Special Report
The Most Social Cities in Every State
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Humans are social animals by nature. While social interaction is perhaps a basic need, our environments and surroundings are not always conducive to social interaction. It is also extraordinarily difficult to determine exactly what makes up a meaningful social interaction. Individuals socialize in a variety of ways and participate in a wide range of social activities, from spending time with family, to joining a gym, to forming connections on social networking sites. The opportunities for social engagement can also vary considerably based on location, especially on a more local level.
To identify the cities with the most opportunities for social engagement in each state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the presence of social establishments. The density of these organizations, which in our analysis include both civic and leisure associations, can help facilitate cooperation and community engagement.
While the concentration of these venues offers a glimpse into a city’s social climate, it is also a very limited measurement. This indicator does not account for social support provided by family and friendships, and it also fails to capture individuals who are members of one or numerous organizations but nonetheless feel they lack meaningful social connections.
Click here to see the most social cities in every state.
In addition, the size and popularity of these social organizations can vary considerably. Each state’s most social city has the most establishments per capita, but these organizations tend to have fewer employees, which could also mean fewer visitors. Looking at all U.S. metro areas, the regions with the most concentrated social venues tend to be less densely populated, while the opposite tends to be true among areas with the fewest venues per capita. For example, the number of social organizations per capita in New York City, one of the nation’s most densely populated areas, is lower than in most other regions.
Although living in a large, dense metropolitan area may give the appearance of more opportunities for sociability, the level of social engagement depends on more than just the quantity of connections at a given location. Cities may have more venues, but those venues may be more crowded, limiting the potential for meaningful interactions. Further, at a certain point, the number of choices can be overwhelming, and a large number of options for social connection may actually hinder social participation. In other words, dense, crowded areas, may be among the least amenable settings for being social.
In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., Jan Brueckner, professor of economics at the University of California Irvine, explained similar observations from a recent study he coauthored. Based on a measurement of social interactions, Brueckner found that low population density living may actually be good for social ties. While on the other hand, in dense cities like New York, “people are jostled and crowded all day long and they may not want to interact with people as much as the residents of low-density areas,” he said.
For the metro areas reviewed, income is by no means a determinant of social life, and some of the wealthiest cities in the country have the fewest establishments per capita. However, in many cases, wealth can facilitate an active social life. “Social interaction is sort of a luxury activity,” Brueckner said. While establishments do not increase alongside household incomes, high poverty can often limit an area’s access to organized social opportunities.
While income may not determine the number of social establishments, spending habits can certainly influence the type — as well as the number — of organized social venues. Senior citizens, who control a majority of disposable income in the country, for example, are more likely to take advantage of structured social opportunities than younger people. In most cases, there is a larger share of Americans 65 and older in cities with greater numbers of establishments per capita.
Other demographic characteristics contribute to the social life of a metropolitan area. Like senior citizens, single individuals may be more likely to socialize through an organization or association than those living with their family or roommates. Often, there is a larger share of households occupied by a single individual in areas with more establishments per capita.
Financial resources are often needed to cultivate an active social life, but time is also a major requirement. Major urban centers often suffer from severe traffic and congestion, and it is widely believed that heavy traffic in a city can isolate individuals, immobilize residents, and ultimately curb social engagement. The average commute time for workers in the most social city in a majority of states is lower than the national average of just under 25 minutes.
Violence is another major hindrance to social behavior. While the areas with the highest concentrations of social venues do not necessarily have the nation’s lowest violent crime rates, residents living in the relatively safe areas on this list are likely even more able to lead active social lives and participate in their communities.
Click here to read our methodology.
These are the most social cities in every state.
1. Alabama
> Metro area: Daphne-Fairhope-Foley
> Social establishments: 35.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 200,111
> Median household income: $48,461
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley has 35.3 social establishments — including bars, museums, restaurants, theaters, and civic and social organizations — per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in Alabama. Social life in Daphne-Fairhope-Foley is augmented by a number of other factors. Individuals not attached to a family unit are among the most likely to participate in social organizations, and the occupants of 31.0% of Daphne-Fairhope-Foley households live alone — the highest share in Alabama. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Daphne-Fairhope-Foley is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in the state. With 199.1 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, the metro has the third lowest violent crime rate in Alabama and less than half the statewide violent crime rate of 427.4 incidents per 100,000 people.
