1 in 6
people worldwide report feeling lonely
The World Health Organization estimates that 15.8% of people globally report loneliness, based on evidence from 2014 through 2023.
Source: World Health Organization, 2025Research reference
Social Connection & Loneliness Statistics
Current, citable data about connection, loneliness, and support, gathered for writers, educators, community leaders, and anyone seeking a clearer view of the issue.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
At a glance
Connection matters, and the need is measurable.
Loneliness and social isolation are not the same thing, but both describe a gap in the relationships and support people need. The figures below are drawn from public-health and research organizations. Each statistic links to its original source so it can be checked and cited in context.
21%
of young people report loneliness worldwide
WHO reports that young people, especially adolescents, have the highest reported loneliness rate globally.
Source: World Health Organization, 202530.8%
of U.S. adults reported feeling lonely in 2024
This is the latest annual figure shown by the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data channel.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20241 in 4
U.S. adults report lacking social and emotional support
The CDC highlights limited support as a common form of social disconnection, alongside loneliness.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 15, 202424.3% vs. 11%
loneliness rates in low-income and high-income countries
WHO reports a marked difference between people in low-income countries and people in high-income countries.
Source: World Health Organization, 202522%
of employees globally felt lonely a lot of the previous day
Gallup’s 2026 report presents this figure for 2025 and shows the same result in its 2024 data.
Source: Gallup, State of the Global Workplace 2026A careful reading
What these numbers can, and cannot, tell us.
They show scale
Loneliness reaches people across ages, places, and life circumstances. It is not a personal failing.
They are not a diagnosis
A statistic cannot describe one person’s experience, needs, health, faith, or relationships.
Support should fit the person
Trusted relationships, community, and appropriate professional care can each have a meaningful place.
Methodology & sources
How this page is maintained
This page summarizes figures from the named original publishers. Figures are retained only when their source, date, and context can be linked directly. The page is reviewed regularly, with stable statistic links preserved where possible so readers can cite a specific finding.
- World Health Organization, Social connection Q&AJune 30, 2025
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Community & Connection2024 data
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Effects of Social Isolation and LonelinessMay 15, 2024
- Gallup, State of the Global Workplace2026 report, 2025 data
Cite this page
Rainnes Life Coaching. “Social Connection & Loneliness Statistics.” Updated October 28, 2026. https://rainneslifecoaching.com/social-connection-statistics
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