NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Three out of four New Jersey residents now rate the state’s economy negatively, with frustration over rising costs and affordability driving growing dissatisfaction, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released Thursday. The survey of 1,568 adults shows worsening sentiment not just locally, but nationally, with nearly 8 in 10 respondents giving the U.S. economy poor or only fair marks.
The findings signal a continued erosion in economic confidence, with negativity toward both the state and national economies increasing since late 2025.
Affordability concerns dominate public sentiment
The poll highlights cost of living as the most pressing issue for residents. More than 8 in 10 New Jerseyans say they are dissatisfied with how state government is handling affordability, including 52% who describe themselves as “very dissatisfied.”
Taxes remain a parallel source of frustration, with roughly 79% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction in how the state manages tax policy. These figures have remained largely unchanged since mid-2025, suggesting persistent concerns rather than short-term reactions.
Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling, said the data reflects a sustained sense of economic strain.
“Pessimism continues to overwhelm New Jerseyans’ views on both the state and national economies,” Koning said, pointing to rising costs and stagnant wages as key drivers behind public frustration.
National outlook even more negative
While views of New Jersey’s economy are bleak, opinions on the national economy are even more pessimistic. The poll found nearly 80% of respondents rate the U.S. economy negatively, including 46% who call it “poor.”
That marks a notable increase since October, with much of the shift coming from respondents moving from “fair” to “poor” assessments.
Political affiliation plays a major role in perception. Democrats reported the highest level of pessimism about the national economy, while Republicans were somewhat less negative. Independents fell between the two groups but still leaned heavily negative overall.
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Key Points
• 75% of New Jersey residents rate the state economy negatively in new Rutgers poll
• Nearly 80% give the national economy poor or only fair marks
• More than 8 in 10 residents dissatisfied with cost of living and affordability
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Mixed reviews on government performance
Beyond economic concerns, the poll shows uneven public opinion on how state government is handling key issues.
A majority of residents remain dissatisfied with the state budget and government spending, with 58% expressing negative views. Transportation and infrastructure also draw more criticism than praise, though dissatisfaction in that area has slightly declined.
Health care opinions are nearly split, with 45% satisfied and 46% dissatisfied, reflecting growing uncertainty rather than clear approval or disapproval.
However, the state receives comparatively stronger marks in two areas: crime and education. About 54% of residents say they are satisfied with how New Jersey handles crime and safety, while slightly more than half express satisfaction with education and schools.
Dissatisfaction spreads across issues
The poll suggests dissatisfaction is no longer confined to traditional concerns like taxes. According to Koning, newer areas such as health care and transportation have shifted into negative territory in recent trend data, indicating a broader decline in confidence.
“The story here is not just that New Jerseyans are dissatisfied—it is that the dissatisfaction is spreading,” she said.
Business leaders echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for policy changes that support job growth and reduce financial pressure on households.
Tony Bawidamann, chairman of the New Jersey Organization for a Better State (NEW JOBS), said the results align with what employers are hearing statewide.
“New Jersey families are clearly feeling the pressure of rising costs, and they feel like they are falling behind,” Bawidamann said.
What it means moving forward
The poll arrives as state leaders face mounting pressure to address affordability and economic stability. With dissatisfaction holding steady or increasing across multiple categories, policymakers may face growing scrutiny over budget decisions, tax policy, and cost-of-living initiatives.
Despite the negative outlook, the mixed results in areas like education and public safety suggest some policy areas remain more resilient in public perception.
The Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, conducted among a representative sample of New Jersey adults, reflects sentiment as of mid-April 2026. Researchers note that while economic pessimism has intensified, the broader picture shows a complex and evolving view of government performance.
For now, the data paints a clear picture: economic anxiety remains the dominant concern for New Jersey residents, with little sign of easing.
