HELPING NEIGHBORS
Neighborly helping behavior has been shown to improve social functioning and mental health, thereby positively affecting family and work life.
The percentage of Americans who report helping their neighbors at least once a month has remained fairly constant from 2017-2023, with less than one in three Americans reporting that they frequently help their neighbors. Generally, older Americans are more likely than younger Americans to report helping their neighbors.
It is evident that fostering stronger neighborly connections could benefit American communities. Governments, employers, and community organizations can work to support this goal by designing programs that encourage neighborly helping behaviors, and creating spaces that make it easier for neighbors to support one another.
EXPLORE THE DATA
Definition:
Percent of individuals who help neighbors (e.g. do favors for each other such as house sitting, watching each other’s children, lending tools) more than once a month.
Example:
Individuals who help their neighbors at least once a month, such as house sitting, watching children, or lending tools, are considered to frequently help neighbors. Those who rarely or never engage in these supportive exchanges are considered less involved in helping neighbors.