Loneliness Statistics 2026: 58% of Americans Feel Invisible—Who's Struggling Most

Nearly 3 in 5 Americans say no one truly knows them. That loneliness statistics finding from Cigna’s national survey¹ captures something words often fail to express: the quiet ache of feeling unseen, even in a crowd.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a national epidemic. His advisory didn’t mince words: lacking social connections carries health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Why is loneliness increasing? Experts point to a perfect storm of factors: the rise of remote work, declining community participation, geographic mobility that disrupts social networks, and digital communication replacing face-to-face interaction. The disconnection many Americans feel reflects structural changes in how we live, work, and relate to one another.

Watch our video below to learn how to combat loneliness in 9 practical steps:

Globally, the picture is equally concerning. According to Our World in Data², approximately 33% of adults worldwide report feeling lonely—with rates varying significantly by country and culture. The World Health Organization³ has recognized loneliness as a global public health priority, noting that social isolation affects people across all nations and income levels.

This article breaks down the latest loneliness statistics—who struggles most, which states report the highest rates, and what research reveals about reversing the trend.

What Is the Difference Between Social Isolation and Loneliness?

These terms describe related but distinct experiences. According to the National Institute on Aging⁴, social isolation refers to the objective lack of social contact—few relationships, infrequent interaction. Loneliness is the subjective distress when desired connection doesn’t match reality.

Researchers from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing captured the distinction perfectly:

“Isolation is being by yourself. Loneliness is not liking it.”

A person can live alone and feel content. Another can attend parties weekly and feel profoundly disconnected. The mismatch between what someone has and what they need determines loneliness—not the raw number of contacts in their phone.

2024 Loneliness Statistics: How Many Americans Are Lonely?

The numbers paint a stark picture. According to Cigna’s 2020 Loneliness Index⁵, 61% of American adults reported feeling lonely—a 7-percentage-point jump from 2018.

More recent data from the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey⁶ shows 40.3% of Americans report feeling lonely at least sometimes. Gallup’s 2024 research⁷ found that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences loneliness daily.

What were the statistics on loneliness in 2023? The AARP’s research on loneliness and social connections⁸ found that loneliness rates remained elevated following the pandemic, with approximately 1 in 3 adults over 45 reporting chronic loneliness. The loneliness rate in 2024 shows modest improvement in some demographics but persistent challenges among young people and older adults living alone.

These statistics represent more than abstract percentages. They translate to roughly 130 million adults navigating daily life while feeling fundamentally disconnected from others.

Who Is Most Affected by Loneliness? (Age Demographics)

Contrary to the stereotype that elderly people are the loneliest, current research points in a surprising direction: young adults report the highest loneliness rates by a significant margin.

Young People and Adolescents

Gallup’s 2024 data⁹ confirms a striking pattern: young adults aged 18-34 report the highest levels of loneliness across all age groups. According to EdWeek’s 2025 report¹⁰, teens are among the loneliest people globally—a finding that challenges assumptions about digital connectivity.

Why do young people experience higher loneliness? Several factors converge:

• Digital-first socialization may create quantity of connections without depth
• Delayed life milestones (marriage, homeownership) reduce traditional community anchors
• Economic pressures force frequent moves and long work hours
• Social comparison through curated social media feeds intensifies feelings of inadequacy
• Anxiety about social performance makes in-person interaction feel more daunting

Adolescents face unique challenges as they navigate identity formation while their social networks constantly shift through school transitions. The pressure to maintain an online presence while building authentic friendships creates cognitive overload for many younger people.

Older Adults and Older People

This doesn’t mean older adults are immune. Michigan Medicine research¹¹ found that 1 in 3 older adults still experiences loneliness and isolation. The Hill reports¹² that loneliness among older people continues rising, particularly among those living alone or experiencing health limitations.

The National Institute on Aging¹³ notes that social isolation among seniors increases dementia risk by 50% and stroke risk by 32%. Older people face distinct challenges including:

• Loss of spouse and lifelong friends
• Reduced mobility limiting social participation
• Retirement eliminating workplace connections
• Adult children living far away
• Health conditions that make leaving home difficult

The data challenges assumptions about which generations need connection interventions most urgently—both young people and older adults require targeted support.

The Friendship Recession: Why Americans Are Losing Friends

A 2021 American Perspectives Survey¹⁴ revealed a troubling trend researchers now call the “Friendship Recession.”

The Decline in Men’s Friendships

The numbers for men are particularly striking:

• The percentage of men with at least six close friends dropped from 55% in 1990 to just 27% in 2021
• Men with zero close friends increased from 3% to 15%—a fivefold jump
• 59% of young women (ages 18-29) reported losing touch with at least a few friends during the pandemic

Daniel Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life, summarized the shift: “This friendship recession is particularly bad for men. The percentage of men with at least six close friends fell by half since 1990.”

What’s Driving Friendship Loss?

