US State Holiday Loneliness Index 2025: Why West Virginia Ranks #1

While festive lights brighten the streets, nearly half of American adults are facing a silent shadow. While 40% of adults report feeling lonely at baseline, that number climbs sharply as expectations of togetherness collide with reality. According to new data from the healthcare platform Nursa, loneliness isn't distributed evenly across the map.

Mapping the US State Holiday Loneliness Index

At the top of the list is West Virginia, ranking as the loneliest state with a score of 7.96 out of 10. Nearly 30% of its adults live alone, and over 42% report feeling socially isolated. A critical factor identified was the lower internet penetration rate, which limits digital connection when in-person socializing is difficult.

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North Dakota and Pennsylvania followed closely behind. These regions share a common pattern: a mix of sparse population density and higher reported rates of mental illness. For many residents in these states, the vast geography can make isolation feel inescapable during the winter months.

New Jersey: The Buffer Against Isolation

On the opposite end, New Jersey emerged as the least lonely state with a score of 1.27. Although its rate of adults living alone is significant, the reporting of social isolation is much lower than in other states. Researchers suggest that high digital connectivity and strong local social infrastructures provide a vital buffer for residents, proving that living alone doesn't always lead to feeling lonely.