America 251: Insights into American Life

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Executive Summary

To mark America’s 250th anniversary, Murmuration fielded a seven-part research series examining how Americans experience belonging, connection, joy, identity, civic participation, national identity, and hope. The series combined original survey research with demographic and attitudinal analyses to better understand the conditions that shape quality of life in America—the social, economic, and civic factors that support thriving communities and healthy civic engagement.

Across all seven surveys, a consistent pattern emerged. Americans’ views on these topics were often less divided than public discourse might suggest. Regardless of political affiliation, geography, age, or background, respondents frequently described similar aspirations for their lives and communities. People want stable and secure lives, strong relationships, opportunities to contribute, communities where they feel valued, and confidence that the future can improve.

The most consistent difference observed across the research was not political affiliation. Instead, self-reported financial comfort emerged as one of the strongest predictors of how Americans experience community, relationships, purpose, civic participation, inclusion, and optimism about the future.

Taken together, the findings suggest that thriving is shaped by a combination of social, economic, and civic conditions. While each survey focused on a different dimension of American life, the results point toward a common set of factors associated with well-being and civic engagement.

Key Findings

1. Financial comfort is one of the strongest predictors of thriving.

2. Most Americans report meaningful connections to people and place.

3. Americans generally agree on what contributes to a meaningful life.

4. Identity is shaped through social relationships and recognition.

5. Americans continue to believe in local action and civic participation.

6. Americans remain attached to the nation while expressing concern about its performance.

7. Hope is strongest in areas where people feel agency and connection.

About Murmuration

Murmuration is a non-profit that organizes a network of partners and equips them with the insights, tools, and services needed to help communities build and activate the power to transform America into a nation where everyone thrives. For inquiries related to research, data, or methodology, please contact research@murmuration.org. For media, press, or interview requests, please contact press@murmuration.org.

Data Attribution Guidelines

Data featured in this report is provided by Murmuration. When citing or referencing this data in press materials, articles, or external communications, please include clear attribution to Murmuration as the source. Preferred citation format is: “Source: Murmuration” or “Data from Murmuration’s America 251 report.” If referencing specific analyses, surveys, or reports, include the source and date where possible (e.g., “Murmuration, July 2026”). Any charts, graphics, or excerpts derived from Murmuration data should retain this attribution in a visible location. For substantial use or republication, please contact Murmuration for additional context and approval where appropriate.