K

National

C

Community Ties is an Urban Institute study funded by the Knight Foundation
to explore a key question: What attaches people to the place where they live?
To understand, we surveyed over 11,000 Americans living in metro areas
across the US and in the 26 communities where Knight Foundation works.
To learn more and download the full report, visit kf.org/communityties.

Community attachment sentiments

Motivation to choose community

Satisfaction Score (1-5)

3.87

Family

Culture & Lifestyle Fit
Score (1-5)

3.85

Job

Preference to Stay (%)

58%

30%
25%

Quality of Life
Other Main Reason to
Move/Stay

Community attachment behaviors

33%
12%

Time spent in the principal city

Community Investment
Index (1-7)

3.45

Every day

Social Bridging Capital
Score (1-4)

2.07

At Least Once A Week

17%

At Least Once A Month

17%

Geographic Mobility (%
Native)
Years in Community
(Avg, Non-Native)

23%
17.2

Social Bridging Capital
(% in personal network who…)
57%
51%

Different Race or Ethnic
Background
Grew up Speaking a
Different Language

Every Few Months

12%

Once a Year or Less

12%

Community Investment
(% in the last 12 months who…)

Live in Wealthier Area
Live in Poorer Area

42%

64%
38%

Volunteered Locally

45%

Participated in Local
Arts

58%

Attended Public
Meetings

54%

Worked with Residents
to Effect Local Change

43%

Donated Money Locally
Owned or Invested in
Local Business
Owned a Home

76%
15%
54%

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Metro Feature Accessibility
(% reporting easy access)

Importance of Metro Amenities
(% ranking very important)

Recreational Areas

85%

Recreational Areas

63%

Highways

87%

Highways

63%

Public Transportation

60%

Affordable Housing

Public Transportation

50%

Job Opportunities

63%

Colleges and
Universities

82%

Family Amenities

88%

Dining & Nightlife

79%

Healthcare Facilities

85%

Arts & culture

72%

K-12 Schools

84%

Public safety

77%

44%

Affordable Housing

70%

Job Opportunities

72%

Colleges and
Universities

51%

Family Amenities
Dining & Nightlife

59%
20%

Healthcare Facilities

77%

Arts & culture

44%

K-12 Schools

64%

Public safety

86%

Demographic Breakdowns
Household income
Less thank $35k
$35k to $75k
$75k or more

Generation
35%

Gen Z

31%
34%

Female

51%

Male

49%

Race

29%

Gen X

27%

62%
38%

34%

Lives in Principal City
Yes
No

White (non-Hispanic)
Non-white or Hispanic

Millenial

Silent/Boomer

Gender

10%

31%
69%