Updated
Updated · Pew Research Center · Jul 23
Only 24% of Americans Rate Economy Positively as Gas Price Concern Jumps to 56%
Updated
Updated · Pew Research Center · Jul 23

Only 24% of Americans Rate Economy Positively as Gas Price Concern Jumps to 56%

3 articles · Updated · Pew Research Center · Jul 23

Summary

  • Pew’s July 6-12 survey found just 24% of Americans call the economy excellent or good, down from 28% in January, while only 23% expect conditions to improve over the next year.
  • Gasoline emerged as the sharpest pressure point: 56% now say they are very concerned about gas prices, up from 34% in January, amid rising crude prices and escalating military action involving Iran.
  • Trump’s economic policies drew worsening marks, with 60% saying they have made conditions worse, up from 52% in January; among Republicans, the share saying his policies improved the economy fell to 42% from 57%.
  • Broader cost anxiety remained entrenched, with 69% very concerned about healthcare, 66% about food and consumer goods, and 64% about housing as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

Insights

Why do Americans feel so pessimistic when key economic indicators like job growth and GDP remain relatively strong?
As old tariffs are struck down, what will new trade restrictions mean for the price of goods on American shelves?
With the Strait of Hormuz closed, what is the plan to shield consumers from a potential $200/barrel oil price shock?