Close to 4 in 10 Minnesotans report feeling lonely, Census survey finds
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Close to 40% of Minnesotans are lonely, according to a recent vibe check from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Why it matters: Feelings of isolation and loneliness are a real public health threat — so much so that Surgeon General Vivek Murthy last year issued an advisory on the matter.
The big picture: Nearly half of Americans reported feeling lonely at least sometimes, the Census survey conducted this summer found.
- The findings reinforce other recent research showing Americans have fewer friends than in the past.
Threat level: Social isolation is an especially big concern for seniors, as research has shown that it associated with an increased risk of early death.
Zoom in: While it might seem high, Minnesota's rate of 38.5% — which falls just below the national average — is one of the lowest in the country.
- Just 11 states perform better, though neighbors Iowa (35.9) and Wisconsin (37%) have us beat.
Zoom out: Alaska (45.9%), Oregon (44.7%) and Virginia (43.3%) had the highest rates.
Between the lines: Minnesotans can have a reputation for being a bit icy toward new people. That could be a factor in the figures — especially for transplants.
- Close to three quarters of the respondents to a friendship survey we conducted in 2021 said it's hard to make friends in the Twin Cities.
- Nearly half of the respondents who grew up in Minnesota said most of their friends are also from here.
The intrigue: Feelings of loneliness may also be at least partially tied to weather, which is why many of us might start feeling a little more isolated in the cold slog of deep winter.
The bottom line: Getting out there and making some connections can do wonders for your mental health, as Axios' Carly Mallenbaum has reported.
- Classes, rec sports leagues, meetup groups and volunteer opportunities are good places to start.
Go deeper: How to make friends in Minnesota if you didn't go to kindergarten here