Americans remain deeply concerned about economic issues in America, particularly inflation, healthcare affordability, and the growing federal deficit. Despite improvements, most people still view the economy as weak, says a Pew Research Centre survey.
A majority of US adults say the economy is in either fair (45%) or poor (31%) condition. Inflation continues to be a top worry, with 63% calling it a major national problem. Though lower than its 2022 peak of 70%, inflation remains a pressing issue.
HEALTHCARE COSTS AND FEDERAL DEFICIT WORRIES GROW
The affordability of healthcare has become a bigger concern. In 2025, 67% of Americans consider it a major issue, up from 57% in 2024. Rising medical costs are putting pressure on families nationwide.
The federal budget deficit is also drawing more attention. In 2024, 53% of people saw it as a serious problem. Today, that number has increased to 57%. Democrats, in particular, are showing greater concern over rising government debt.
AMERICA ; UNEMPLOYMENT LESS OF A CONCERN
Unlike inflation and healthcare, unemployment remains a lower priority for most Americans. Just 25% view it as a major national issue. This figure has remained stable for the past three years.
PUBLIC’S BIGGEST CONCERNS IN 2025
A new survey ranks the most pressing national problems. Seven in ten Americans believe money’s influence on politics is the biggest issue. Other major concerns include:
- Healthcare affordability (67%)
- Inflation (63%)
- Federal budget deficit (57%)
- Poverty (53%)
More than half also worry about political division (56%), drug addiction (51%), and declining moral values (50%).
REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS DIFFER ON KEY ISSUES
Republicans and Democrats agree on some concerns but remain divided on others. Republicans show less concern over political dysfunction, while Democrats continue to worry about partisanship.
In 2024, 57% of Republicans said bipartisan cooperation was a major issue. In 2025, only 48% feel the same. In contrast, 64% of Democrats still see political division as a serious national problem.
Views on the U.S. political system also differ. Republican concern has declined from 48% in 2019 to 40% today. Democratic views remain steady at 56%.
BASIC FACTS AND MORAL VALUES DIVIDE AMERICANS
Democrats increasingly worry about public agreement on basic facts. In 2018, 46% saw it as a big problem. Today, that number has jumped to 58%.
Meanwhile, Republicans’ concern about facts has dropped from 39% to 32%. More Democrats now also worry about moral decline, with concern rising from 32% to 51%. Republican concern over moral values has decreased from 61% to 48%.
AMERICA ;KEY ISSUES FOR REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS
While both parties agree on some economic challenges, they prioritize different problems.
Top Republican Concerns:
- Illegal immigration (73%)
- Inflation (73%)
Top Democratic Concerns:
- Money in politics (78%)
- Healthcare affordability (73%)
- Gun violence (69%)
- Climate change (67%)
SHARP PARTISAN GAPS ON KEY ISSUES
Certain issues reveal deep divides between Republicans and Democrats:
- Illegal immigration: 73% of Republicans vs. 23% of Democrats
- Gun violence: 69% of Democrats vs. 26% of Republicans
- Climate change: 67% of Democrats vs. 13% of Republicans
- Racism: 55% of Democrats vs. 15% of Republicans
Republicans and Democrats also differ on economic concerns:
- Inflation: 73% of Republicans vs. 53% of Democrats
- Poverty: 65% of Democrats vs. 40% of Republicans
- Natural disasters: 54% of Democrats vs. 33% of Republicans
AMERICA ;AREAS OF AGREEMENT
Despite stark divisions, Americans from both parties share common concerns on certain issues:
- Public K-12 schools: 45% of both Republicans and Democrats
- Drug addiction: 54% of Republicans, 46% of Democrats
- Infrastructure: 33% of Democrats, 29% of Republicans
ECONOMIC ISSUES CONTINUE TO DOMINATE
Economic issues remain a top concern for most Americans, particularly inflation and the federal budget deficit.
- Inflation: 63% of Americans say it’s a major problem, down from 70% in 2022.
- Budget deficit: More Democrats worry about it now (47%) compared to last year (35%). Republican concern has slightly dropped from 71% to 66%.
- Healthcare affordability: 73% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans see it as a major problem.
- Unemployment: Few consider it a top concern, with only 27% of Democrats and 21% of Republicans worried about joblessness.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As 2025 unfolds, economic concerns, healthcare costs, and political polarization continue shaping public opinion. While partisanship divides the nation on many issues, both sides acknowledge key economic struggles.
Addressing inflation, healthcare costs, and government spending will remain critical challenges for policymakers. With the presidential administration in its second term, Americans will closely watch how leaders tackle these pressing concerns.