2. Alaska
> Metro area: Anchorage
> Social establishments: 34.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 398,892
> Median household income: $75,682
For every 10,000 Anchorage residents there are 34.3 social organizations, slightly more organizations per capita than in Fairbanks, Alaska’s only other metro area. Much of Anchorage’s social life is centered around social advocacy. Of the 1,368 social establishments in the metro area, 4.6% are social advocacy organizations, the fifth highest share of any metro area in the country. Establishments such as political organizations and grantmaking and giving services are also especially common in the area. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, and Anchorage is actually a far more dangerous city than Fairbanks. The violent crime rate of 843.7 incidents for every 100,000 residents is higher than Alaska’s overall crime rate of 635.8 incidents for 100,000 residents and is the second highest of any metro area in the nation.
3. Arizona
> Metro area: Flagstaff
> Social establishments: 38.1 per 10,000 people
> Population: 137,682
> Median household income: $49,757
Residents of Flagstaff have more access to nature-based venues such as skiing facilities, parks, and zoos, than any other Arizona metro area. Flagstaff has other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. Traffic and congestion, which can detract from leisure time for socializing, is relatively manageable in the metro area. The average worker in Flagstaff spends just 17.8 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state and among the shortest in the country.
4. Arkansas
> Metro area: Hot Springs
> Social establishments: 39.1 per 10,000 people
> Population: 97,322
> Median household income: $41,032
Residents of Hot Springs have more access to social organizations such as spectator sports, zoos and and arcades than any other Arkansas metro area. Hot Springs has many other characteristics supporting a strong social life. Older residents, who tend to have more leisure time and disposable income, tend to take advantage of social establishments more than younger people. At 21.6%, Hot Springs is home to the largest share of senior citizens in Arkansas and the 20th largest in the country. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families and shared living arrangements, are also more likely to participate in social organizations. In the Hot Springs metro area, 31.4% of households are occupied by just one person, the second largest share in the state.
5. California
> Metro area: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande
> Social establishments: 36.8 per 10,000 people
> Population: 279,083
> Median household income: $52,689
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande has 36.8 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any of California’s 26 metro areas. The distribution of different types of social establishments in the metro area is similar to the typical American metro, where restaurants make up a majority of social establishments, followed by religious organizations. Fitness and recreational sports centers comprise 3.9% of all social establishments in the San Luis metro area, one of the higher such shares in the country. Not surprisingly, 86.4% of metro area adults are physically active — the seventh highest activity rate in the nation.
6. Colorado
> Metro area: Boulder
> Social establishments: 39.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 313,333
> Median household income: $71,540
Boulder has 39.6 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in the Colorado. Social participation in Boulder is supported by a number of other factors. Metro areas where people have the greatest access to social organizations are not necessarily safe or strong in other measures of social engagement. Boulder residents, however, benefit from a low violent crime rate of just 231.8 incidents per 100,000 people annually, lower than the statewide violent crime rate of 309.1. Much of Boulder’s social life is centered around fitness. Of the 1,242 social establishments in the metro area, 5.1% are fitness and recreational sports centers, the seventh highest share of any metro area in the country. Not surprisingly, 90.3% of Boulder adults engage in regular physical activity — the best activity rate nationwide.
7. Connecticut
> Metro area: Norwich-New London
> Social establishments: 35.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 273,676
> Median household income: $66,148
Residents of Norwich-New London — the smallest metro in Connecticut by population — have more opportunities to socialize than people living in any other metro area in the state, with 35.3 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Norwich-New London has many other aspects supporting a strong social life. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations, and the 30.1% of Norwich-New London households occupied by people living alone is the second highest share in the state. The average time spent commuting in the metro area of 22.1 minutes is the shortest in Connecticut, leaving more time for locals to socialize. Much of Norwich-New London’s social life is centered around marine life. Of the 965 social establishments, 3.5% are marinas, the second highest share of any metro area in the country.
24/7 Wall St.8. Delaware
> Metro area: Dover
> Social establishments: 23.0 per 10,000 people
> Population: 171,987
> Median household income: $55,227
Dover is the only metro area in Delaware, so it has the most opportunities for social engagement by default. However, the 23.0 social establishments that exist in Dover for every 10,000 residents is relatively low compared to the rest of the country. A large portion of Dover’s population consists of family units, who are often less likely to take advantage of formal social organizations. Just 23.2% of area households are occupied by individuals living alone, one of the lower shares nationwide. Traffic and congestion can also detract from social interaction. The average Dover worker spends 24.8 minutes commuting to work, about a minute longer than the 23.5 minute average for Delaware overall.
