Grocery Cost Woes Dominate Among Voter Concerns About the Economy
Nearly 6-in-10 say the economy is on the wrong track, with gas prices a bright spot in voter perception.
The cost of groceries is the #1 concern of American voters when it comes to the economy, with 78% saying they’re on the wrong track and 60% ranking them as one of their top two indicators if the economy is moving in the right direction. Overall, 57% of voters say the economy is on the wrong track, with gas prices seen as an exception to an otherwise dismal outlook.
Why it Matters
Kitchen-table economics matters more to voters than macroeconomic stats on growth or job creation. Advocates must communicate with language and examples that reflect voters’ real-world experience.
How to Use This Data
Frame economic policies around affordability, not growth and job creation. Every proposal should answer the question: “Will this reduce what families pay for food, healthcare, and housing?”
Lead with visible, everyday metrics, such as $2.85 gas, when discussing economic progress. Prioritize cost-of-living issues over job statistics or GDP growth. Focus on grocery affordability, especially when targeting women and suburban family voters.
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Economic Perceptions and Finances
57% say the economy is on the wrong track.
The partisan divide is stark: 84% of Democrats and 60% of independents say it is on the wrong track, compared to just 27% of Republicans, who are positive by a 2:1 margin.
41% say their personal finances have gotten worse over the past year, compared to 37% who say they’ve stayed the same, and 22% who say they’ve improved.
Income differences offer a window into the economy. Upper middle class and wealthy voters report positive momentum in their finances, while the middle class and lower middle class are negative.
Grocery Costs Concerns Dominate Among All Demographics
The cost of groceries earns the worst marks of any economic indicator: 78% say they’re on the wrong track, with half saying costs are moving “much more” in the wrong direction.
The concern dominates among all demographics: Nearly 9 in 10 Democrats (89%), more than 8 in 10 Independents (82%), and nearly two-thirds of Republicans (65%) say costs are on the wrong track.
Grocery costs are also the #1 indicator of economic health for voters
The gap between groceries and everything else is massive. Groceries at 60% are nearly double healthcare at 34%, 2x housing (27%), 3x wages (18%), and 4x job availability (13%).
There is a modest gender divide. 64% of women rank groceries as a personal economic priority compared to 57% of men.
When asked what would most convince them the economy is heading in the right direction, 35% say declining grocery prices—three times higher than any other response. Lower healthcare costs rank second at just 10.4%.
Convincing Evidence of Improvement
Among a battery of facts tested about the economy, voters were unconvinced by official economic statistics that did not align with their personal experiences.
Gas prices at a $2.85 national average was the only message that respondents found convincing that the economy is moving in the right direction.
This aligns with voter perceptions over the past year regarding gas prices: 49% say they’re moving in the right direction, the highest level tested.
The Bottom Line
Voters judge the economy by what they pay for everyday items, not by GDP growth or job statistics. With 40% saying their personal finances have worsened versus only 22% reporting improvement, messaging must focus on everyday affordability at the checkout counter and the pump.
What’s Next
Stay tuned—In the coming days, we will be posting more findings from our latest poll on health care, health savings accounts, and transparency in pricing.
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"What" are these people buying??? 75% of what people "buy" they DO NOT NEED!!!!! Most Americans EAT TOO MUCH and are FAT!!!!!!!!!!!!