America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

U.S. Volunteerism Rebounding After COVID-19 Pandemic

Over 75.7 million or 28.3% of the U.S. population age 16 and up formally volunteered through an organization between September 2022 and September 2023, approaching a return to pre-pandemic levels of volunteerism, according to joint research by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps.

National rates of several other types of civic engagement similarly bounced back during that period, even surpassing pre-pandemic rates in some cases — a sign of renewed involvement in many aspects of civic life.

Although more Americans formally volunteered, the number of hours served per person has continued to decline.

Continue reading to learn more about:

• How we take the pulse of our nation’s civic health
• Who is driving the increase in volunteerism
• Virtual volunteering

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According to the 2021 Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement, nearly 51% of the U.S. population age 16 and over informally helped their neighbors between September 2020 and 2021 at the height of the pandemic.

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