The Bronx has been identified as New York's loneliest county, according to a study that analyzed data on community, mood, and loneliness across 39 states. The report, released in August 2026 by Mood.com, found that 41% of Bronx residents experience feelings of loneliness.
Despite a population exceeding 1.4 million and home to popular sites like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo, the northernmost borough of New York City registered the highest percentage of adults reporting loneliness. This finding emerged from an analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which included 184.2 million adult data points.
Following The Bronx, Queens County ranked as the second loneliest, with 39.4% of its residents reporting feelings of isolation. New York County (Manhattan) secured the third position, with 38.1% of its inhabitants experiencing loneliness. Overall, New York State ranked as the 11th loneliest state in the United States, with 35.1% of its residents expressing a desire for more social connections.
Nationally, Mississippi and Georgia were identified as the top two loneliest places in America. The study's findings highlight the localized nature of loneliness, with experts emphasizing the importance of consistent social engagement, such as regular calls, shared activities, or club participation, as effective measures against solitude.
The study also touches upon the broader implications of loneliness, referencing the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of loneliness as a significant health threat, comparable in risk to smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily. Research from international clinicians suggests a link between chronic loneliness and negative impacts on cognitive functions, including memory, with social isolation potentially contributing to long-term brain deterioration.
Psychotherapists recommend proactive engagement in social activities to combat loneliness. Suggestions include joining book clubs, meeting friends for coffee, or participating in faith-based services as effective strategies for maintaining social connections and mitigating feelings of isolation.
The top 10 loneliest counties in New York, according to the study, are: Bronx County — 41% Queens County — 39.4% New York County — 38.1% Kings County — 36.7% Albany County — 36.1% Broome County — 35.6% Cayuga County — 35.5% Richmond County — 35.4% Rockland County — 35.2% Seneca County — 35%