"Loneliness is a real issue in Houston — especially for young adults and lower-income residents. This research helps our community see where the gaps are and why building connection matters for everyone's health, purpose, and quality of life."
Kinder Institute for Urban Research | Rice University
The Kinder Institute at Rice University surveyed more than 5,000 Harris County residents in late 2024 about loneliness, connectedness, and social support. Key findings show that young adults ages 18–29 felt the loneliest, and people earning under $35,000 reported the least connection. Feeling connected and supported predicted life satisfaction more strongly than race, income, or age.
Young adults and low-income earners report feeling less connected and supported.
Feelings of being accepted, understood, welcomed and supported are often referred to as “belonging and connectedness.” These feelings play a well-documented role in a variety of outcomes, including physical and mental health, academic and workplace success, and resilience.
To better understand these factors in the lives of Harris County residents, over 5,000 members of the institute's Greater Houston Community Panel were surveyed in late 2024 about loneliness, connectedness and social supports. The study explores the importance of relationships and social connections in influencing people’s life satisfaction, sense of purpose and self-efficacy.
Key findings
Belonging and connectedness differed across groups in Harris County.
Young adults between 18 and 29 years old had higher average loneliness scores than any other age group.
Lower earners making less than $35,000 annually reported feeling less connected and having less social supports.
Young adults between 18 and 29 years old had higher average loneliness scores than any other age group.
Lower earners making less than $35,000 annually reported feeling less connected and having less social supports.
Loneliness, connectedness and social support were stronger predictors of people's sense of achievement (i.e., life satisfaction, purpose and self-efficacy) than race/ethnicity, income or age.
The lonelier someone feels, the lower their sense of achievement.
The more connected someone feels and the greater a person's sense of social support, the higher their sense of achievement.
The lonelier someone feels, the lower their sense of achievement.
The more connected someone feels and the greater a person's sense of social support, the higher their sense of achievement.
With data to guide us and dialogue to unite us, Houston can become a city known not just for its diversity and growth, but for its connectedness.
The Greater Houston Community Panel is composed of thousands of scientifically selected adults in Harris County, Fort Bend County and Montgomery County, Texas, who are regularly surveyed about their families and communities, including their health, well-being, expectations, opinions, priorities and aspirations.
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