The Gauteng City-Region Observatory's Quality of Life Survey collects data on demographic details of the enumerated population (population group, gender, age, language) and on housing (dwelling type, tenure, satisfaction with dwelling, perceived quality of housing and housing allocation) as well as household services (water, sanitation, refuse, energy sources). Data was also collected on migration, health (including disability), education and employment (including employment sector). Data on community services and amenities was also collected, and on transport, leisure activities and safety and crime. Financial data was collected (including on debts, income, and social grants) and data on household assets. Data on public participation and governance was also collected during the survey. Finally, the survey collected data on the perceived personal well-being and quality of life of respondents.
Additional variables that are available in the restricted-access QOLS 2021-2021 data were collected using Section 15 of the QOLS questionnaire. These questions pertain to respondents' gender identity, sexual orientation, exposure to physical and sexual abuse as a child, experiences of violence over the past year, and perceptions of support with leaving an abusive relationship.