The Place Survey conducted by the Department for Communities and Local Government in 2008 found that most people in England feel a strong sense of belonging to their local area. However, belonging declined with population density, with those living in rural villages feeling the strongest sense of belonging and those in large cities feeling the weakest. Overall, 7 in 10 people reported feeling a strong sense of belonging to their local area.

1. Source: DCLG (2008) Place Survey