The survey identified several contributing factors that shrink people’s social network:

• Long work hours leave little energy for maintaining relationships
• Geographic mobility disrupts established social networks
• Later marriage ages delay a traditional source of expanded social circles
• Over-reliance on workplace friendships creates vulnerability when jobs change
• Digital communication replacing in-person gatherings

Parents face additional challenges. Without deliberate effort, adult friendships often fade as childcare demands consume available time and mental bandwidth. The Campaign to End Loneliness¹⁵ identifies major life transitions—including becoming a parent—as key risk factors for loneliness.

Which Gender Experiences More Loneliness?

The answer depends on what you measure and where you look.

Women’s Experience of Loneliness

International studies from the UK¹⁶ suggest women report feelings of loneliness more frequently. However, researchers note this may reflect greater willingness to acknowledge emotional struggles rather than higher actual rates.

The friendship styles of women typically include:

• Prioritizing emotional intimacy and mutual understanding
• Building connection through conversation and disclosure
• Maintaining larger networks with varying depth
• Valuing compassion and support during struggles

Men’s Experience of Loneliness

U.S. data tells a slightly different story. Cigna’s 2020 report¹⁷ found men scored 46.1 on their loneliness index compared to 45.3 for women—a small but notable difference.

How men typically approach friendships:

• Value shared activities and common interests
• Build connection through doing things together (sports, gaming, projects)
• May have fewer but longer-standing friendships
• Research from Bristol University¹⁸ found men particularly benefit from groups promoting social ties through recreational activities

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing¹⁹ found 1.2 million older men in the UK experience moderate to high social isolation—often because men have fewer social ties and less frequent contact with friends and family as they age.

Loneliness is more common than you think. Learn how to create deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Check out our resource:

2024 Loneliness Statistics by State

Two data sources offer different perspectives on geographic loneliness patterns.

Direct Survey Data (2024 Census Bureau)

The U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey²⁰ measures self-reported loneliness directly. States with the highest rates:

1. Alaska — 45.9%
2. Oregon — 44.7%
3. West Virginia — 42.9%

States with the lowest loneliness rates:

1. Iowa — 35.9%
2. Utah — 36.2%
3. Hawaii — 36.8%

Isolation Factor Analysis

Move.org’s analysis²¹ used proxy indicators—people living alone, divorce rates, and dating app searches—to estimate isolation risk:

Top 10 states with highest isolation factors:

1. Maine
2. Vermont
3. Oregon
4. West Virginia
5. New Mexico
6. Arkansas
7. Kentucky
8. Indiana
9. New Hampshire
10. Oklahoma

Why Location Matters

One counterintuitive finding: population density doesn’t guarantee connection. Florida ranks as the 11th loneliest state despite being the third most populated.

“Loneliness does not come from having no people around you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.”

—Carl Jung

Utah and Hawaii consistently rank among the least lonely states. Common factors include larger family sizes, lower divorce rates, and strong community traditions.

Health Impacts of Loneliness

Mental Health Effects

Loneliness and mental health exist in a bidirectional relationship—each influences the other.

Research published in the National Institutes of Health²² found that the relationship between loneliness and personality is substantially explained by neuroticism and has genetic components. People predisposed to anxiety may interpret social situations more negatively, increasing loneliness, which then amplifies anxiety.

The mental health impacts of chronic loneliness include:

• Depression: Persistent loneliness activates the same brain regions as physical pain
• Anxiety: Social withdrawal creates a self-reinforcing cycle of avoidance
• Cognitive decline: Social isolation increases dementia risk by 50%, according to the CDC’s resource center on Alzheimer’s and dementia²³
• Sleep disruption: Lonely individuals show poorer sleep quality and more nighttime waking

If you are struggling, please note that this content is not professional medical advice. Consult a doctor or licensed therapist for questions about your physical or mental health.

Physical Health Effects

The physical health consequences of social disconnection are extensive:

• 29% increased risk of heart disease
• 32% increased risk of stroke
• 50% increased risk of dementia for older adults
• Weakened immune function and slower wound healing
• Increased inflammation markers associated with chronic disease
• Higher mortality risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily

Dr. Vivek Murthy framed the stakes clearly: “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health.”

The economic toll is substantial too. Research estimates social isolation among older adults costs Medicare approximately $6.7 billion annually in excess spending.

Technology and Social Media’s Role in Loneliness

The relationship between social media and loneliness is nuanced. Research suggests the effect depends heavily on how platforms are used rather than whether they’re used.

When Technology Increases Loneliness

Studies from IPSOS²⁴ indicate that heavy social media use correlates with higher loneliness scores. Passive scrolling—consuming content without interaction—appears particularly problematic.

What role does technology play in loneliness? The evidence suggests several mechanisms:

• Social comparison with curated highlight reels damages self-esteem
• Time displacement reduces hours available for in-person connection
• Shallow interactions replace deeper conversations
• Fear of missing out (FOMO) intensifies feelings of exclusion

When Technology Reduces Loneliness

However, social media can reduce loneliness when used to:

• Maintain existing relationships across distance
• Find communities around shared interests or identities
• Schedule in-person meetups
• Connect with support groups for specific challenges

For LGBTQ+ individuals and others in marginalized communities, online spaces sometimes provide crucial connection unavailable locally.

