Our Quality of Life

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7 Quality of Life Core Aspects

Welcome to Maximize NWMO's new Blog Campaign regarding "Our Quality of Life in Northwest Missouri!"

Each month we will be releasing news and research data relevant to maximizing the potential of our primarily rural 18-county region for those living, learning, working, and playing here. We excited to share what we are learning so you can gain a clear understanding of our region's current story. Hopefully, you find it helpful in envisioning what could be as well as take action through meaningful data driven decisions and collaborative efforts. We are always better when we act together!

The Missouri counties covered by any data we share here will include: . However, we are always balancing our focus on home while being as neighborly and possible with our bordering counties, states, and communities across the region - especially those we are learning alongside through our national partner Communities of Resilience & Excellence (C.O.R.E.), formerly Communities of Excellence 2026.


The State of Social Connections

Social Connection Identified as a Key Quality of Life Issue in Northwest Missouri

Regional leaders encourage simple, local actions to boost sense of belonging, health, and wealth

ST. JOSEPH, Mo., December 16, 2025—Northwest Missouri residents are experiencing a growing challenge that affects health, economic success, and overall well-being: declining social connection and sense of belongings As part of an ongoing focus on the seven core aspects of community quality of life, Maximize NWMO has reviewed the most current national, state, and regional data related to social connection, loneliness, and civic engagement. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening everyday relationships across the region’s 18 counties.

Social connection refers to the relationships and interactions that help people feel supported, valued, and connected to their communities. Recent research shows that more Americans are reporting feelings of isolation, fewer close friendships, and reduced participation in community organizations. These trends are especially concerning for rural areas, where geographic distance, limited transportation options, and the loss or absence of traditional gathering places like churches, outdated community buildings, libraries, and restaurants can make it harder for residents of all ages to be connected.

Data reviewed as part of this effort highlights several important patterns:

  • Rising levels of loneliness nationwide, with rural residents facing unique barriers to connection
  • Declines in participation in civic groups, faith communities, and volunteer organizations
  • Increased risks to physical and mental health associated with prolonged social isolation
  • Success in workplaces tied to employees reporting higher levels of belonging
  • Evidence that communities with stronger social ties experience greater resilience and local pride

“Strong communities don’t happen by accident,” said Kristie Arthur, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Director. “They are built through regular, meaningful interactions between neighbors, families, and local organizations as well as great employment opportunities. When those connections weaken, the effects are felt across workforce stability, health outcomes, and civic engagement defined by voter participation, volunteering, and showing up for communitywide conversations and service.”

Northwest Missouri has significant strengths to build upon. The region is known for its deep roots, strong volunteer spirit, and tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. The violent crime rate is much lower (309.8 annually per 100,000 population) than the nation (416.0/100,000) and the state (524.3).

There is also a higher rate of established social associations per 100,000 people in the region compared to the State of Missouri, however, that number is decreasing each year while the state and national rates have remained more stable.

Christel Gollnick, Maximize NWMO director, said, “We have some outstanding social and civic groups across the area. Considering their quality experience for members and outcomes in addition to the number of groups can help leaders better understand why it is a struggle to engage more people. It can also identify the direct and indirect impact of declining membership on other quality of life measures such as is type 2 diabetes risks, dementia development among older adults, negative stress, increased inflammation, academic performance among schoolchildren, and even adult unemployment. Before our research, we knew social connection was important. We just didn’t know how essential it was to all areas of life.”

Having fewer social connections is related to another key challenge in the region’s counties and communities – lower overall voting participation. While Andrew, Gentry, and Worth Counties have an impressive 70%+ voter rate, Buchanan, Nodaway, DeKalb, and Sullivan Counties have less than half the eligible voters participating in elections, thus reducing civic and social participation in local, state and national decision making. Across the 18 counties the average rate is 61.3%, nearly 3% behind the state of Missouri.

Community leaders emphasize that rebuilding social connection does not require large programs or major investments — it starts with small, consistent actions that anyone and everyone can do.

