New Survey Finds 83% of People are Willing to Help a Neighbor Who Has Financial Problems

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans manage the uncertainties of today's challenging economy and jobs market, it appears help could be readily available from a nearby source: neighbors. State Farm® and consumer research firm Harris Interactive surveyed more than 17,000 people about the state of American neighbors and found that the vast majority – 83 percent – are willing to help a neighbor having financial problems.  More specifically, of those surveyed:

• 45 percent indicated they would help a neighbor look for a job
• 44 percent would cook meals for them
• 32 percent would assist with babysitting to help save on childcare costs
• 15 percent would lend a neighbor money
• 10 percent would let a neighbor live with them for a short while

"This data shows that, even in the age of social networking and technology-driven interactions, those who live near us remain important sources of support and even happiness," said Keith Hampton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of i-Neighbors.org, a social networking site designed especially for neighbors. "Throughout this and other research, it's clear that Americans still value neighbors, though there are differences based on complex factors like age and environment."

The willingness for neighbors to help neighbors during times of financial stress remains true over a wide range of factors.  In urban settings, 82 percent would help.  In the suburbs and in rural areas, 84 percent indicated they would assist.

Other key findings from the State of American Neighbors survey include:

• We still watch out for each other. 46 percent of Americans watch their neighbors' home several times a year.
• Neighbors matter. 50 percent of Americans say that neighbors affect their happiness by at least a fair amount.
• Names still count.  Almost 50 percent of all respondents indicated they know at least a fair amount of their neighbors by name, but there are big differences between generations. Among Americans 66 and older, 65 percent know at least a fair amount of their neighbors, compared with 36 percent of those ages 18-34.

"We've always known good neighbors are important in good times and in bad," says Mike Davidson, State Farm Vice Chairman and Chief Agency Marketing Officer.  "What's encouraging is that people in every state are willing to step up and assist. Some will help a neighbor find a job. Another may help with chores to save money. Others may bring over a meal. Some are even willing to let neighbors move in for a while if they're displaced. It's heartening to see this and underscores that in every state in our union, neighbors are an untapped resource for good as we struggle through challenging times."

While Americans are more than willing to help in times of need, the survey also found that 60 percent have a pet peeve with their current neighbors. Topping the list of complaints:

• 33 percent complain about out-of-control pets or kids
• 29 percent complain about noise
• 26 percent complain about poorly maintained property

To explore more survey findings and share your thoughts, visit StateFarm.com/neighbors or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the survey

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of State Farm March 14 – April 12, 2011, among 17,218 adults age 18 and over. Results were weighted to reflect the U.S. population as per the census. This is not a probability sample and no sampling error can be calculated. However, for point of reference, the sampling error for a probability sample study of this size would be approximately +/- 1 percent. 

About State Farm®

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 1.8 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit www.statefarm.com or in Canada www.statefarm.ca.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients – stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

SOURCE State Farm