The key distinction: social media as a supplement to in-person connection appears beneficial, while social media as a replacement tends to increase loneliness.

Does Wealth Protect Against Loneliness?

The relationship between income and loneliness is more complex than “money buys happiness.”

Cigna’s data²⁵ shows that people with household incomes below $25,000 scored 7.2 points higher on the loneliness scale than those earning above $125,000. Financial stress limits social opportunities and creates shame that inhibits connection.

However, research on lottery winners²⁶ that sudden wealth can trigger isolation through:

• Relationship strain from jealousy and requests for money
• Loss of workplace connections
• Uncertainty about others’ motives
• Geographic relocation away from established networks

One study comparing UK and US participants²⁷ found that wealth disparities—not wealth itself—predict loneliness. Greater inequality in a community increases distrust and perceived disconnection.

Interestingly, research on spending patterns²⁸ suggests that money spent on experiences (travel, concerts, classes) correlates with less loneliness than money spent on material goods.

What If You Prefer Being Alone?

Preferring solitude and experiencing loneliness are distinct states.

Introverts often thrive with significant alone time. Research shows²⁹ that solitude benefits concentration and idea generation for those wired to recharge independently.

The difference lies in choice and satisfaction. Chosen solitude that feels restorative differs fundamentally from unwanted isolation that feels painful.

That said, even introverts benefit from social support. Research on developmental psychology³⁰ found that introverts who actively sought social support reported less loneliness than those who didn’t—suggesting that quality connections matter regardless of personality type.

Research on social network structure³¹ found that introverts tend to maintain smaller, more intimate groups rather than large networks. This pattern can be protective, but may create vulnerability if those few relationships are disrupted.

How to Combat Loneliness

Research points to specific interventions that reduce loneliness effectively. What safeguards can reduce loneliness? Evidence-based strategies include:

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Studies on subjective happiness³² show that how people interpret their social support matters more than raw contact frequency. One meaningful conversation outweighs ten superficial exchanges.

Diversify Your Social Portfolio

Relying entirely on work friendships creates risk. The American Perspectives Survey³³ found that cultivating friendships across multiple life domains—neighborhood, hobbies, family—builds resilience.

Invest in Shared Activities

The World Values Survey³⁴ found that happier participants consistently rated spending more time with friends highly. Consider joining a cooking class, sports league, or volunteer organization where repeated contact builds familiarity naturally.

Maintain Physical Health

The connection between loneliness and physical health runs both directions. Regular movement, adequate sleep hygiene³⁵, and nutritious eating support both physical and social well-being.

Reframe Setbacks With Perspective

Research on social relationships³⁶ shows that people who experience social losses—like divorce—typically recover their life satisfaction over time, often reporting higher satisfaction than immediately before the loss. Temporary loneliness after disruption is normal, not permanent.

Loneliness Statistics Takeaway

The data reveals patterns that challenge common assumptions—and point toward actionable solutions:

1. Young adults (18-34) report the highest loneliness rates, contradicting stereotypes about elderly isolation being the primary concern.
2. 58% of Americans feel no one truly knows them—connection depth matters more than contact frequency.
3. The “Friendship Recession” has hit men hardest, with close friendships declining by half since 1990.
4. Geographic location influences loneliness, with Alaska, Oregon, and West Virginia showing the highest rates in 2024 Census data.
5. Social isolation carries mortality risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily—this is a physical health issue, not just an emotional one.
6. Quality trumps quantity: meaningful conversations, diversified social circles, and shared activities build lasting connection.
7. Recovery is possible: even after significant social losses, most people regain—and often exceed—their previous life satisfaction.

These loneliness statistics underscore an urgent truth: building social connections isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for mental health and physical survival.Want practical strategies for building deeper connections? Explore how to make friends as an adult or discover conversation starters that move beyond small talk.

References

Footnotes (36)

1. cigna.com ↩

2. ourworldindata.org ↩

3. who.int ↩

4. nia.nih.gov ↩

5. cigna.com ↩

6. census.gov ↩

7. news.gallup.com ↩

8. aarp.org ↩

9. news.gallup.com ↩

10. edweek.org ↩

11. michiganmedicine.org ↩

12. thehill.com ↩

13. nia.nih.gov ↩

14. americansurveycenter.org ↩

15. campaigntoendloneliness.org ↩

16. campaigntoendloneliness.org ↩

17. cigna.com ↩

18. bristol.ac.uk ↩

19. independentage.org ↩

20. census.gov ↩

21. move.org ↩

22. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↩

23. cdc.gov ↩

24. ipsos.com ↩

25. cigna.com ↩

26. bbc.com ↩

27. sciencedirect.com ↩

28. sciencedirect.com ↩

29. academypublication.com ↩

30. journals.sagepub.com ↩

31. gsb.stanford.edu ↩

32. sciencedirect.com ↩

33. americansurveycenter.org ↩

34. worldvaluessurvey.org ↩

35. sleepfoundation.org ↩

36. journals.sagepub.com ↩