A new Gallup poll reveals that Americans’ concerns about the economy, healthcare, and Social Security have surged, with majorities now expressing “a great deal” of personal worry about these issues. The findings highlight a growing sense of economic insecurity, and point to stark partisan divides in national priorities as the country transitions to a new presidential administration.
According to the survey, conducted March 3–16, 60% of Americans say they worry a great deal about the economy, followed closely by 59% citing healthcare availability and affordability, 56% concerned about inflation, 53% about federal spending and the budget deficit, and 52% about the Social Security system. Social Security worry is now at its highest level in 15 years.
While economic concerns dominate, worry about the environment also rose significantly, up six points from last year. In contrast, fewer Americans report high levels of concern about immigration, energy costs, crime, and drug use compared to 2024.
Health, Economic, and Social Safety Net Issues Top List
The poll shows that pocketbook issues—those affecting day-to-day financial stability—continue to be Americans’ top priorities. Worry about healthcare costs, which had dropped from top concern status since 2020, is now nearly equal to concern about the economy and inflation.
Social Security’s sharp rise in concern underscores broader anxieties about retirement security. Meanwhile, 50% of respondents said they were greatly concerned about hunger and homelessness, and 48% expressed strong worry about income inequality and the size and power of the federal government.
Concerns Shift With Change in Administration
The poll also reflects a familiar pattern: partisans’ priorities shift when control of the White House changes. Since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents have become more worried across nearly every issue, while Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have generally become less concerned.
For example, Republican concern about inflation dropped 18 percentage points from last year, while concern about energy affordability and a potential terrorist attack fell by 16 and 17 points, respectively. Democrats, meanwhile, showed marked increases in concern about healthcare, climate change, and the economy.
The only issue where partisan concern remained roughly stable was healthcare affordability among Republicans, though it still ranks lower in priority for them compared to Democrats.
Lower Concern on Crime, Drugs, Immigration
Despite being politically charged issues in recent years, fewer Americans say they are highly worried about crime, illegal immigration, or drug use in 2025. These issues fell to the bottom half of Gallup’s list of 16 national concerns, reflecting a shift in public focus toward economic issues.
Similarly, concern about race relations continued its multi-year decline, dropping further from its peak of 48% in 2021. It now ranks as the least-worried-about issue nationally.
Bottom Line
Gallup’s latest findings reaffirm that Americans’ deepest concerns lie with the economy and their financial future, especially as healthcare and Social Security costs loom large. While certain issues such as crime and immigration remain divisive, their salience has decreased compared to broader economic anxieties.
The sharp divergence in priorities between Democrats and Republicans also underscores continued polarization, particularly on topics like climate change, immigration, and income inequality. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, these worries are likely to shape voter behavior and drive national debate.
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