“Something as simple as attending a local event, checking in on an older neighbor, or inviting someone new to join a community activity can make a real difference,” said Jackie Spainhower, community development specialist for MU Extension. “These small actions add up and help create places where people want to stay.”

Maximize NWMO Navigation Team Member Steve Wenger said, “Paying attention to why younger and older people alike live, learn, work, play, and give here in the 18 counties of northwest Missouri is important if we don’t want to further lose the residents needed to keep the region alive and thriving. For the past century the population has declined. In just the last 14 years, U.S. Census numbers dropped 6.2% overall with only a couple of counties remaining stable or slightly growing.”

Wenger shared that according to “The Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America” report from Over Zero and the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council, feelings of national belonging are higher (59%) among the Silent, Baby Boomer, and Gen X generations compared to those who are younger than 45-years-old in the Millennial and Gen Z (41%). Older adults have lived through several cultural, economic, and political highs and lows in America. The resiliency they have gained over time is still being developed by younger generations.

Gollnick said, “It is critical that youth and younger adults are invited and allowed to be meaningfully involved in social and civic organizations and activities if we want those things and our communities in general to survive. With a world full of more technology and distractions, they won’t spend their time and energy the same way older generations traditionally have if all they ever hear when voicing their ideas for improvements that “this is the way it’s always been done and we’re not changing a thing.”

Social connection is one of seven core quality of life aspects being examined as part of Maximize NWMO’s broader community-building efforts. Understanding how these factors interact helps local leaders, organizations, and residents focus on practical steps that improve daily life and strengthen the region’s future.

“Having a strong sense of belonging is what brings out the best in everyone. Kids learn better in school, work is more productive and more rewarding, and the physical and mental health of all ages is improved. People have proven to maximize their potential in every situation and environment across the globe for centuries when they feel they are accepted and respected by others they care about,” said Gollnick. “We now have the data and scientific research to better understand just how important social connections are to improving all other core aspects of quality of life.”

The seven quality of life core aspects Gollnick mentions are health, economy, built environment, housing, social connection, natural environment, and education. Together, these interconnected aspects define whether a community is thriving or declining. A more detailed analysis of the data and source is available in a new blog post “Our Quality of Life” on the Maximize NWMO website at https://maximizenwmo.org/our-quality-of-life.

Maximize NWMO serves the region by providing administrative, communications, data access, and coaching support on systems-thinking and community wealth building for individuals, communities and the region. The initiative’s Navigation Team supports leaders and communities who want to dream big, decide wisely, and maximize our region’s potential by growing together. Maximize NWMO is the regional vitality initiative of The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, primarily serving the 18 counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Putnam, Sullivan, and Worth. It has been made possible over the last decade through partnerships with Communities of Resilience & Excellence (formerly Communities of Excellence 2026), Patterson Family Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (USDA-RD), University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and several other donors. www.maximizenwmo.org and together@maximizenwmo.org.

RESOURCE LINKS RELATED TO SOCIAL CONNECTIONS:

  • The Foundation for Social Connection is dedicated to social connection and its many forms and meanings. Find research, examples and data. https://www.social-connection.org/
  • The Civic Muscle Index is a product of MU Extension. Look up your county’s rating. Civic Muscle is a relatively new term, but not a new concept. It’s been the reason for the many ebbs and flows of our economy, is essential to democratic societies, and has shaped sociopolitical systems across the globe. It is a terrific free resource worth exploring! https://civicmuscleindex.org/

Two additional websites with free, accessible, and user-friendly data include:


What do we mean when we use the term "quality of life?"

The short answer is that quality of life reflects the overall conditions that enable residents to live healthy, stable, and meaningful lives. The conditions, or aspects, can be defined in many way, yet together they encompass everything critical to supporting well-being, opportunity, and resilience.

Within The Maximize [My Community] Journey, the commitment to improve quality of life is defined through seven core, interconnected aspects of communities of place: health, natural environment, education, social connections, economy, built environment, and housing. These parts of our communities shape daily experience and long-term opportunity—and when one aspect or system falters or improves, the effects ripple in all directions. These aspects are not isolated. They interact and overlap in ways that either reinforce or undermine community well-being. This big interconnected picture is an example of how critical system thinking is for our future success. When communities actively work to improve quality of life together, they lay the foundation for long-term prosperity for all residents.

