Social Well-Being among Rural County Fair Attendees: Results from a Pilot Study

This paper reports on results from a pilot study to assess the feasibility of surveying rural county fair attendees about their social well-being. We collected survey data from attendees at two Midwestern rural county fairs in the summer of 2022 (n=56). The survey included questions on loneliness, social isolation, and social engagement, as well as demographic and health characteristics. We analyzed overall rates of social well-being, as well as differences by age, among respondents from rural areas. Respondents scored 4.8 (out of 9.0) on the UCLA Loneliness Scale, below the threshold for being classified as lonely. Respondents scored 17.2 (out of 30.0) on the Lubben Social Network Scale and identified various forms of social support. The highest rates of loneliness and smallest social networks were observed among younger adults (ages 18-34; n=12), while the best social well-being was among older adults (age 65+; n=9). The most common place for respondents to socialize was a restaurant/coffee shop (60% weekly or more often), followed by private homes (31-38% weekly or more often across own or others' homes). Respondents indicated a variety of barriers to social engagement, such as work schedules for younger adults and transportation for older adults. This survey instrument was successful at illuminating various dimensions of social well-being and engagement among rural residents. The social health of younger adults in rural areas needs more attention, including addressing barriers related to work schedules and financial resources.