NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — The world is fast-paced, and it’s easy to become disconnected from neighbors.

Fostering a strong sense of community can feel like a challenge with busy schedules and the digital age.

However, the heart of thriving lies in people and their connections.

Manhattan Mental Health Counseling experts conducted a study, which showed that while some states have a greater community spirit, North Dakota takes the top spot for the strongest spirit.

The factors that were included were the number of group events and charitable giving rates.

Out of 100 points, the Peace Garden State walked away with a score of 85.78. For every 100,000 residents, there are almost 80 group events, and the charitable giving rate was 45.87%.

The states we neighbor with have pretty good scores too. Montana took the fifth ranking with a score of 70.78. South Dakota just missed the top 10, coming in at 11th with a score of 66.91. And Minnesota was 19th with a score of 63.62.

“People feel happier and safer when they belong to a strong community,” said Natalie Buchwald, the lead psychologist. “Kids who grow up in these places learn important life skills and feel confident about their future. Strong communities also help everyone get along better. They bring people together, encourage everyone to help out, and more neighborhoods better places to live. To build stronger communities, we need to invest in local organizations, support neighbors, and create spaces for people to connect. By working together, we can create thriving communities where everyone feels valued and supported.”

The “North Dakota Nice” phrase rings true as communities in the state continue to foster stronger connections.

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