Survey shows quality of life satisfaction improving in Cayman

Quality of Life in the Cayman Islands improved in Spring 2026, with overall satisfaction rising to 84.9% (up 0.9% from Fall 2025).

In a new report, the Economics and Stratistics Office(ESO) said Caymanians reported slightly lower and slower-improving satisfaction at 83.6% (+0.6%).

Health and wellness remained the strongest contributor (85.3%), with gains in mental wellness and improvement in healthcare waiting times, although wait times remain the lowest-rated element.

Employment and job quality saw a large improvement (+1.6% to 85.1%), reflecting less underemployment and more people feeling that their income exceeds their standard of living.

Material living conditions (87.3%) and economic and physical safety (88.6%) also improved, supported by reduced overcrowding, fewer bills in arrears, fewer disconnections from household services, lower poverty and food insecurity, and a stronger sense of safety.

Leisure and social satisfaction rose slightly (82.1%), with improved social support networks and higher neighbourhood social cohesion and connections. Satisfaction with the natural and living environment increased to 77.0%, through improvements in economic and social development, including infrastructure, access to capital and human capital development.

The happiness rankings by district of residence were as follows:

• East End: 89.3% (highest overall satisfaction)

• West Bay: 87.6%

• North Side: 86.5%

• George Town: 85.3%

• Bodden Town: 84.0%

• Sister Islands: 82.1% (lowest overall satisfaction)

Key issues across districts include healthcare wait times, an inadequate road network, road congestion, green spaces and walkable communities, support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, housing overcrowding, environmental management, and education/lifelong learning.

There were also some differences between the satisfaction ratings of Caymanians vs those of residents overall.

These differences include:

• Overall QOL: Caymanians (83.6%) trail residents (84.9%) but are improving.

• Health & wellness: Caymanians (83.9%) remain below residents (85.3%) but showed similar gains; Caymanians report higher dissatisfaction with public healthcare wait times.

• Employment & income: Caymanians (83.2%) remain below residents (85.1%), though improvements were great due to higher employment and income gains.

• Material living conditions: Caymanians (85.9%) were less satisfied than residents (87.3%), reflecting fewer bills in arrears and lost services.

• Economic & physical safety: Caymanians (87.8%) are slightly below residents (88.6%) but improved significantly with falling poverty and stronger income satisfaction.

• Leisure & social: Caymanians (81.8%) are slightly below residents (82.1%); loneliness is lower among Caymanians (19.9% vs 23.0%).

• Natural & living environment: Caymanians (75.7%) rate conditions lower than residents (77.0%) and show stronger dissatisfaction with environmental protection, infrastructure, and development.

According to the ESO, the overall pattern shows that Caymanians consistently report slightly lower satisfaction than the total resident population, especially in human capital development, the environment, and economic opportunity. However, it noted that Caymanians experienced equal improvements over the six-month period.