New Jerseyans are growing increasingly pessimistic about the financial health of both the state and the nation, with a massive majority now rating the economy in negative terms. According to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, conducted in collaboration with the NEW JOBS political action committee, persistent concerns over taxes and affordability are now being joined by rising dissatisfaction in sectors like healthcare and transportation.
The poll reveals that 75% of residents view New Jersey’s economy negatively (29% “poor” and 46% “only fair”), a 6-point increase in negativity since October. The outlook on the national economy is even bleaker, with 79% of residents offering a negative rating.
The most acute dissatisfaction stems from the state government’s handling of the cost of living. More than 8 in 10 residents (84%) say they are dissatisfied with efforts to address affordability—a figure that has remained stubbornly high for nearly a year.
“The message to both Trenton and especially Washington is clear: Rising costs, stagnant wages, and an ongoing affordability crisis have yet to be addressed in any way residents can feel,” Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick said.
While negativity is a statewide trend, the poll highlights an unusual partisan split regarding the national versus state economies:
- National Economy: Democrats are actually the most pessimistic about the national landscape, with 94% giving it a negative rating, compared to 54% of Republicans.
- State Economy: Conversely, Democrats are slightly less critical of Trenton, with 68% rating the state economy negatively, while 86% of Republicans give it a thumbs-down.
The news isn’t entirely negative for state leadership. New Jerseyans expressed cautious optimism in two specific areas:
- Crime and Safety: 54% of residents say they are satisfied with the state’s management of public safety.
- Education: 52% express satisfaction with the state’s handling of schools, a slight 5-point uptick since last year.
However, the state’s handling of transportation and infrastructure remains in net-negative territory (49% dissatisfied vs. 40% satisfied), and views on healthcare have split almost exactly down the middle (45% satisfied vs. 46% dissatisfied).
Business leaders are using the data to call for a shift in policy focus. Tony Bawidamann, chairman of NEW JOBS, noted that while the business community is encouraged by the Sherrill administration’s engagement during its first 100 days, the pressure on working families remains unsustainable.
“New Jersey families are clearly feeling the pressure of rising costs, and they feel like they are falling behind,” Bawidamann said. “It will be important for elected officials to focus on policies that support job growth and ease the burden on working families.”
The findings are based on a statewide sample of 1,568 adults surveyed between March 27 and March 30, 2026. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.
