RALEIGH, N.C. – A preview of a new Civitas Poll reveals that economic confidence is either static or trending in an upward direction. In two similar questions, Civitas Poll asked likely voters this month what their thoughts were on economic conditions in the United States, in general, and North Carolina, in particular.
Over two-thirds of respondents thought the economy in the United States was either improving or staying the same. When it came to North Carolina, 70 percent of those surveyed believe the state economy is either improving or staying the same, whereas 23 percent believe it is getting worse.
“I believe this poll shows that North Carolinians are cautiously optimistic about the national and state economies,” said Donald Bryson, president of Civitas. “Pluralities of statewide likely voters believe the national and state economies are improving. The optimism, particularly for the state economy, is highest in the Charlotte area and Western North Carolina.”
The exact text of these questions is as follows:
Do you think economic conditions in the country are getting better, getting worse, or staying the same?
40% Getting better
30% Getting worse
24% Staying the same
6% Unsure/Don’t know
And now thinking specifically about North Carolina, do you feel economic conditions in North Carolina are getting better, getting worse, or staying the same?
34% Getting better
23% Getting worse
36% Staying the same
6% Unsure/Don’t know
Likely voters were also asked about their personal economic outlook; particularly when it came to how they thought their private financial situation would look one year from now. The exact text of the question is below:
And looking ahead to next year, do you think that a year from now you and your family will be better off financially, worse off financially, or just about the same as now?
27% Better off
13% Worse off
56% About the same
4% Unsure/Don’t know
Bryson continued, “This poll is good news for North Carolina. Higher economic confidence lends the state economy towards more investment and growth.”
Polling crosstabs can be found here.
This poll surveyed 600 likely voters. The margin of error is +/- 4.00%. The field dates were June 7 and June 9-10, 2018. It was conducted by National Research Inc. on behalf of Civitas Institute.
For questions or interview requests, contact Brooke Medina, communications director, at press@nccivitas.org.
Founded in 2005, the Civitas Institute is a Raleigh, NC-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit policy organization that fights to remove barriers to freedom so that all North Carolinians can enjoy a better life.
