I have 11 settlers in Sanctuary right now (not too many). I have

20 beds, 30 food, 30 water, 50 power, 250 defense, 3 stores,

and all sort of fancy decorations and lights in their homes.

The happiness meter is 46 and falling. These settlers, most of

them, just stand in one bunch, never walking around or sleeping.

I did a perimeter check to make sure there were no enemies lurking

around and the area seems clear. I try to talk to the settlers to get

the dialogue to ask if they need anything but I can only barter with

them. I'd like to know just what these settlers need anyway.

With 250 def maybe it's too much stuff clogging town. They can't get to work or eat if you're nearby or stopping in often. Idk. Does it matter if you do missions or come to their rescue? Helped me to move from sanctuary much of my personal stuff to clear up some buggy behavior I was having and not go there.

every settler needs : 1 water , 1 defence , 1 food , it's usually RED in the building menu of the workshop if u have a low value

SMALL TIP

once your settlement starts growing and you need to asign them jobs dress them up

a military style uniform for guards , a costume for shop keepers and simple clothing like long johns or similar for farmers