2026 Sightlines Homepage

How well are Americans really doing?

The Sightlines Project offers a data-driven view of how Americans are navigating modern life. By tracking key indicators of well-being across health, financial security, and social engagement, it reveals where progress is happening—and where new approaches are needed. An interactive tool lets you explore how these benchmarks have shifted over time.

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10 BENCHMARKS

Healthy Living Domain

Tracks two sets of health behaviors fundamental to long and healthy lives: health-promoting behaviors and adverse health behaviors

9 BENCHMARKS

Financial Security Domain

Tracks benchmarks fundamental to long-term financial security, spanning insurance coverage, financial strain, and attainment of financial assets.

9 BENCHMARKS

Social Wellbeing Domain

Tracks benchmarks fundamental to long-term social wellbeing: social connection, civic and community engagement, and mental health

FEATURED INSIGHTS

Explore key findings from the latest data.

33% relative decline in smoking

Adult smoking fell from 21.6% (1999) to 14.6% (2022), a 33% relative decline.

Explore the Smoking Benchmark →

15% drop in life insurance coverage

Life insurance coverage dropped from 68.2% (2004) to 58.0% (2022), down 15%.

Explore the Life Insurance Benchmark →

9 percentage point drop in home ownership

Home ownership rates dropped from 68.7% (2000) to 59% (2022), down 9 percentage points.

Explore the Home Ownership Benchmark →

15% relative increase in Americans with high bad mental health days.

Poor mental health days increased from 10.1% (2011) to 11.6% (2022), up 15%.

Explore the Poor Mental Health Days Benchmark →