In a time when the pace of change can leave our communities feeling untethered, a new statewide report takes stock of what helps Nebraskans stay grounded: our civic health.

The 2025 Nebraska Civic Health Index, released today by Civic Nebraska in partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship, provides a detailed, data-rich look at how Nebraskans engage with one another, their institutions, and the democratic process.

Civic health reflects how well a community functions – not just through elections or formal meetings but in the everyday rhythms of life: talking with neighbors, joining a local group, showing up to support a cause, or simply staying informed. These behaviors help build trust, cooperation, and a sense of shared purpose that can sustain communities through both good times and challenging times.

“When communities foster trust, provide access, encourage action, and ensure people stay informed, they are better equipped to meet challenges and adapt for the future,” said Lily Sughroue, director of civic health programs at Civic Nebraska. “That’s the quiet power of civic health, and that’s what continues to define Nebraska’s ‘Good Life.’”

Published every five years, the Index explores four dimensions of civic health: Civic Trust, Civic Access, Civic Action, and Civic Knowledge. 

Specifically, it found:

›› Civic Trust: close-knit communities, uneven confidence in institutions. Nebraskans report strong interpersonal ties. One-third regularly spend time with neighbors, ranking sixth nationally, and 85.5% engage frequently with family and friends. A solid 24.6% have worked with neighbors to improve their community, outpacing national averages.

However, trust in broader institutions shows signs of strain. In rural areas, the share of residents who feel powerless to affect the direction of their community has jumped from 24% in 2019 to 40% in 2024. Still, 58% of those same respondents believe their communities can shape their own future.

Confidence in local leadership remains relatively high, with more than 60% of rural residents viewing their local leaders as effective in solving problems, far more than the 9% who express similar trust in national leadership.

›› Civic Access: Participation is strong, but infrastructure gaps persist. More than a third of Nebraskans report being involved in at least one community group, ranking sixth in the nation. This includes everything from service clubs to church groups, recreational leagues to neighborhood associations. Participation at this level helps maintain social ties and opens doors for shared problem-solving.

However, challenges persist in civic infrastructure. Rural residents, in particular, express lower satisfaction with access to cultural activities. Only 25% report being satisfied with local cultural offerings.

The data also show that while residents may not frequently attend public meetings or contact officials, many are still civically active in other ways, such as using their spending to express social or political values.

›› Civic Action: strong volunteerism, declining political engagement. Nebraskans remain among the nation’s most active volunteers. Over 40% of respondents reported donating time to a cause, the third highest in the country. Volunteerism is especially growing among adults 30 to 65 and in suburban areas. But financial giving has declined, particularly in rural and lower-income communities.

Voting participation, while still relatively strong, has also declined in some key areas. Between 2021 and 2024, turnout dropped 9.4% among women and 10.8% in rural areas. Among middle-income earners, the drop was even more dramatic, at 16.2%. Fewer Nebraskans are engaging in political discussions or sharing political content online, especially among younger men and those 30 to 44.

Still, civic identity persists in other ways. Boycotting and value-based purchasing are on the rise, suggesting that while some traditional forms of engagement wane, people continue to seek meaningful avenues for civic expression.

›› Civic Knowledge: staying informed, but not equally. Nearly 70% of Nebraskans report frequently consuming news, ranking us seventh highest nationally. This signals a widespread commitment to staying informed, but the data also point to disparities: Women and residents aged 30 to 44 are engaging less with news than in previous years. Meanwhile, engagement has grown among men and residents aged 45 to 65.

Nebraska’s shifting media landscape is a contributing factor. Eleven counties have no resident journalists, and nine have no local news outlet at all. Fifty-five counties have just one or two full-time reporters. These “news deserts” are often in areas already experiencing lower broadband access, less educational attainment, and economic hardship. As trusted local news becomes increasingly challenging to find, communities risk losing vital connections to their local government, services, and civic decision-making processes.

“The Index points to where we can go,” Sughroue said. “It includes specific tools and ideas for elected officials, business leaders, and everyday Nebraskans to help strengthen the civic fabric of our communities. Whether it’s creating more inclusive spaces, investing in local media, or simply starting more conversations across lines of difference, there’s something in the report for everyone ready to roll up their sleeves and build a stronger Nebraska.”