TL;DR
A recent survey reveals only 26% of Americans know most neighbors, down from 31% in 2018. Despite this, trust remains high, highlighting complex neighbor dynamics. Experts emphasize the importance of community ties for health and safety.
According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, only 26 percent of American adults say they know all or most of their neighbors, a decrease from 31 percent in 2018. Despite this decline in familiarity, trust in neighbors remains high, with 90 percent of adults stating they trust some, most, or all of the people in their neighborhood. This development highlights ongoing challenges in community cohesion across the United States.
The survey shows that fewer Americans are personally acquainted with their neighbors, especially among younger, lower-income, and more diverse populations. However, trust levels remain relatively stable, suggesting that familiarity and trust are not necessarily linked. Experts note that strong neighborhood relationships are tied to mental and physical health, and can be critical during emergencies or crises. Nonetheless, the decline in neighbor knowledge raises concerns about social resilience and community safety, especially as technology such as doorbell cameras and social media influence neighbor interactions.
Implications of Declining Neighbor Knowledge
The decreasing number of Americans who know their neighbors could impact community safety, mental health, and social support networks. While trust remains high, the lack of familiarity may hinder effective cooperation during emergencies or crises. Experts warn that weaker neighbor ties could contribute to increased social isolation and reduce informal safety nets, especially as technology changes how we connect and monitor our surroundings.
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Trends in Neighbor Relationships and Trust
Data from the Pew Research Center shows a decline from 31 percent in 2018 to 26 percent in 2025 of Americans claiming to know most neighbors. The survey also indicates that older, higher-income, white Americans living in rural or suburban areas tend to have stronger neighbor relationships, often attending religious services regularly. Meanwhile, younger and more diverse populations report less familiarity, reflecting broader social shifts. The rise of doorbell cameras and social media has altered how neighbors interact, sometimes fostering surveillance and mistrust, but also offering new ways to connect.
“Knowing your neighbors is critical for mental health and safety, especially in emergencies.”
— an anonymous researcher
Unclear Impact of Technology on Neighbor Relations
It is not yet clear how the increasing use of surveillance technology and social media will influence neighbor trust and cooperation in the long term. While some see these tools as enhancing safety, others warn they may exacerbate mistrust or erode privacy, making neighbor relationships more strained or superficial.
Future Trends in Community Engagement and Safety
Researchers and community organizers plan to explore ways to foster stronger neighbor ties, especially among younger and diverse populations. Policy discussions may also focus on balancing surveillance benefits with privacy concerns. Monitoring how these relationships evolve over the coming years will be key to understanding their impact on social cohesion and resilience.
Key Questions
Why are fewer Americans knowing their neighbors a concern?
Fewer neighbor connections can weaken community safety, reduce informal support networks, and increase social isolation, impacting overall well-being and emergency preparedness.
Does high trust mean people know their neighbors well?
Not necessarily; the survey indicates trust remains high even when familiarity declines, suggesting that trust can exist without close personal relationships.
How might technology influence neighbor interactions?
Tools like doorbell cameras and social media can improve communication and safety but may also foster surveillance, mistrust, and superficial relationships if misused.
What can individuals do to build better neighbor relationships?
Simple acts like saying hello, introducing yourself, or offering help can foster community ties, even in a digitally connected environment.
Will these trends affect community safety long-term?
Potentially, yes. Stronger neighbor relationships can enhance safety, but declining familiarity may pose risks in emergencies, making community-building efforts important.
Source: Vox
