Social capital refers to a community's social connectedness and civic engagement.
The survey mapped the strengths and areas for improvement in 40 communities nationwide and set a baseline against which future progress can be measured. Data released today was in the form of a report card comparing Delaware and the survey's 40 other participating communities against 10 dimensions of social capital. Delaware ranked at or slightly above the national average, adjusted for demographics, on six out of the 10 indices. Areas where Delaware exceeded national norms were interracial trust, conventional politics, civic leadership, associational involvement, diversity of friendships, and giving and volunteering. On the remaining four indices, Delaware scored slightly below the adjusted national average.