A recent survey sheds light on the evolving relationship between U.S. adults and their neighbors. It reveals trends in how well people know and trust those living next door. It also shows their willingness to help one another. The results from PEW Research Centre suggest that many Americans still feel connected to their neighbors. Yet, these bonds have weakened slightly in recent years. Demographic factors play a significant role in these differences.
twenty six per cent of Americans say they know all or most of their neighbors. 62% know only some of them. 12% don’t know any of their neighbors at all. This marks a slight decline from earlier years. In 2018, 31% of Americans reported knowing all or most of their neighbors. The trend shows that a majority still maintain at least a partial connection with their neighbors. Still, full neighborhood familiarity has become less common.
TRUSTING YOUR NEIGHBOR: A MIXED PICTURE
Trust is another area where there has been a decline. About 44% of Americans report trusting all or most of the people in their neighborhood. This marks a drop from 52% in 2015. The survey found that 46% trust some of their neighbors, while 9% don’t trust any of them. Interestingly, Americans are more likely to trust their neighbors than to trust people in general. About 44% say they trust most or all of their neighbors. In comparison, 34% believe most people can be trusted overall.
DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN NEIGHBOR RELATIONS
Several demographic groups are more likely to both know and trust their neighbors:
- Older Americans (50+ years old) are more likely to know and trust their neighbors compared to younger adults.
- White Americans, upper-income individuals, and those living in rural or suburban areas have closer relationships with neighbors. They are also more likely to have more trusting relationships with their neighbors.
- Those who attend religious services regularly are more likely to trust their neighbors as well.
- Republicans report higher levels of trust in their neighbors compared to Democrats. However, this difference can be attributed to variations in race, education, and other factors.
AMERICANS’ SIMILARITY TO NEIGHBORS
Half of Americans (50%) say all or most of their neighbors are of the same race or ethnicity as they are. Furthermore, 38% say they share similar levels of education with their neighbors, while only 23% feel they have the same political views as most of those around them. This sense of similarity correlates strongly with levels of trust and willingness to help others.
NEIGHBORLY HELP: WHO WOULD DO WHAT FOR WHOM?
Americans are generally willing to help their neighbors. But, there is a notable difference in perceptions of whether neighbors would reciprocate. For example:
- 59% of Americans say they would feel comfortable asking a neighbor to keep a set of keys for emergencies.
- 76% say they would bring in the mail or water plants for out-of-town neighbors.
- 72% would conserve water or electricity if asked by public officials in an emergency.
- 67% would bring a meal to a sick neighbor or friend.
Yet, when asked if neighbors would do the same for them, the numbers are considerably lower:
- 52% believe it’s likely that a neighbor would bring in their mail or water plants for them while out of town.
- 42% say neighbors would conserve water or electricity if asked by public officials in an emergency.
- 42% think a neighbor or friend would bring them a meal if they were sick.
GENERATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN NEIGHBORLY ACTS
There are clear differences based on age, education, and income when it comes to neighborly behavior. Older adults, particularly those aged 50 and older, are more likely to perform acts of kindness. Such acts include bringing meals to sick neighbors. In fact, 74% say they would do so. In comparison, 65% of those aged 30-49 and 55% of adults under 30 said the same.
Additionally, those with higher levels of education are more likely to help their neighbors. For example, 83% of college-educated Americans would bring in mail or water plants for a neighbor. This is compared to 72% of those with less education. Similarly, 78% of college graduates would conserve resources during an emergency. This contrasts with 69% of those with lower levels of education.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF NEIGHBORLY RELATIONS
While Americans may not always know or trust their neighbors as much as in previous years, many still show a willingness to help and engage with the community. The survey highlights that familiarity, trust, and willingness to help vary widely depending on demographic factors such as age, race, income, and political affiliation. These findings suggest that neighborly relationships are important to many. They are influenced by a host of personal and societal factors. Efforts to strengthen community bonds may need to be tailored to different groups.
