Gozitans happier than most, report more satisfaction with jobs, relationships

Residents in Gozo are reporting higher levels of wellbeing than the national average, with notable gains in job satisfaction, personal relationships, and overall quality of life, according to a new assessment by the Gozo Regional Development Authority (GRDA).

The report, Assessing Wellbeing in Gozo: Progress Beyond GDP, finds that while the island’s economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, improvements in subjective wellbeing have also followed, suggesting that growth is translating into tangible benefits for residents.

Satisfaction levels surpass national averages

Between 2018 and 2024, Gozo recorded consistent increases across all key satisfaction indicators, ultimately moving from below-average levels to outperforming the rest of Malta.

Job satisfaction rose by 9 per cent over the period, while satisfaction with personal relationships increased by 12 per cent. Overall life satisfaction climbed by 8 per cent, and satisfaction with time use registered the strongest gain, rising by 18 per cent.

By 2024, Gozitans were reporting higher scores than the national average across all these categories, with the largest gaps observed in time use and overall life satisfaction.

The findings suggest improvements not only in workplace conditions but also in how individuals perceive their daily lives and social connections.

Emotional wellbeing also improves

Beyond satisfaction metrics, the report highlights a gradual strengthening in emotional wellbeing.

Feelings of happiness increased by 6 per cent, while feelings of calmness and peacefulness rose by 5 per cent. At the same time, negative emotions declined, with loneliness falling by 8 per cent and nervousness remaining broadly stable.

Importantly, Gozitan respondents consistently reported lower levels of negative emotions compared to the national average, reinforcing the island’s relatively strong wellbeing profile.

Economic gains underpin progress

The improvements in wellbeing come alongside significant economic progress.

Median household income in Gozo increased from €26,900 in 2017 to €48,400 in 2023, while median net wealth rose from €333,800 to €506,000 over the same period.

At the same time, the share of individuals reporting below-average living standards dropped from 16.8 per cent in 2022 to 9.5 per cent in 2025, while self-assessed financial wellbeing improved markedly.

The GRDA notes that this combination of rising incomes, stronger financial resilience, and improved confidence has likely contributed to higher levels of overall life satisfaction.

From lagging to leading

A key takeaway from the report is the shift in Gozo’s relative position over time.

In 2018, the island lagged behind national averages across multiple wellbeing indicators. By 2024, however, it had not only closed the gap but exceeded national levels across all satisfaction measures.

This transition points to what the report describes as “broad-based progress” in the lived experiences of residents, supported by both economic growth and targeted regional policies.

Challenges remain despite positive trend

Despite the overall positive trajectory, the GRDA cautions that aggregate data may mask disparities within the population.

Certain groups may still face challenges related to affordability, housing pressures, access to services, and the environmental impact of urban expansion.

The report emphasises the need for a balanced approach to development, ensuring that economic gains continue to translate into inclusive and sustainable improvements in wellbeing.

A broader measure of progress

The findings reinforce a growing policy shift away from relying solely on GDP as a measure of success.

Instead, the report aligns with Malta’s wider strategic direction, including Malta Vision 2050, which places wellbeing alongside economic growth and environmental sustainability as a central pillar of development.

While Gozo’s economic expansion remains a key driver, the data suggests that, for many residents, progress is increasingly being felt in everyday life – from the workplace to personal relationships.