Loneliness Rates Revealed Across New Jersey Counties
A new report identifies varying levels of social isolation among adults across the Garden State.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Friendships
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A recent analysis by Mood.com has shed light on loneliness rates throughout New Jersey, with Passaic County recording the highest frequency of adults reporting social isolation. Statewide, New Jersey performed slightly better than the national average.
Why it matters
Understanding these geographic disparities helps identify where social support resources and community initiatives are most needed. The data highlights how local environments influence the reported well-being of residents across different regions.
Passaic County reported the state's highest loneliness rate at 37.6%, while Monmouth County recorded the lowest at 29.3%. The analysis utilized 2023 estimates from the CDC PLACES program to examine data across 1,996 counties.
The players
Mood.com
This organization conducted the comprehensive analysis of loneliness rates using federal health data.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This federal agency maintains the PLACES program, which provided the 2023 health estimates used in the study.
The details
Researchers determined these rankings based on the percentage of adults who reported feeling lonely always, usually, or sometimes. The study included 39 states and ranked New Jersey 20th overall in terms of reported loneliness.
Timeline
The data used for the study reflects 2023 estimates from the CDC.
The findings were captured for the study on August 20, 2026.
The official report was published on September 21, 2026.
Culture Shift
The study reflects a broader societal shift toward quantifying social health as a public metric, moving beyond traditional economic indicators. By utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's PLACES program, researchers are increasingly prioritizing isolation as a measurable factor in community stability.
Residents in counties with higher reported rates of loneliness may see a push for expanded community outreach and local mental health resources. These findings can help individuals evaluate the social landscape of their own neighborhoods when considering community engagement.
The takeaway
Loneliness is a measurable public health factor that varies significantly even within the borders of a single state. Strengthening local social ties remains a practical way for individuals to improve their daily sense of connection.
Further reading
Learn more about local social trends in our New Jersey Friendships section.
Live Poll
Should your local community prioritize creating more spaces for regular social interaction to combat loneliness?
