic about the changes: 78 percent of respondents aged 18 to 35 noticed improvements. This figure was 61 percent for the 36–50 age group and 64 percent for those over 50.

Kazakhstanis asked about living conditions
The assessment of current living conditions was even higher. 82 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the conditions in their community. Of these, 22 percent were completely satisfied, and 60 percent were somewhat satisfied.
17 percent of those surveyed were dissatisfied with current conditions, while another 1 percent were undecided.
In cities, 84 percent of residents are satisfied with their conditions, compared to 78 percent in rural areas. Satisfaction reaches 87 percent among the youth, 78 percent among people aged 36–50, and 81 percent among residents over 50.

Most frequently noted improvements
Respondents were asked to name up to three areas where changes over the last three years were most noticeable. Roads took the top spot at 32 percent. These were followed by:

landscaping — 29 percent;
parks and green spaces — 22 percent;
schools and kindergartens — 18 percent;
new housing — 15 percent;
public transport — 11 percent;
hospitals and clinics — 11 percent;
internet and mobile communications — 7 percent;
utilities — 6 percent.

At the same time, 15 percent of respondents stated that nothing had improved in their community over the past three years.
Differences between urban and rural areas were evident. Urban dwellers more frequently mentioned improvements in parks, green spaces, new housing, and public transport. Rural residents were more likely to note changes in roads and utilities.
Priority areas for development
A positive assessment of past changes does not mean residents consider the work finished. When asked which areas should be developed as a priority, roads and landscaping again topped the list at 26 percent each.
The rest of the list included:

hospitals and clinics — 21 percent;
internet and mobile communications — 20 percent;
schools and kindergartens — 19 percent;
utilities — 17 percent;
parks and green spaces — 16 percent;
public transport — 13 percent;
new housing — 10 percent.

Another 24 percent suggested their own options. Among these, economic opportunities, tourism, and sports and cultural infrastructure were most frequently mentioned.

Urban and rural residents expect different changes
According to the survey, rural areas have a stronger demand for landscaping, parks, green spaces, as well as internet and communications. In cities, residents more often talk about the need to develop public transport, public restrooms, and accessible environments for people with disabilities.
Age also influences priorities. Younger respondents more frequently cite roads, schools, kindergartens, parks, the internet, and public transport. Those over 50 have a higher demand for landscaping and utilities.
Survey Methodology
The National Analytical Center survey was conducted in July-August 2026. It involved 1,000 adult residents of Kazakhstan. Interviews were conducted by telephone using the CATI method, with a sample formed based on gender, age, region, and type of settlement.

"In summary, it can be noted that the most visible changes for residents are in the everyday physical environment—primarily roads, urban beautification, parks, and greenery. These same areas remain among the top priorities for further development, meaning that the visibility of results does not diminish the demand for continued work in these sectors. At the same time, healthcare, internet and mobile connectivity, and housing and communal services are more frequently cited as priorities than as notable improvements, highlighting the significance of these sectors in public expectations," the study's authors note.

As a reminder, the Institute of Democracy research association previously reported that the level of trust in the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, stood at 85.7 percent. The study was conducted from July 20 to August 6.