Norwegians Still Trust, But Not Everyone. What Has Changed?

The police and the justice system received the highest scores, achieving an average trust level of 7.8 on a scale of 0–10. Next was the political system with an average of 6.4, followed by the largest news media with a score of 6.2.

Residents also showed moderate trust in local municipal councils at 6.1, and in strangers, where the average score was 6.0. In European comparative studies, Norway once again ranked among the top countries with the highest levels of social trust.

This year's data confirm a decline in trust in the media, which scored 6.5 in 2022 and dropped to 6.2 in 2025. The percentage of people with high trust levels decreased from 55.8% to 49.6%, while the group declaring low trust rose from 12.9% to 17%.

Despite the decline, the level of trust remains higher than before 2021. Research institutions monitoring the media market emphasize that the increase in trust after 2021 has remained stable. Both living conditions surveys were conducted during the period following this increase.

Significant differences were also noted in trust towards strangers. The lowest levels of trust in strangers are declared by people with disabilities, those with only primary education, and young people aged 16–24.

The situation is quite different among employed people, immigrants, and those with higher education, where the proportion declaring high trust in strangers is the highest.

There is a very clear correlation between education level and trust in public institutions. As many as 89% of people with a master's degree declare high trust in the justice system, while among those with only primary education, this percentage is 64%.

In 2025, people with lower education levels more often reported a decline in trust in local authorities, which dropped by 8 percentage points. The biggest changes were seen in trust in the media, with a marked decline especially among those with higher education. In the group with a bachelor's degree, the percentage of people with high trust fell from 64% to 55%.

The study indicates that while the overall level of social trust in Norway remains high, the dynamics of change within individual social groups may affect the relationship between citizens and institutions.

The results may suggest the need for continued monitoring of trends, especially where year-on-year differences in trust levels are becoming increasingly apparent.