local
America’s friendliest states
By Stacker at KVIA ABC-7
· July 16, 2026
· 4 min read
The ways in which Americans connect vary widely by state. A range of factors contribute to a place’s overall character, but the time residents spend socializing, volunteering and helping people outside their own homes can shape how friendly it feels.
SmartAsset analyzed the 50 states by the...
Key takeaway SmartAsset analyzed the 50 states by the number of minutes per day residents spend on these three “friendly activities,” using time and action as measures of how communities connect.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso 's own ranking in this study is not specified, but the findings offer a useful framework for considering the city's community engagement. Given El Paso's strong cultural heritage and history of neighborly support, it would be interesting to see how the city's residents stack up in terms of time spent socializing, volunteering, and helping others. The study's emphasis on time spent engaging with others outside of one's own home suggests that El Paso's community events, such as festivals and parades, may play a significant role in fostering a sense of friendliness and connection among residents. Additionally, the city's numerous volunteer opportunities, including those related to border issues and social services, may also contribute to a high ranking in terms of volunteer time. A closer look at El Paso's specific data could provide valuable insights into the city's community dynamics and identify areas for improvement.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The ways in which Americans connect vary widely by state. A range of factors contribute to a place’s overall character, but the time residents spend socializing, volunteering and helping people outside their own homes can shape how friendly it feels.
SmartAsset analyzed the 50 states by the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stacker at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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