32.1%
reported loneliness
In a 2022 survey spanning 26 states, 32.1% of adults reported feeling lonely always, usually, or sometimes.
CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2022Elijah’s Resource research
Social connection and loneliness statistics
Current U.S. figures on loneliness, social support, and participation, collected in one place for writers, community leaders, and anyone seeking a clearer picture.
Last updated October 20, 2026
At a glance
Connection is personal, and it is measurable.
These figures bring together recent public data and evidence summaries. They describe population-level patterns, not any one person’s experience or diagnosis. Elijah’s Resource offers life coaching, not medical or mental health care.
Use the stable links below to quote a specific figure and follow it back to the original public source.
24.1%
reported a support gap
In the same 26-state survey, 24.1% of adults reported not getting the social and emotional support they needed.
CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 202243.3%
of adults ages 18 to 34 reported loneliness
Young adults had the highest reported loneliness rate among the age groups in the 2022, 26-state CDC analysis.
CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 202258%
of U.S. youth felt supported
The most recent national data, collected from 2021 to 2023, found that 58% of U.S. youth felt they received the social and emotional support they needed.
CDC, national youth data, 2021 to 202382%
of U.S. adults felt supported
National 2021 data found that 82% of U.S. adults felt they received the social and emotional support they needed.
CDC, national adult data, 202112%
had trouble joining social activities
In 2024, 12% of U.S. adults reported difficulty participating in social activities because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition.
CDC, national adult data, 202429% / 32%
higher heart disease and stroke risk
A synthesis of 16 longitudinal studies found that poor social relationships, social isolation, and loneliness were associated with a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
U.S. Surgeon General advisory, 2023~50%
higher dementia risk for older adults
The U.S. Surgeon General’s social connection fact cards report that chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase dementia risk among older adults by about 50%.
U.S. Surgeon General fact cards, reviewed 2025Sources and notes
How to read these statistics
The CDC’s 2022 adult loneliness and support figures come from 26 states, so they should not be treated as a nationwide estimate. The CDC’s national figures identify their collection periods. The health-risk figures summarize associations in research, not guarantees of an individual outcome.
- CDC: Loneliness, Lack of Social and Emotional Support, and Mental Health Issues, United States, 2022
- CDC: Community and Connection data page
- U.S. Surgeon General: The Healing Effects of Social Connection
Cite this page
Elijah’s Resource. “Social Connection and Loneliness Statistics.” Updated October 20, 2026. Elijah’s Resource.