Gallup said 55% of Americans told pollsters their financial situation is getting worse in a survey conducted from April 1 to April 15, the highest share in 25 years. The figure was up 2 percentage points from 2025 and marked the fifth straight year of increases. [1]
The poll found 31% of respondents named the cost of living as their most important financial problem. Another 13% pointed to energy costs, up 10 percentage points from a year earlier and the highest share since 2008. [1]
The report said the strain reflects years of higher inflation and a recent jump in gas prices tied to the Iran war. It said the average U.S. gas price stood at $4.11 a gallon. [1]
Gallup said the share of Americans saying their finances are getting worse was higher than at any point since 2001. Axios published the report on April 28. [1]
