Social Connection in America

Until recently, no nationally representative survey consistently tracked this fundamental need. Social Connection in America™ helps fill that gap by providing data on social health and well-being to policymakers, organizations, and community leaders trying to improve social connection.

The survey will be administered annually until 2050, yielding 25 years of data on this important topic. Starting in 2026, RAND and The Connection Institute are partnering, with support from founding funder Barnes Family Foundation, to design, assess, and translate Social Connection in America survey findings for national and local action. RAND is working with The Connection Institute to run the survey and associated outreach activities. A youth survey will be added later in 2026, to complement the current adult survey.

The first Social Connection in America report, issued in late 2025, revealed vital facts about the high state of disengagement in the United States today, the limited time that people get together with their close friends, and how much Americans feel like they belong in their community. For example:

• Getting together with close relationships is infrequent. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults get together with people they care about and feel close to twice a month or less
• Loneliness is widespread. 41% report feeling lonely at least sometimes, with one in 10 reporting feeling lonely usually or always. This varies by group based on education, income level, and marital status
• Community connection matters. More than half of U.S. adults (58%) perceive their neighbors as willing to help each other.

The Social Connection in America website provides the full report, key findings, and more information on the survey and data sharing.

New survey findings from the year two survey will be available in fall 2026, with a new youth survey coming shortly thereafter. Key findings from that survey will be released in winter 2027.

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