Talking with neighbors is one element of building a strong community. Neighbors who talk and know each other are more likely to look out for one another, share information about crime and safety, and act together if problems arise. People report feeling safer when they know their neighbors.

In 2017, the proportion of Arkansas residents who reported frequently talking or spending time with their neighbors was 33%, similar to the national level, and down from 40% in 2008. The national level decreased by more than the state in that same time period.

Hispanics' connection to their neighbors was low, with only 30% of Hispanics reporting that they frequently talk with their neighbors, compared to 38% of blacks and whites.

Within the state, in 2013, the latest year for which data is available, the Fort Smith and Little Rock metro areas saw their rates increase with smaller shares of individuals reporting that they do not talk to their neighbors at all.

Data from 2017 onwards is from the Corporations for National and Community Service (CNCS) which sponsors the Volunteering and Civic Life Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS). The survey varies in important ways from prior supplements in that the volunteering and civic life supplements are now combined resulting in a longer survey which may make the data less comparable to prior years.

Data from prior to 2017 is based on the Civic Engagement Supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS). No county-level data is available. The frequency of CPS supplemental inquiries (such as the Civic Engagement Supplement) vary; some are conducted annually, others every other year or on a one-time basis.

Data is reported for years available. The sample is selected so that it is reliable at the national and state level, data for smaller geographic areas (such as Metropolitan Statistical Areas) is not as reliable.