9. Florida
> Metro area: Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin
> Social establishments: 33.5 per 10,000 people
> Population: 258,042
> Median household income: $53,679
For every 10,000 Crestview area residents there are 33.5 social organizations. By contrast, there are 25.9 such organizations per 10,000 people statewide and 30.1 per 10,000 people nationwide. Establishments such as amusement and theme parks, arcades, and movie theaters are especially common in the area. While a low violent crime rate can also contribute to social engagement, the area’s violent crime rate of nearly 500 incidents per 100,000 people is well above the national rate. Still, it is lower than the statewide violent crime rate. Crime is less common in the Crestview area compared to other Florida metros, however.
10. Georgia
> Metro area: Brunswick
> Social establishments: 36.2 per 10,000 people
> Population: 112,663
> Median household income: $46,268
Brunswick, the third smallest of Georgia’s 12 metro areas, has 36.2 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in Georgia. Social life in Brunswick is augmented by a number of other factors. Traffic and congestion, which can detract from time spent socializing, is comparatively manageable in Brunswick. The average worker in the metro spends 20.5 minutes commuting to work, the second shortest mean travel time in the state. Much of Brunswick’s social life is centered around the cinema. Of the 408 social establishments in the metro area, 1.2% are movie theaters — the seventh highest share of any metro area in the country. Cities that have relatively high associations per capita tend to have a diverse array of social opportunities. In Brunswick, however, 55.6% of the city’s 408 organizations are restaurants and other eating places, one of the most homogenous social compositions of any metro area.
11. Hawaii
> Metro area: Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina
> Social establishments: 35.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 163,108
> Median household income: $66,987
With 35.6 establishments per 10,000 people, residents of Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina have far more access to socializing opportunities than residents of Urban Honolulu, Hawaii’s only other metro area. Of the 581 social establishments in the metro area, 0.7% are zoos and botanical gardens, the highest share of any metro area in the country. Cities that have relatively high associations per capita tend to have a diverse array of social opportunities. In Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, however, 65.4% of the city’s 581 organizations are restaurants and other eating places, one of the most homogenous social compositions of any metro area.
12. Idaho
> Metro area: Lewiston
> Social establishments: 34.2 per 10,000 people
> Population: 62,196
> Median household income: $44,937
Residents of Lewiston, the smallest metro area in Idaho, have the most opportunities to socialize in the state, with 34.2 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Lewiston has many other aspects supporting a strong social life. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. In Lewiston, 32.4% of households are occupied by people living alone, the highest share in the state. Traffic and congestion can detract from leisure time and ultimately hinder social interaction. However, the average Lewiston worker spends just 14.5 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time of both Idaho and the country overall.
24/7 Wall St.13. Illinois
> Metro area: Springfield
> Social establishments: 46.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 211,311
> Median household income: $58,849
There are 46.6 social establishments per 10,000 residents in Springfield, the most associations per capita in Illinois. With prominent historical sites, amusement parks, museums, bars, and political organizations among others, Springfield also has one of the most diverse arrays of social establishments in the nation. The metro area has other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. Traffic and congestion, which can diminish leisure time and hinder social engagement, are comparatively manageable in Springfield. Area workers spend 18.3 minutes on average commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state and significantly quicker than the 24.9 national average.
14. Indiana
> Metro area: Kokomo
> Social establishments: 39.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 82,982
> Median household income: $47,159
For every 10,000 Kokomo residents, there are 39.3 social organizations. Establishments such as religious organizations, performing arts companies, and labor unions are especially common in the area. Generally, safe communities tend to be more social, and residents of Kokomo also benefit from a low violent crime rate, which at 227 incidence per 100,000 people annually is well below the national rate. On the other hand, 18.2% of people in the Kokomo area live in poverty, higher than both the state and national rates. For individuals living in poverty, accessing some of these establishments may be more difficult.
15. Iowa
> Metro area: Sioux City
> Social establishments: 38.9 per 10,000 people
> Population: 169,058
> Median household income: $54,042
Sioux City has 38.9 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any of Iowa’s eight metro areas. Social participation in Sioux City is supported by a number of other factors. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Sioux City spends 17.3 minutes commuting to work, the third shortest mean travel time in the state and significantly less than the 24.9 national average. Widespread access for social engagement is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Sioux City is nevertheless a relatively safe city. With 240.2 violent crimes per 100,000 residents annually, the metro’s violent crime rate is lower than the corresponding state and national rates of 273.5 and 365.5 incidents per 100,000 people, respectively.
