Vast majority of US adults say nation in affordability crisis, new poll shows

A new poll conducted by Harris Poll for the Guardian has found that 95% of Americans believe the United States is suffering an affordability crisis, with half of respondents saying they struggle to afford basic necessities such as groceries and gas. The survey paints a grim picture of household finances despite official measures showing stable employment and record-high stock markets, according to the Guardian.

The GuardianHalf of Americans struggle to afford groceries and gas, exclusive poll finds

"95% of Americans believe the US is suffering an affordability crisis"

The poll, released ahead of the midterm elections, also found that 57% of Americans believe the economy is worsening, up sharply from 46% in February. That souring sentiment comes amid geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran, which may be compounding worries about the cost of living.

"Half struggling to afford groceries and gas"

The Guardian reported that the survey reveals a stark disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and everyday experience: even as stock markets hit all-time highs, a majority of Americans feel their personal financial situation is deteriorating. The affordability crisis appears to cut across income levels, with 95% of respondents agreeing the country faces such a problem.

This discontent could shape the political landscape as voters head to the polls this fall. The Guardian noted that the findings represent an "exclusive" snapshot of a cost-of-living crisis that is weighing heavily on the population, with groceries and gas emerging as the most pressing pain points for half of those surveyed.