Most Americans feel safe in their communities, yet only about one in four believe they can influence local decision-making, according to a new study from the American Immigration Council.
Washington, DC — A recent 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 second wave of The Belonging Barometer, conducted by the Center for Inclusion & Belonging at the American Immigration Council.
The study provides a detailed and actionable understanding of Americans’ sense of community belonging, highlighting significant opportunities for fostering belonging through local 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 and participates. The findings indicate that while many Americans feel accepted in their communities, far fewer believe they can influence local decisions or contribute to shaping their environment. This disconnect is especially pronounced among older Americans, with 48% of those aged 65 and older reporting a strong sense of belonging, compared to just 34% of younger adults aged 18-29.
Key insights 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 47% live in a state of uncertainty regarding their place within their community, indicating a substantial opportunity for improvement through local initiatives.
Engagement with local media plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging. Individuals who consume local news at least weekly are significantly more likely to report a strong sense of local belonging, whereas no such correlation exists with national news consumption.
Financial stability is also linked to an enhanced 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 respondents generally feel safe in their communities, they do not feel empowered. Only about 24% of participants believe they can influence local decision-making or understand how their community operates.
Interestingly, the study found that local belonging is not significantly influenced by geography or political affiliation. This suggests that feelings of belonging can be cultivated in any environment, regardless of whether one resides in a small town or a large city.
“Belonging has become one of the defining social issues of our time,” said Emily Baird-Chrisohon, Program Manager at the Center for Inclusion & Belonging. “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.”
Baird-Chrisohon emphasized that the findings present clear opportunities for cities, nonprofits, funders, and local institutions to enhance belonging by listening to community experiences and creating more avenues for civic participation. “People don’t need perfect communities—they need to feel invited, be seen, and have a real say in what’s happening,” she added.
This study builds on previous research that consistently shows Americans feel less belonging in their local communities than in nearly every other aspect of life. By delving deeper into local belonging, the study aims to better understand the factors that shape individuals’ sense of connection, identify persistent gaps, and explore strategies for fostering stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong. The full research brief is available at the American Immigration Council’s website.
The Belonging Barometer is the first tool of its kind designed to measure the quality of an individual’s “fit” within a group or setting. This simple, research-based survey consists of ten questions that assess three essential dimensions: emotional connection, psychological safety, and community influence.
This tool is freely accessible and can help communities gather insights that drive action. Cities, nonprofits, funders, employers, schools, and other institutions can utilize the Belonging Barometer to evaluate whether their communities or organizations feel connected, safe, and empowered to contribute, as well as to guide investments and track progress over time. More information about the Belonging Barometer and how communities can begin measuring and strengthening belonging can be found on the American Immigration Council’s website.
The research was conducted by SSRS, utilizing a general population survey through three waves of the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus platform. This national survey, conducted twice per month, includes over 3,000 respondents. 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.
About the Center for Inclusion & Belonging: 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.
The findings are based on a study conducted by the American Immigration Council.