16. Kansas
> Metro area: Topeka
> Social establishments: 35.7 per 10,000 people
> Population: 233,758
> Median household income: $54,388
For every 10,000 Topeka residents, there are 35.7 social organizations. Establishments such as professional groups, business associations, and political organizations are especially common in the area. Of the 834 social establishments in the metro area, 3.5% are professional organizations, the fourth highest share of any metro area in the country. However, extensive access for social interaction is no guarantee of a healthy community. With a violent crime rate of 368.4 incidents per 100,000 residents annually, Topeka is also the most dangerous city in Kansas. Heavy traffic in the area may also detract from time spent socializing in the area. The 20.1 minute average commute time in the metro area is higher than the 18.5 minute average across Kansas.
17. Kentucky
> Metro area: Lexington-Fayette
> Social establishments: 33.8 per 10,000 people
> Population: 494,189
> Median household income: $50,270
Residents of Lexington-Fayette have more access to social organizations such as spectator sports, professional organizations, and drive-in movie theaters than any other Kentucky metro area. Social living in the Lexington area is bolstered by a number of other factors. For example, individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. In the Lexington-Fayette metro area, 28.6% of households are occupied by just one person, the second largest share in the state. Much of Lexington-Fayette’s social life is centered around sports. Of the 1,671 social establishments in the metro area, 2.9% are spectator sports, the second highest share of any metro area in the country.
18. Louisiana
> Metro area: New Orleans-Metairie
> Social establishments: 33.8 per 10,000 people
> Population: 1,251,849
> Median household income: $46,784
Residents of New Orleans-Metairie have more opportunities to socialize than people living in any other Louisiana metro area, with 33.8 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. People living in the region are more likely than their peers statewide and across the nation to live alone — without the structured social connections found in families — and are more likely to actually visit these social venues. In the New Orleans metro area, 32.4% of households are occupied by just one person, the largest share in the state.
19. Maine
> Metro area: Portland-South Portland
> Social establishments: 46.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 523,552
> Median household income: $60,248
Portland-South Portland has 46.6 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in the state and well above the national ratio of 30.1 per 10,000 people. Portland-South Portland has several other characteristics that can bolster a strong social life. For example, traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Portland-South Portland spends 26 minutes commuting to work, the third shortest mean travel time in the state. Metro areas where people have the greatest access to social organizations are not necessarily safe or strong in other social measures. However, the violent crime rate in the Portland area of just 128 incidents per 100,000 people annually is lower than the state’s violent crime rate of 127.8 per 100,000 people, and far lower than the national violent crime rate of 366 incidents per 100,000 Americans.
24/7 Wall St.20. Maryland
> Metro area: Salisbury
> Social establishments: 42.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 389,922
> Median household income: $47,402
Residents of Salisbury have more opportunities to socialize than residents of any other Maryland metro area, with 42.6 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Salisbury has many other characteristics that can reinforce a strong social life. Older residents, who tend to have more leisure time and disposable income, tend to visit certain social establishments more than younger people. More than one in five Salisbury residents are 65 and older, the largest share of senior citizens in Maryland and the 22nd largest in the country. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families and other shared living arrangements, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. In the Salisbury metro area, 32.6% of households are occupied by just one person, the largest share in the state.
21. Massachusetts
> Metro area: Barnstable Town
> Social establishments: 62.1 per 10,000 people
> Population: 214,914
> Median household income: $65,384
Establishments such as bed-and-breakfast inns, museums, and marinas are especially common in the Barnstable Town metro area, where many of the attractions and social opportunities are centered on tourism. Of the 1,334 social establishments in the metro area, 5.5% are bed-and-breakfast inns, the second highest share of any metro area in the country. The age composition of a population can affect how a community socializes as a whole. For example, senior citizens tend to take advantage of or require formal social organization more than younger people. In Barnstable Town, senior citizens make up 27.9% of the total population, the ninth largest share in the country. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 35.4% of Barnstable Town households live alone, the second highest share in Massachusetts.
22. Michigan
> Metro area: Niles-Benton Harbor
> Social establishments: 36.8 per 10,000 people
> Population: 155,233
> Median household income: $44,031
For every 10,000 Niles-Benton Harbor residents, there are 36.8 social organizations. By contrast, there are roughly 30 such venues per 10,000 people in the state as a whole and also across the nation. Establishments such as zoos and botanical gardens, movie theaters, and bed-and-breakfast inns are especially common in the Niles area. Niles-Benton Harbor has many other aspects of a strong social life. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. Yet the average worker in Niles-Benton Harbor spends just 20.2 minutes commuting to work, the second shortest mean travel time in the state.
