Families are the backbone of our society, offering support, love, and a sense of belonging that transcends generations. While many states are renowned for their family-friendly amenities, there’s another, deeper aspect to consider: the strength of family connections. Some states foster a unique environment where family ties are woven into the very fabric of everyday life, creating close-knit communities that prioritize family bonds above all else.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most family-oriented states in the US. Read on to discover which states top the list for nurturing those precious family bonds!
Family Orientation Across the U.S.
In a nation as diverse as the United States, family bonds can vary widely from state to state. To uncover which states have the most family-oriented residents, we surveyed over 2,000 Americans age 18 and older across the U.S.
We asked questions focused on communication and visits with family, feelings of closeness, frequency of family gatherings and activities, and the importance of family compared to other life aspects. Each question was weighted, and combined scores formed an overall rating out of 100, with 100 indicating the highest level of family orientation.
The U.S. state with the strongest family ties is Tennessee, scoring an impressive 87.3 out of 100. Among all states, Tennessee residents communicate most frequently with their families and place the highest importance on family over other aspects of life.
Illinois scored 87.1, narrowly missing first place. The state had the highest frequency of providing or receiving emotional, financial, and practical support within immediate families among all states.
Georgia ranked third with a score of 79.8, leading all states in the closeness felt toward immediate family members. Following closely, Hawaii scored 79.3 and stood out for having the highest frequency of family gatherings. These states truly embody the sentiment, “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
Texas, where the bigger the family is the better, secured fifth place with a score of 78 out of 100. This state had the highest number of residents who said they live in the same city or town as their immediate family. Next up are Maryland with a score of 74.7, New Jersey with a score of 73.5, and Arkansas with a score of 69.
Coming in ninth is Mississippi, where family roots run deep, with a score of 68.4. Hot on its trail and securing the last spot in the top ten is Iowa, with a score of 68. You know what Iowans say: “Home is where the heart is, and the heart of Iowa is family.”
How Family-Oriented are Americans?
Family relationships form the cornerstone of our lives, shaping our experiences and values in profound ways. These bonds influence our decisions, provide support during challenging times, and celebrate our successes.
But what does this mean in the broader context of American society? How do these connections manifest in different parts of life? With 1 in 5 Americans stating family is the most important aspect of their life, let’s see how family connections shape the fabric of our nation.
Feelings About Family
Family is all about love and loyalty, two very strong feelings that influence many of our decisions. So, how do Americans characterize their feelings about family ties?
- 1 in 2 Americans wish they had a closer relationship or spent more time with their family.
- 35% of people in the U.S. always or frequently base their major decisions (such as career changes, moves, and relationships) on family considerations.
- 37% of Americans believe their family is closer than most other families
- 33% of Americans feel very close to their immediate family
Family Communication & Gatherings
With family comes gatherings, talking, and a whole lot of laughter. We live in a digital world that makes this easier, but with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, how often do we actually talk and spend time together?
- 34% of Americans communicate with their immediate family daily.
- 65% of Americans say they only have family gatherings/get-togethers a couple times a year or less, while 35% do on a monthly to weekly basis.
- 21% of Americans visit their extended family on a weekly to monthly basis, 61% say they do a few times a year or less, and 18% never do.
- 66% of Americans prioritize spending holidays with their immediate or extended family.
- 21% of people in the U.S. have family dinners very frequently (multiple times a week) or daily.
Closing Thoughts
As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, the importance of family remains a constant, providing a foundation of support, love, and shared experiences. These statistics paint a vivid picture of how deeply Americans value their family relationships, highlighting the various ways these connections shape our lives. From cherished traditions to daily interactions, the strength of family bonds is evident across the nation.
At American Fidelity Life Insurance, we understand the irreplaceable value of family. Our mission is to help you protect and support your loved ones, ensuring that your family’s future is secure. Just as you cherish your family, we are dedicated to providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are taken care of. Because at the end of the day, family is what matters most.
Methodology
In order to identify the most family-oriented states in the U.S. and discover how family connections play a role in American society, we surveyed 2,200 Americans aged 18 and older. Participants were asked about the number of family members in their state, the frequency of communication and visits with immediate and extended family, and how close they feel to their immediate family. The survey also explored how often respondents have family gatherings, participate in family activities, and have family dinners.
Additional factors included the importance of family compared to other life aspects, the frequency of providing or receiving family support, and prioritizing holidays with family. Respondents also considered family influence on major decisions and their perception of family closeness compared to others. Each question was weighted, and scores were combined to create an overall rating out of 100, with 100 indicating the highest level of family orientation. This allowed us to rank states from most to least family-oriented, offering insights into family dynamics across the country.
This survey was conducted in June 2024. The following states were excluded from the results due to insufficient survey respondents: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming.
