11/24: Optimism About NYS Economy Diminishes

Most registered voters in New York think the state is in a recession.  86% believe this to be the case while 12% disagree.  And, while there is little change in these opinions since Marist last asked this question in September, what has changed is the reduced level of optimism voters have in the future of the state’s economy.

U.S. dollars with text

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Currently, nearly four in ten voters — 39% — say the state’s economy is getting worse while 15% believe it is getting better.  46% think it is staying the same.  Voters have become more pessimistic since Marist’s September survey.  At that time, 29% thought the economy was taking a turn for the worse, 19% reported it was improving, and a majority — 52% — said it was status quo.

Upstate voters, by far, have a dimmer view of the New York State economy than do those in the suburbs and New York City.  However, optimism among suburban voters is slipping away.  47% of Upstate voters think the state’s economy is getting worse compared with 37% of those in the suburbs and 29% in New York City. Two months ago, 35% of Upstate voters, 22% of suburban voters, and 25% of those in the five boroughs had a gloomy view of the state’s economic future.

In fact, the electorate believes the state is facing an uphill battle.  77% believe New York’s economic crisis will last more than a year.  21% say the economic tides will turn within 6 months to a year while just 2% think the situation will improve in less than 6 months.  When Marist asked this question in September, 69% thought the economic crisis would endure for more than a year, 28% said they expected things to get better within 6 months to a year from now, and 3% reported the economy would improve in less than 6 months.

Looking at region, there is consensus about the state’s stalled economic recovery.  79% of Upstate voters, 76% of New York City voters, and 76% of suburban voters think New York State will battle the economic crisis for more than a year.

What about voters’ personal economic situation?  56% say their financial picture will remain the same in the upcoming year, 24% report they think it will get better, and 20% say it will worsen.  Little has changed since Marist last asked this question in September.

Table: NYS in a Recession?
Table: New York State Economy
Table: How Long Will Economic Crisis Last?
Table: Family Finances in Coming Year

Unemployment Remains a Problem

The unemployment picture remains bleak for New York State voters.  78% say they know someone who has lost a job in the last 6 months.  22% report they do not.  These proportions closely reflect those found in Marist’s September survey.

Table: Personally Know Someone Who Lost a Job

Marist Poll Methodology