23. Minnesota
> Metro area: Duluth
> Social establishments: 41.1 per 10,000 people
> Population: 280,218
> Median household income: $50,275
Duluth has 41.1 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in the state. Social life in Duluth is augmented by a number of other factors. Individuals not attached to a family unit, for example, are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. Of households in Duluth, the occupants of 32.3% live alone, the highest share in Minnesota. Social activities vary a great deal, and some social venues are more popular than others. In the Duluth area, a relatively large share of social life seems to center around drinking. Of the 1,152 social establishments in the metro area, 12.8% are bars, the seventh highest proportion of any metro area in the country.
24. Mississippi
> Metro area: Hattiesburg
> Social establishments: 31.4 per 10,000 people
> Population: 149,312
> Median household income: $42,028
For every 10,000 Hattiesburg residents there are 31.4 social associations. Religious organizations such as churches, eating places like restaurants, and golf courses and country clubs are especially common in the area. Cities with relatively large number of social venues tend to have various social opportunities. Well over half — 56.3% — of the city’s 469 organizations are restaurants and other eating places, one of the most homogenous social compositions of any metro area.
25. Missouri
> Metro area: Jefferson City
> Social establishments: 37.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 150,131
> Median household income: $51,329
Residents of Jefferson City have greater access to social organizations than any other Missouri metro area. The area is home to many other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Jefferson City is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in Missouri. The 236.1 violent crimes for every 100,000 city residents is the lowest violent crime rate in the state and considerably lower than the national violent crime rate of 366 incidents per 100,000 people. Much of Jefferson City’s social life is centered around business life. Of the 560 social establishments in the metro area, 8.4% are business associations, the highest share of any metro area in the country.
26. Montana
> Metro area: Missoula
> Social establishments: 47.5 per 10,000 people
> Population: 112,684
> Median household income: $44,289
Residents of Missoula have more access to social associations such as social advocacy organizations and gaming venues than any other Montana metro area. Missoula has many other characteristics that support a strong social life. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 32.5% of Missoula households live alone, the second highest share in Montana. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Missoula spends 18.2 minutes commuting to work, one of the shortest commute times not just in the state but also across the nation. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Missoula is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in Montana. The city’s violent crime rate of 269 incidents for every 100,000 residents is the second lowest rate in the state. Much of Missoula’s social life is centered around social advocacy. Of the 535 social establishments in the metro area, 6.7% are social advocacy organizations, the second highest share of any metro area in the country.
27. Nebraska
> Metro area: Grand Island
> Social establishments: 39.2 per 10,000 people
> Population: 84,467
> Median household income: $49,742
Residents of Grand Island have more opportunities to socialize than people living in any other Nebraska area, with 39.2 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Social participation in Grand Island is supported by a number of other factors. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. Yet, the average worker in Grand Island spends just 17.7 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state. Metro areas where people have the greatest access to social organizations are not necessarily safe or strong in other measures of social engagement. Grand Island residents, however, benefit from a low crime rate of just 202.1 violent crimes per 100,000 people annually, lower than the state’s violent crime rate of 280.4.
28. Nevada
> Metro area: Carson City
> Social establishments: 40.4 per 10,000 people
> Population: 54,522
> Median household income: $43,850
Carson City, the smallest metro area in Nevada, has more than 40 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in the state. Of the 220 social establishments in the metro area, 2.3% are casinos, the highest share of any metro area in the country. In the Carson City metro area, 32.2% of households are occupied by just one person, the largest share in the state. Many of these people are likely among those frequenting social venues, as individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families and shared living arrangements, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. Public infrastructure and traffic patterns also contribute to social activities. The average worker in Carson City spends just 17.8 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state. Carson City residents also benefit from a low violent crime rate of just 294.7 crimes per 100,000 people annually, considerably lower than the state’s violent crime rate of 635.6 incidents per 100,000 people.
29. New Hampshire
> Metro area: Manchester-Nashua
> Social establishments: 30.7 per 10,000 people
> Population: 405,184
> Median household income: $71,422
As the one metro area in New Hampshire, Manchester-Nashua has the highest access to social venues by default. There are 30.7 social organizations per 10,000 Manchester area residents, in line with the nationwide concentration of social associations. The relatively rural areas outside the Manchester metro, while home to fewer socializing venues, are safer and may actually be more conducive to some forms of social activity. With 267 violent crimes for every 100,000 Manchester area residents the city’s violent crime rate is lower than the national violent crime rate but higher than the statewide rate of 196 violent incidents per 100,000 people.
