Virginia is the third loneliest state in the country
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Virginia has the third-highest rate of loneliness in the country, according to the latest 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.
- And many Washingtonians are already facing a loneliness crisis.
Driving the news: In the newest Household Pulse Survey (HPS), 40.3% of American adults said they experienced feelings of loneliness at least sometimes.
- The HPS is a brief online survey designed to quickly assess Americans' economic and financial wellbeing, among other topics.
- This run was conducted between July 23-Aug. 19, with nearly 60,000 respondents.
Zoom in: Virginia came in at 43.3%, the third loneliest state.
- Alaska (45.9%) and Oregon (44.7%) took the top two spots.
- Iowa (35.9%), Delaware (36.5%) and Wisconsin (37%) had the lowest loneliness rates.
Between the lines: Feelings of loneliness may be at least partially tied to weather — it would be no surprise if people up north started 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.