U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps Research Tracks Virtual Volunteering for First Time

Posted by U.S. Census Bureau on March 4, 2025

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.

Every two years, the Census Bureau partners with AmeriCorps to conduct a comprehensive survey of civic engagement across the United States and over time.

New data released today shows that formal volunteering is rebounding and informal helping is climbing.

Formal volunteering is helping others through organizations like food banks and other non-profits. Informal helping includes activities like mowing a neighbor’s lawn or bringing them groceries.

According to AmeriCorps’ analysis of the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement (CEV) data collected in September 2023, formal volunteers served an estimated 4.99 billion hours and contributed over $167.2 billion in economic value between September 2022 and 2023.

And for the first time, the survey is tracking virtual volunteering, which gained popularity during the pandemic. It shows that 18% of formal volunteers served completely or partially online.

Read more.