While every community will define, prioritize, and measure these differently, they serve as a shared foundation for better understanding the reality of life in a place and taking collaborative action:

  • ECONOMY: The availability of good jobs, financial security, local business development, and equitable access to economic opportunity.
  • EDUCATION: Access to opportunities for learning from early childhood through adulthood. This includes quality, inclusion, attainment, equity, and alignment with workforce and community needs.
  • HEALTH: The physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and populations—including access to care, prevention, equity, and overall quality of health outcomes.
  • SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: The strength of relationships, trust, belonging, and civic engagement among residents. These bonds are vital to resilience, inclusion, and collaboration—and they also shape collective outlook, shared efficacy, and the belief that communities can create a better future together.
  • NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: The condition and sustainability of air, water, land, and ecosystems—as well as access to nature, green spaces, and resilience to environmental threats.
  • BUILT ENVIRONMENT: The physical infrastructure of a community—including transportation, broadband, parks, and public spaces—and how accessible, safe, and well-designed it is.
  • HOUSING: Safe, stable, and affordable places to live, connected to opportunity, services, and community life—meeting the diverse needs of individuals and families.

These seven aspects are now included in The C.O.R.E. Guide from the national organization, Communities of Resilience & Excellence (formerly Communities of Excellence 2026). The C.O.R.E. Guide's discussion questions, documentation outline, core values, concepts, and glossary are embedded as key tools in The Maximize [My Community] Journey.

This approach to understanding what allows people to thrive in one place shifts the focus from working on isolated projects and programs to the broader systems and conditions that influence outcomes for individuals and communities. It recognizes that true excellence is not achieved by any one sector alone, but through shared responsibility, aligned action, and sustained investment in what matters most to residents and other stakeholders.

Welcome to Maximize NWMO's new Blog Campaign regarding "Our Quality of Life in Northwest Missouri!"

Each month we will be releasing news and research data relevant to maximizing the potential of our primarily rural 18-county region for those living, learning, working, and playing here. We excited to share what we are learning so you can gain a clear understanding of our region's current story. Hopefully, you find it helpful in envisioning what could be as well as take action through meaningful data driven decisions and collaborative efforts. We are always better when we act together!

The Missouri counties covered by any data we share here will include: . However, we are always balancing our focus on home while being as neighborly and possible with our bordering counties, states, and communities across the region - especially those we are learning alongside through our national partner Communities of Resilience & Excellence (C.O.R.E.), formerly Communities of Excellence 2026.


The State of Social Connections

Social Connection Identified as a Key Quality of Life Issue in Northwest Missouri

Regional leaders encourage simple, local actions to boost sense of belonging, health, and wealth

ST. JOSEPH, Mo., December 16, 2025—Northwest Missouri residents are experiencing a growing challenge that affects health, economic success, and overall well-being: declining social connection and sense of belongings As part of an ongoing focus on the seven core aspects of community quality of life, Maximize NWMO has reviewed the most current national, state, and regional data related to social connection, loneliness, and civic engagement. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening everyday relationships across the region’s 18 counties.

Social connection refers to the relationships and interactions that help people feel supported, valued, and connected to their communities. Recent research shows that more Americans are reporting feelings of isolation, fewer close friendships, and reduced participation in community organizations. These trends are especially concerning for rural areas, where geographic distance, limited transportation options, and the loss or absence of traditional gathering places like churches, outdated community buildings, libraries, and restaurants can make it harder for residents of all ages to be connected.