30. New Jersey
> Metro area: Ocean City
> Social establishments: 92.8 per 10,000 people
> Population: 95,344
> Median household income: $56,899
Ocean City is home to 93 social organizations per capita, not just the greatest concentration of social venues in New Jersey, but also more than in every other metro area in the country. Amusement parks and arcades are especially common in Ocean City compared to other metros. No social activity appears more common than eating, however. Of the city’s 885 organizations, 64.9% are restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other eating places. Ocean City has many other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. For example, older residents, who tend to have more leisure time and disposable income, also tend to take advantage of social establishments more than younger people. At 24%, Ocean City is home to the largest share of senior citizens in New Jersey and the 16th largest share in the country. Also, 30.9% of metro area households are occupied by just one person, the largest share in the state. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families and shared living arrangements, are also often more likely to participate in social organizations.
31. New Mexico
> Metro area: Santa Fe
> Social establishments: 41.2 per 10,000 people
> Population: 148,164
> Median household income: $83,222
Santa Fe has 41.2 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in New Mexico. Social participation in Santa Fe is supported by a number of other factors. Of the 610 social establishments in the metro area, 6.9% are grantmaking and giving services, the highest share of any metro area in the country. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Santa Fe is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in New Mexico. There are 272.6 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, considerably lower than the statewide annual violent crime rate of 597 incidents per 100,000 people, which is nearly the highest of all states.
32. New York
> Metro area: Glens Falls
> Social establishments: 51.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 127,345
> Median household income: $51,880
Glens Falls has 51.3 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in New York and the fourth highest compared with all U.S. metro areas. A number of factors may strengthen social participation in the area. Metro areas where people have the greatest access to social organizations are not necessarily safe or strong in other measures of social engagement. Glens Falls residents, however, benefit from a low violent crime rate of just 111.3 violent crimes per 100,000 people annually, lower than the state’s violent crime rate of 381.8 incidents per 100,000 people.
33. North Carolina
> Metro area: Asheville
> Social establishments: 37.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 442,316
> Median household income: $46,917
Residents of Asheville have more access to social organizations such as bed-and-breakfast inns, amusement and theme parks, and RV parks and recreational camps than any other North Carolina metro area. Much of Asheville’s social life is centered around tourism. Of the 1,663 social establishments in the metro area, 2.7% are bed-and-breakfast inns, the eighth highest share of any metro area in the country. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of nearly a third of Asheville households live alone, the highest share of the 13 metro areas in North Carolina. The quality and efficiency of public infrastructure, which dictates traffic and congestion, can also hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Asheville, however, spends 20.6 minutes commuting to work, one of the shortest travel times in the state.
34. North Dakota
> Metro area: Grand Forks
> Social establishments: 38.5 per 10,000 people
> Population: 101,842
> Median household income: $49,691
For every 10,000 Grand Forks residents, there are 38.5 social organizations. Establishments such as movie theaters, civic and social organizations, and gaming venues are especially common in the area. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 31.4% of Grand Forks households live alone, the second highest share in North Dakota. Traffic and congestion can also hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Grand Forks spends just 15.5 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state and one of the shortest commute times nationwide.
35. Ohio
> Metro area: Lima
> Social establishments: 37.4 per 10,000 people
> Population: 105,040
> Median household income: $42,701
Lima, the smallest metro area in Ohio, has 37.4 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in the state. Much of Lima’s social life is centered around labor organizing. Of the 393 social establishments in the metro area, 5.3% are labor unions and similar labor organizations, the sixth highest share of any metro area in the country. Lima has several other aspects of a strong social life. The quality and efficiency of public infrastructure dictates traffic and congestion, which can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Lima spends just 17.6 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state.
36. Oklahoma
> Metro area: Tulsa
> Social establishments: 30.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 970,391
> Median household income: $50,740
There are 30.3 social organizations per 10,000 Tulsa area residents, higher than in any other metro area in Oklahoma but roughly in line with the national figure. A number of factors may strengthen social participation in the area. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families and shared living arrangements, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. In the Tulsa metro area, 28.3% of households are occupied by just one person, the largest share in the state. Metro areas where people have the greatest access to social organizations are not necessarily safe or strong in other measures of social engagement. In Tulsa, the violent crime rate of 461 incidents per 100,000 people annually is higher than the state’s violent crime rate of 406 incidents and well above the national rate of 366 crimes per 100,000 Americans.
