(ID 327257589 | 2024 © Penchan Pumila | Dreamstime.com)
NEW YORK — Americans may be divided on many issues, but when it comes to rating 2024, they’ve reached a surprising consensus: it was decidedly average. In a nationwide survey of 2,000 people, the year earned a 6.1 out of 10—though beneath this seemingly tepid score lies a heartening discovery about what truly matters to Americans: personal connections topped the list of memorable moments.
The comprehensive study, conducted by Talker Research, surveyed 2,000 Americans about their experiences throughout the year. Perhaps most touching was the discovery that the most memorable moment for many Americans wasn’t a grand achievement or milestone, but rather the simple joy of reconnecting with old friends and family members, with 17% of respondents citing this as their standout experience.
Overall, a notable 30% of Americans rated their year as exceptional, scoring it eight or higher on the ten-point scale.
Personal development emerged as a dominant theme in 2024, with an overwhelming 67% of Americans reporting some form of growth over the past year. This growth manifested in various aspects of their lives: more than half (52%) saw improvements in their personal relationships, while 38% experienced positive changes in their mental and emotional well-being. Physical health gains were reported by 29% of respondents, and a quarter celebrated advances in their financial situation.
The year proved transformative for many Americans in unexpected ways. Tied for second place among memorable experiences were three distinct life changes: creative and personal growth, welcoming a new pet, and mastering a new skill or hobby, each cited by 12% of respondents. Close behind, 11% found meaning in volunteering or contributing to causes they care about.
The survey revealed that 17% of respondents rated the year a seven out of ten, matched by another 17% giving it a five, while 16% scored it an eight. At the extremes, 8% of Americans had a fantastic year worthy of a perfect ten, while 5% rated it a disappointing one out of ten.
The survey highlighted how Americans found joy and achievement in various pursuits, from visiting new places (10%) to overcoming major health challenges (9%). Some celebrated financial victories, with 8% paying off significant debts and 7% reaching important savings goals. Others embraced adventure, with 6% embarking on dream vacations or relocating to new homes.
What’s particularly revealing is that respondents identified an average of three significant moments throughout the year, suggesting that despite the modest overall rating, 2024 was a year rich in meaningful experiences for many Americans. Only 18% of respondents reported no personal growth, while 15% were uncertain about their development over the year.
HOW AMERICA RATED 2024
1 – 5%
2 – 4%
3 – 6%
4 – 8%
5 – 17%
6 – 13%
7 – 17%
8 – 16%
9 – 6%
10 – 8%
What events made 2024 memorable?
- Reconnected with an old friend or family member – 17%
- Creative and personal Growth – 12%
- Got a new pet – 12%
- Learned a new skill or hobby – 12%
- Volunteered or contributed to a cause – 11%
- Visited a new state or city – 10%
- Overcame a major health challenge – 9%
- Made a new best friend – 9%
- Started a new job – 9%
- Experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event (e.g., eclipse, concert) – 9%
- Made significant progress on a fitness goal – 9%
- Paid off a significant debt (e.g., student loan, credit card) – 8%
- Bought a car – 8%
- Reached a savings or financial goal – 7%
- Celebrated a major milestone birthday – 7%
- Attended a major event or festival – 7%
- Achieved a bucket list goal – 7%
- Quit smoking or another habit – 7%
- Went on a dream vacation – 6%
- Moved to a new home or city – 6%
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans. The survey was commissioned by Talker News and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between December 13 and December 19, 2024.
We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:
- Traditional online access panels — where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentive
- Programmatic — where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in
Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:
- Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speeders
- Open ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text
- Bots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify bots
- Duplicates: Survey software has “deduping” based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once
It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.
