Recent data from the Pew Research Center reveal a steady erosion of neighborly familiarity across the United States. In 2010, 43% of adults reported knowing most or all of the people living nearby; that figure fell to 31% in 2018 and dropped further to just 26% in 2025. While the national trend points downward, the picture varies sharply from state to state.
Why the decline?
Analysts point to the post‑pandemic surge in remote work as a key factor. Millions of workers have left dense coastal metros for more affordable homes in the Mountain West and South, resetting household tenure to zero each time they move. Longer tenure in a home correlates strongly with knowing one’s neighbors, so frequent relocations undermine the development of lasting community bonds.
States with the strongest neighborly connections
Using AmeriCorps’ Current Population Survey on civic engagement, researchers mapped the percentage of residents who report regular interaction with neighbors. Utah tops the chart at 81.8%, followed closely by Colorado (80.5%) and Montana (79.1%). Minnesota and Missouri round out the top five, each exceeding a 76% interaction rate.
These states share common traits: lower population density, higher rates of homeownership, and, in Utah’s case, strong religious and community institutions that emphasize neighborly responsibility.
Regions lagging behind
The map shows markedly lower engagement along both coasts and much of the Deep South and Southwest. Nevada and New Mexico sit near the bottom of the range, reflecting higher population turnover and denser urban development.
What can local leaders do?
Even as remote work cements a pattern of frequent moves, municipalities can foster neighborly ties through thoughtful urban design. The National Association of Realtors’ 2023 “On Common Ground” report highlights the importance of walkable neighborhoods, parks, and shared green spaces that naturally bring residents into contact.
Academic research published in Social Indicators Research supports this view, linking incidental street‑level interactions to walkability and street connectivity. Investing in sidewalks, bike lanes, and community parks can accelerate the rebuilding of neighborly familiarity, even in areas with high turnover.
Looking ahead
While the national average of neighborly interaction continues to slip, the data suggest that targeted local actions can reverse the trend in specific communities. By prioritizing pedestrian‑friendly infrastructure and encouraging long‑term homeownership, city councils and county boards can help restore the sense of belonging that once defined American neighborhoods.
For families and faith‑based groups seeking to strengthen community bonds, the findings underscore the value of local involvement—whether through church gatherings, school events, or neighborhood watch programs—that can bridge the gap created by modern mobility.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
