Health care costs, the federal deficit, and inflation lead Americans' list of the nation's most pressing problems, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The findings underscore a persistent economic anxiety that continues to shape the country's political landscape. These three issues were cited as "very big problems" by a majority of respondents, outpacing all other concerns.
The survey, conducted in early May, shows that economic worries have remained remarkably stable even as some indicators improve. The share of Americans viewing inflation as a very big problem stands at 58%, while 62% say the same about health care costs. The federal budget deficit worries 60% of those polled, reflecting a deep-seated bipartisan pessimism about long-term fiscal health.
Notably, the share of Americans who say illegal immigration is a very big problem has fallen since President Donald Trump began his second term. The decline is most pronounced among Republicans, who had previously ranked it as a top concern. Only 45% of all adults now describe illegal immigration as a very big problem, down from 55% last year, according to the survey.
These shifting priorities could influence the 2026 midterm elections, as voters weigh economic stability against other policy issues. Political strategists on both sides will likely seize on the data to frame their messaging. The survey also found partisan divides on which problems are most urgent, with Democrats more focused on health care and Republicans on the deficit and inflation.
"The persistence of economic anxiety despite a relatively strong labor market is striking," noted a Pew analyst. "It suggests that voters are highly sensitive to prices and household costs, not just headline employment figures."