People in Jersey are not as content and are more anxious than adults in the UK, new survey findings suggest.
The Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, sent to 3,500 island households by Statistics Jersey, asked respondents to rate their wellbeing on a 0-to-10 scale across several areas. Those results were then compared with similar UK figures collected by the Office for National Statistics.
Key takeaway: UK adults reported higher levels of life satisfaction, a greater sense of worthwhile living, and more happiness than residents of Jersey.
Statistics Jersey noted that the gaps in scores were more pronounced among women than men when comparing the UK with Jersey. Specifically, UK women reported about 10% higher life satisfaction, 11% higher scores for feeling that their life is worthwhile, and 7% higher happiness than Jersey women.
Among men, the differences were smaller: roughly 6% for life satisfaction, 4% for feeling worthwhile, and 1% for happiness.
The survey also found that anxiety levels were lower in the UK—about 6% lower for men and 15% lower for women—compared with Jersey.
Additionally, the data showed that average wellbeing scores tended to be lower among island residents who were facing financial difficulties.
Debbie Taylor, president of Soroptimist International in Jersey (an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and opportunities), attributed part of the strain to rising rent and food costs, saying these pressures have heightened financial stress for many.
Deputy Louise Doublet suggested that having more women in political roles could lead to policies that specifically support women. She hopes to see more female candidates running in the June 2026 elections.
However, she also warned that high rents can push some women to remain in relationships that are unfulfilling or even unsafe. “The cost of living and the cost of housing makes independent living difficult for women who want it, and it can complicate situations where there is domestic abuse.”
