MSU Poll Finds Economic Pessimism Continues

Michiganders Rank Inflation and the Cost of Living as Top Concern

EAST LANSING, Mich, May 3, 2022 - Michigan State University (MSU) has released new polling showing that Michiganders continue to be pessimistic about the state of the economy and their personal finances. 45.1% of respondents said that their personal finances had worsened over the past year, and over 75% expected their economic prospects to worsen or stay the same over the coming year. In addition, Michiganders rank inflation and the cost of living as the most important problem facing their communities, with 23.7% of respondents listing it as their top concern. 

On the political front, both President Biden and Governor Whitmer saw a slight weakening in their political approval in the state; however, Michiganders continue to rank their performances as "fair."

"It's clear that Michiganders are feeling the effects of inflation and are worried about the economy's direction," said Matt Grossman, Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at MSU. Grossmann continued, "Approval ratings are relatively stable, but the current level of economic pessimism in Michigan should be concerning for any incumbent."

The research was a part of the most recent State of the State Survey (SOSS), which has been conducted by the Office for Survey Research (OSR) and the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University since 1994. The current survey was completed as a YouGov panel survey with data collection from March 16 to March 27, 2023. Invitations were sent to 5,303 adult Michigan residents, and 1,323 interviews were completed.

A brief report on the findings of the 87th SOSS can be found here.