Most Americans feel a sense of belonging in their communities, yet only one in four believe they can influence local decisions, according to a recent study by the American Immigration Council.
Washington, DC — A new national study reveals that while most Americans feel safe and comfortable in their communities, only about one in four believe they have any real influence over how those communities are governed. This finding comes from the Center for Inclusion & Belonging at the American Immigration Council, which has released the second wave of its research initiative, The Belonging Barometer, focusing on local belonging.
The study provides a detailed and actionable understanding of Americans’ sense of community belonging, highlighting significant opportunities for enhancing local engagement and investment.
Belonging is defined as feeling emotionally connected to others, being safe to express oneself, and having the ability to shape the communities in which one lives, works, and participates. The findings indicate that local belonging encompasses more than just feeling accepted; many Americans feel connected but lack the ability to influence local decisions. This disconnect is particularly notable among older adults aged 65 and above, who report a higher sense of belonging (48%) compared to younger adults aged 18-29 (34%).
Key findings from The Belonging Barometer: Understanding Belonging Where It Is Lived include:
Approximately 61% of Americans either lack a clear sense of community belonging or feel excluded. While only 14% report feeling excluded, a significant portion (47%) experiences uncertainty about their place within their community, indicating a substantial opportunity for improvement through local initiatives.
Local media plays a crucial role in fostering belonging. Individuals who engage with local news at least weekly are significantly more likely to report a strong sense of local belonging, whereas consumption of national news does not show the same correlation.
Financial stability is also linked to a heightened sense of belonging. Among Americans earning less than $50,000 annually, only 34% report feeling a sense of belonging in their local community, compared to 47% of those with incomes exceeding $100,000.
While people generally feel safe in their communities, they often do not feel empowered. Only about 24% of respondents believe they can influence local decision-making or understand how their community operates.
Interestingly, local belonging is not confined by geography or political affiliation. The research indicates that feelings of belonging are not significantly influenced by whether one resides in a small town or an urban area, nor by political party alignment. This suggests that belonging is attainable across various environments and groups.
“Belonging has become one of the defining social issues of our time. As communities grapple with rising loneliness, declining trust, and increasing polarization, researchers and public health leaders are recognizing that belonging is a measurable condition that influences health, civic participation, and community resilience,” said Emily Baird-Chrisohon, Program Manager at the Center for Inclusion & Belonging.
She added, “These findings point to clear opportunities for cities, nonprofits, funders, and local institutions to strengthen belonging by listening to what people are experiencing and creating more ways for people to participate in civic life. People don’t need perfect communities—they need to feel invited, be seen, and have a real say in what’s happening.”
This study builds on previous research that consistently shows Americans feel less belonging in their local communities than in other areas of life. It delves deeper into local belonging to better understand the factors shaping individuals’ sense of connection, identify persistent gaps, and explore what communities can do to foster stronger, more inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong. The full research brief is available at the American Immigration Council’s website.
Communities can take action by utilizing the Belonging Barometer, a pioneering tool designed to measure the quality of an individual’s “fit” within a group or setting. This simple, research-based survey consists of ten questions assessing three essential dimensions: emotional connection, psychological safety, and community influence.
The Belonging Barometer is freely accessible, allowing communities to gather insights that drive action. Cities, nonprofits, funders, employers, schools, and other organizations can leverage this tool to assess whether their communities or institutions feel connected, safe, and empowered to contribute. It also serves as a guide for making informed investments and tracking progress over time.
For more information about the Belonging Barometer and how communities and organizations can begin measuring and enhancing belonging, visit the American Immigration Council’s website.
The research was conducted by SSRS, utilizing a general population survey through the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. This national, probability-based survey includes over 3,000 respondents and is conducted bi-monthly. To complement the survey findings, SSRS also conducted 16 in-depth interviews with panelists who participated in the survey.
The Belonging Barometer tool, introduced in the 2023 report “The Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America,” was employed again in this study alongside new survey and interview data. The original report was authored by Over Zero and the American Immigration Council’s Center for Inclusion and Belonging.
This study was made possible through funding from the Walmart Foundation. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented in this research brief are solely those of the American Immigration Council and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Walmart Foundation.
The Center for Inclusion & Belonging at the American Immigration Council is committed to changing the conversation around immigration and fostering a more welcoming nation. Through research, narrative strategy, and cross-sector partnerships, the Center aims to cultivate a culture of belonging where all individuals—regardless of background—can thrive, connect, and fully contribute to their communities.
For media inquiries, contact Anjulee Alvares-Cinque at the Center for Inclusion & Belonging at the American Immigration Council via email at aacinque@immcouncil.org.