GA one of friendliest states in US, study shows. See where it ranks and why
Most Americans say they don’t know their neighbors very well, with 26% reporting only a very loose connection to a few people nearby and 56% saying they know just some of their neighbors, according to a 2018 survey from the Pew Institute.
However, data suggests Georgians may be far more welcoming than the average American, ranking among the top 10 friendliest states in America.
A December study from home materials company Highland Cabinetry scored states across several metrics, placing Georgia at number 7 overall.
How the study works
The report analyzed 50 states using six metrics:
- Happiness levels
- Ethnic diversity
- Burglary rates
- Hate crimes
- Charitable contributions per 1,000 residents
- Volunteer rates.
Georgia loves its neighbors
Surveys suggest that, as interactions with neighbors have declined, so has social trust. However, a recent Gallup poll study suggests merely saying hello to a neighbor can enhance well-being.
Georgia’s overall friendliness score is 72 out of 99.
Metric scores
- Happiness: 53.8
- Ethnic and racial diversity: 79.7
- Burglary rate: 223 per 100,000 residents,
- Hate crime incidents: 142
- Charitable contributions $913 per 1,000 residents
- Volunteerism: 23% of residents
Top 10 friendliest states
Scores are out of 99
- Utah: 99
- Maryland: 96
- Connecticut: 89
- Hawaii: 86
- Virginia: 80
- Minnesota: 75
- Georgia: 72
- Delaware: 71
- Massachusetts: 70
- Nebraska: 66
The South is widely known for its hospitality, but Georgia stands alone as the only Southern state in the top ten. Do you agree with this ranking?
Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published December 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "GA one of friendliest states in US, study shows. See where it ranks and why."