37. Oregon
> Metro area: Bend-Redmond
> Social establishments: 39.4 per 10,000 people
> Population: 170,388
> Median household income: $52,006
Bend-Redmond has 39.4 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in Oregon and considerably more than the 30.1 social venues per 10,000 people nationwide. A number of factors may strengthen social participation in the area. For instance, traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Bend-Redmond spends just 17.7 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state.
24/7 Wall St.38. Pennsylvania
> Metro area: Johnstown
> Social establishments: 42.2 per 10,000 people
> Population: 137,732
> Median household income: $43,224
For every 10,000 Johnstown residents, there are 42.2 social organizations, the most of all of Pennsylvania’s metros and also more than the vast majority of metro areas nationwide. Establishments such as civic and social organizations, libraries and archives, and drive-in movie theaters are especially common in the area. Of the 581 social establishments in Johnstown, 13.3% are civic and social organizations, the highest share of any metro area in the country. Johnstown is home to many other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. The age composition of a population can also affect how the community socializes as whole. For example, senior citizens tend to take advantage of or require formal social organization more than younger people. In Johnstown, more than one in five residents are 65 or older, the 24th largest share in the country.
39. Rhode Island
> Metro area: Providence-Warwick
> Social establishments: 36.6 per 10,000 people
> Population: 1,609,367
> Median household income: $55,836
Residents of Providence-Warwick have more opportunities to socialize than people living in any other Rhode Island area, with 36.6 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 28.7% of Providence-Warwick households live alone, the highest share in Rhode Island and one of the higher shares in the country. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Providence-Warwick is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in Rhode Island. There are 328.9 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, the lowest crime rate in the state.
40. South Carolina
> Metro area: Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach
> Social establishments: 42.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 417,668
> Median household income: $43,993
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach has 42.3 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in South Carolina and the 12th highest compared to other U.S. metro areas. Socializing through leisure activities appears especially popular in the Myrtle Beach metro area. Of the area’s 1,768 social establishments, 4.4% are golf courses and country clubs, the fourth highest share of any metro area in the country. Older residents, who tend to have more leisure time and disposable income, also tend to take advantage of social establishments more than younger people. At 22.3%, Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach is home to the second largest share of senior citizens in South Carolina and the 19th largest in the country. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families and shared living arrangements, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. In the Myrtle Beach metro area, 29.7% of households are occupied by just one person, the second largest share in the state and one of the higher shares nationwide.
41. South Dakota
> Metro area: Rapid City
> Social establishments: 44.9 per 10,000 people
> Population: 143,867
> Median household income: $49,808
Residents of Rapid City have more access to social organizations than any other South Dakota metro area. Much of Rapid City’s social life is centered around camping. Of the 646 social establishments in the metro area, 5.6% are RV parks and recreational camps, the second highest share of any metro area in the country. Rapid City has many other aspects of a strong social life. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 27.5% of Rapid City households live alone, the highest share in South Dakota. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Rapid City spends just 18 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state.
42. Tennessee
> Metro area: Jackson
> Social establishments: 34.0 per 10,000 people
> Population: 130,225
> Median household income: $40,338
Residents of Jackson have more opportunities to socialize than people living in any other Tennessee area, with 34 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Much of Jackson’s social life is centered around religion. Of the 443 social establishments in the metro area, 37.5% are religious organizations, the seventh highest share of any metro area in the country. Social participation in Jackson is supported by a number of other factors. The quality and efficiency of public infrastructure dictates traffic and congestion, which can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in Jackson spends 19 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state.
43. Texas
> Metro area: Tyler
> Social establishments: 33.7 per 10,000 people
> Population: 218,842
> Median household income: $43,958
For every 10,000 Tyler residents there are 33.7 social organizations. Establishments such as drive-in movie theaters, religious organizations, and grantmaking and giving services are especially common in the area. Of the 738 social venues in the area, nearly half are eating establishments, and another third are religious organizations.
44. Utah
> Metro area: Salt Lake City
> Social establishments: 23.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 1,153,340
> Median household income: $55,535
Salt Lake City has 23.3 associations per 10,000 residents, the most of any metro in Utah. A number of factors may strengthen social participation in the area. Eating establishments make up the bulk of social venues in most cities, but this is especially the case in Salt Lake City. Of the 2,691 social establishments in the metro area, 67.3% are restaurants and other eating places, the seventh highest share of any metro area in the country. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 30.2% of Salt Lake City households live alone, the highest share in Utah.