Data reviewed as part of this effort highlights several important patterns:

  • Rising levels of loneliness nationwide, with rural residents facing unique barriers to connection
  • Declines in participation in civic groups, faith communities, and volunteer organizations
  • Increased risks to physical and mental health associated with prolonged social isolation
  • Success in workplaces tied to employees reporting higher levels of belonging
  • Evidence that communities with stronger social ties experience greater resilience and local pride

“Strong communities don’t happen by accident,” said Kristie Arthur, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Director. “They are built through regular, meaningful interactions between neighbors, families, and local organizations as well as great employment opportunities. When those connections weaken, the effects are felt across workforce stability, health outcomes, and civic engagement defined by voter participation, volunteering, and showing up for communitywide conversations and service.”

Northwest Missouri has significant strengths to build upon. The region is known for its deep roots, strong volunteer spirit, and tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. The violent crime rate is much lower (309.8 annually per 100,000 population) than the nation (416.0/100,000) and the state (524.3).

There is also a higher rate of established social associations per 100,000 people in the region compared to the State of Missouri, however, that number is decreasing each year while the state and national rates have remained more stable.

Christel Gollnick, Maximize NWMO director, said, “We have some outstanding social and civic groups across the area. Considering their quality experience for members and outcomes in addition to the number of groups can help leaders better understand why it is a struggle to engage more people. It can also identify the direct and indirect impact of declining membership on other quality of life measures such as is type 2 diabetes risks, dementia development among older adults, negative stress, increased inflammation, academic performance among schoolchildren, and even adult unemployment. Before our research, we knew social connection was important. We just didn’t know how essential it was to all areas of life.”

Having fewer social connections is related to another key challenge in the region’s counties and communities – lower overall voting participation. While Andrew, Gentry, and Worth Counties have an impressive 70%+ voter rate, Buchanan, Nodaway, DeKalb, and Sullivan Counties have less than half the eligible voters participating in elections, thus reducing civic and social participation in local, state and national decision making. Across the 18 counties the average rate is 61.3%, nearly 3% behind the state of Missouri.

Community leaders emphasize that rebuilding social connection does not require large programs or major investments — it starts with small, consistent actions that anyone and everyone can do.

“Something as simple as attending a local event, checking in on an older neighbor, or inviting someone new to join a community activity can make a real difference,” said Jackie Spainhower, community development specialist for MU Extension. “These small actions add up and help create places where people want to stay.”

Maximize NWMO Navigation Team Member Steve Wenger said, “Paying attention to why younger and older people alike live, learn, work, play, and give here in the 18 counties of northwest Missouri is important if we don’t want to further lose the residents needed to keep the region alive and thriving. For the past century the population has declined. In just the last 14 years, U.S. Census numbers dropped 6.2% overall with only a couple of counties remaining stable or slightly growing.”

Wenger shared that according to “The Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America” report from Over Zero and the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council, feelings of national belonging are higher (59%) among the Silent, Baby Boomer, and Gen X generations compared to those who are younger than 45-years-old in the Millennial and Gen Z (41%). Older adults have lived through several cultural, economic, and political highs and lows in America. The resiliency they have gained over time is still being developed by younger generations.

Gollnick said, “It is critical that youth and younger adults are invited and allowed to be meaningfully involved in social and civic organizations and activities if we want those things and our communities in general to survive. With a world full of more technology and distractions, they won’t spend their time and energy the same way older generations traditionally have if all they ever hear when voicing their ideas for improvements that “this is the way it’s always been done and we’re not changing a thing.”

Social connection is one of seven core quality of life aspects being examined as part of Maximize NWMO’s broader community-building efforts. Understanding how these factors interact helps local leaders, organizations, and residents focus on practical steps that improve daily life and strengthen the region’s future.

“Having a strong sense of belonging is what brings out the best in everyone. Kids learn better in school, work is more productive and more rewarding, and the physical and mental health of all ages is improved. People have proven to maximize their potential in every situation and environment across the globe for centuries when they feel they are accepted and respected by others they care about,” said Gollnick. “We now have the data and scientific research to better understand just how important social connections are to improving all other core aspects of quality of life.”

The seven quality of life core aspects Gollnick mentions are health, economy, built environment, housing, social connection, natural environment, and education. Together, these interconnected aspects define whether a community is thriving or declining. A more detailed analysis of the data and source is available in a new blog post “Our Quality of Life” on the Maximize NWMO website at https://maximizenwmo.org/our-quality-of-life.

