Nantucket Survey

Spring 2025

Methodology

The survey of Nantucket residents has a sample size of n=250. The credibility interval, similar to a poll’s margin of error, for the sample is +/- 6.2% at the 95% confidence level. Survey results should be understood within the poll’s range of scores, and know with a confidence interval of 95% a poll will fall outside the range of scores 1 in 20 times. It is important to remember that subsets based on demographics, such as gender, age, education, and race/ethnicity, carry with them higher credibility intervals, as the sample size is reduced. The survey was administered utilizing a mixed-mode methodology, consisting of contacting residents’ cell phones via MMS-to-web and email, along with an online panel provided by CINT. Data was collected between March 22-30, 2025. The survey was conducted by Emerson College Polling and commissioned by ACKNow.

Two-thirds (67%) think short-term rentals reduce the number of year-round rentals available to Nantucket residents. Twenty-five percent do not think so, and eight percent are unsure. 

• Residents under 50 and over 70 are more likely to believe that short-term rentals reduce the number of year round rentals available:
  • 18-49: 73% short-term rentals reduce availability of year-round rentals, 19% they do not, 8% unsure
  • 50-59: 60% short-term rentals reduce availability of year-round rentals, 35% they do not, 5% unsure
  • 60-69: 50%  short-term rentals reduce availability of year-round rentals, 40% they do not, 11% unsure
  • 70+: 67% yes, 19% no, 14% unsure

Sixty-four percent of respondents think short-term rental investors drive up housing prices for Nantucket residents, while a quarter (25%) do not, and 11% are unsure. 

• By gender:
  • Male: 54% short-term rentals drive up housing prices, 29% they do not, 17% unsure
  • Female: 77% short-term rentals drive up housing prices, 17% they do not, 6% unsure

Roughly two-thirds (66%) think that public officials involved in business relating to short-term rentals should recuse themselves from matters concerning rules and regulations impacting short-term rentals. Seventeen percent do not think they should recuse themselves, while 18% are unsure. 

• Majorities support recusal across frequencies of town meeting attendance:
  • Every town meeting: 52% public officials should recuse themselves, 35% they should not, 13% unsure
  • Most town meetings: 84% public officials should recuse themselves, 12% they should not, 4% unsure
  • Occasionally: 89% public officials should recuse themselves, 8% they should not, 3% unsure
  • Never: 63% public officials should recuse themselves, 4% they should not, 33% unsure