45. Vermont
> Metro area: Burlington-South Burlington
> Social establishments: 39.3 per 10,000 people
> Population: 215,824
> Median household income: $61,947
Residents of Burlington-South Burlington have more access to social organizations such as social advocacy organizations, political organizations, and drive-in movie theaters than any other Vermont metro area. Burlington-South Burlington has many other aspects of a strong social life. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 26.6% of area households live alone, the highest share in Vermont. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. The average worker in the Burlington metro area spends 21.6 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state.
46. Virginia
> Metro area: Staunton-Waynesboro
> Social establishments: 35.5 per 10,000 people
> Population: 119,766
> Median household income: $52,603
Residents of Staunton-Waynesboro have more opportunities to socialize than people living in any other Virginia area, with 35.5 social organizations per 10,000 area residents. Five of the area’s establishments are museums, a relatively large share of the metro’s social venues compared to most U.S. metros. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Staunton-Waynesboro is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in Virginia. There are 147.6 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, the second lowest crime rate in the state.
47. Washington
> Metro area: Wenatchee
> Social establishments: 39.7 per 10,000 people
> Population: 114,392
> Median household income: $50,986
Residents of Wenatchee have more access to social organizations such as skiing facilities, RV parks and recreational camps, and bed-and-breakfast inns than any other Washington metro area. Wenatchee is home to many other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. In areas with less congestion, community residents may be more willing to take the trip to one of these social venues. The average worker in Wenatchee spends 18.3 minutes commuting to work, the third shortest mean travel time in the state. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Wenatchee is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in Washington.
48. West Virginia
> Metro area: Parkersburg-Vienna
> Social establishments: 43.5 per 10,000 people
> Population: 92,684
> Median household income: $41,793
Much of Parkersburg-Vienna’s social life is centered around civic life. Of the 403 social establishments in the metro area, 7.4% are civic and social organizations, the seventh highest share of any metro area in the country. Parkersburg-Vienna has many other characteristics that can support a strong social life. Individuals living alone, without the structured social connections found in families, are often more likely to participate in social organizations. In the Parkersburg-Vienna metro area, 32.8% of households are occupied by just one person, the largest share in the state.
49. Wisconsin
> Metro area: La Crosse-Onalaska
> Social establishments: 42.1 per 10,000 people
> Population: 136,749
> Median household income: $50,568
For every 10,000 La Crosse-Onalaska residents, there are 42.1 social organizations. Of the 576 social establishments in the metro area, 16.3% are bars, the third highest share of any metro area in the country. La Crosse-Onalaska has many other characteristics conducive to a strong social life. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together. Yet the average worker in La Crosse-Onalaska spends just 18.1 minutes commuting to work, the shortest mean travel time in the state.
50. Wyoming
> Metro area: Casper
> Social establishments: 37.0 per 10,000 people
> Population: 81,624
> Median household income: $56,392
Residents of Casper have more access to social venues, including professional organizations, business associations, and grantmaking and giving services than any other Wyoming metro area. Casper has many other characteristics that support a strong social life. Individuals not attached to a family unit are perhaps among the most likely to participate in social organizations. The occupants of 32.9% of Casper households live alone, the highest share in Wyoming. Traffic and congestion can hinder the way a community comes together, while a community with reduced congestion is more likely to have active social residents. The average worker in Casper spends 17.1 minutes commuting to work, the second shortest mean travel time in the state. Widespread access to social opportunities is no guarantee of a healthy community overall, but Casper is nevertheless one of the safest metro areas in Wyoming. There are 184.2 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, the second lowest crime rate in the state.
Methodology:
To identify the most social city in each state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the number of membership associations per 10,000 residents in every U.S. metro area. These organizations include sports teams, golf courses and country clubs, fitness and recreational sports centers, bowling centers, religious organizations, civic, social, business, and professional associations, bars and restaurants, labour and political organizations, and amusement parks, casinos, museums and historical sites — all from County Business Patterns, a database maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau. The percentage of households occupied by families, multiple, or single individuals, came from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 American Community Survey (ACS). Median household income, poverty rates, mean commute times, the share of each metro’s population 65 and older, population counts, as well as the Gini coefficient, also came from the ACS. The percentage of the population that lives reasonably close to exercise venues, and the percentage of adults that report physical inactivity came from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
Click here to see the most social cities in every state.
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