NEIGHBOR INTERACTIONS
Frequent interactions with neighbors have been associated with greater subjective well-beingand improved health outcomes. However, data from 2017 to 2023 indicates that the percentage of Americans who frequently interact with their neighbors has declined among all age groups.
Not surprisingly, the share of Americans reporting frequent interactions with their neighbors reached its lowest point in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the rate has generally increased or remained stable, though it has yet to return to 2017 levels. In 2023, older adults were more likely than younger adults to report frequent interactions with their neighbors, with 38% of Americans aged 25–34 doing so, compared to 50% of those aged 35–44, 53% aged 45–54, 59% aged 55–64, and 61% aged 75 and older.
It is clear that connections with neighbors are beneficial to Americans. With room for increased rates of frequent connection with neighbors, the next step is to promote neighborly interaction among community members to incentivize neighborhood socialization.
EXPLORE THE DATA
Definition:
Percent of individuals who spend time with or talk to their neighbors more than once a week.
Example:
Individuals who regularly discuss political, societal, or local issues with their neighbors, or spend time together at least once a week, are considered socially engaged with their neighborhood.