Maximize NWMO serves the region by providing administrative, communications, data access, and coaching support on systems-thinking and community wealth building for individuals, communities and the region. The initiative’s Navigation Team supports leaders and communities who want to dream big, decide wisely, and maximize our region’s potential by growing together. Maximize NWMO is the regional vitality initiative of The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, primarily serving the 18 counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, Dekalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Putnam, Sullivan, and Worth. It has been made possible over the last decade through partnerships with Communities of Resilience & Excellence (formerly Communities of Excellence 2026), Patterson Family Foundation, the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (USDA-RD), University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and several other donors. www.maximizenwmo.org and together@maximizenwmo.org.

RESOURCE LINKS RELATED TO SOCIAL CONNECTIONS:

  • The Foundation for Social Connection is dedicated to social connection and its many forms and meanings. Find research, examples and data. https://www.social-connection.org/
  • The Civic Muscle Index is a product of MU Extension. Look up your county’s rating. Civic Muscle is a relatively new term, but not a new concept. It’s been the reason for the many ebbs and flows of our economy, is essential to democratic societies, and has shaped sociopolitical systems across the globe. It is a terrific free resource worth exploring! https://civicmuscleindex.org/

Two additional websites with free, accessible, and user-friendly data include:


What do we mean when we use the term "quality of life?"

The short answer is that quality of life reflects the overall conditions that enable residents to live healthy, stable, and meaningful lives. The conditions, or aspects, can be defined in many way, yet together they encompass everything critical to supporting well-being, opportunity, and resilience.

Within The Maximize [My Community] Journey, the commitment to improve quality of life is defined through seven core, interconnected aspects of communities of place: health, natural environment, education, social connections, economy, built environment, and housing. These parts of our communities shape daily experience and long-term opportunity—and when one aspect or system falters or improves, the effects ripple in all directions. These aspects are not isolated. They interact and overlap in ways that either reinforce or undermine community well-being. This big interconnected picture is an example of how critical system thinking is for our future success. When communities actively work to improve quality of life together, they lay the foundation for long-term prosperity for all residents.

While every community will define, prioritize, and measure these differently, they serve as a shared foundation for better understanding the reality of life in a place and taking collaborative action:

  • ECONOMY: The availability of good jobs, financial security, local business development, and equitable access to economic opportunity.
  • EDUCATION: Access to opportunities for learning from early childhood through adulthood. This includes quality, inclusion, attainment, equity, and alignment with workforce and community needs.
  • HEALTH: The physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals and populations—including access to care, prevention, equity, and overall quality of health outcomes.
  • SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: The strength of relationships, trust, belonging, and civic engagement among residents. These bonds are vital to resilience, inclusion, and collaboration—and they also shape collective outlook, shared efficacy, and the belief that communities can create a better future together.
  • NATURAL ENVIRONMENT: The condition and sustainability of air, water, land, and ecosystems—as well as access to nature, green spaces, and resilience to environmental threats.
  • BUILT ENVIRONMENT: The physical infrastructure of a community—including transportation, broadband, parks, and public spaces—and how accessible, safe, and well-designed it is.
  • HOUSING: Safe, stable, and affordable places to live, connected to opportunity, services, and community life—meeting the diverse needs of individuals and families.

These seven aspects are now included in The C.O.R.E. Guide from the national organization, Communities of Resilience & Excellence (formerly Communities of Excellence 2026). The C.O.R.E. Guide's discussion questions, documentation outline, core values, concepts, and glossary are embedded as key tools in The Maximize [My Community] Journey.

This approach to understanding what allows people to thrive in one place shifts the focus from working on isolated projects and programs to the broader systems and conditions that influence outcomes for individuals and communities. It recognizes that true excellence is not achieved by any one sector alone, but through shared responsibility, aligned action, and sustained investment in what matters most to residents and other stakeholders.

Page last updated: 18 Dec 2025, 12:30 PM