Cost of living leads US concerns, economy second, poll finds

A new Marquette University Law School poll released on Wednesday found that cost of living and inflation are the foremost concerns of American adults, eclipsing even the Iran war and the broader economy. According to the survey, 35 percent of respondents identified rising prices and the burden of everyday expenses as their top issue.

The poll also ranked the overall state of the economy as the second most important topic, with only 15 percent of voters citing it as a priority. Other concerns—such as foreign policy or national security—received lower percentages, underscoring a shift in public attention toward domestic economic pressures.

These findings suggest that, for most Americans, immediate financial stability is the highest priority, reflecting the growing impact of inflation on households and the perceived urgency of addressing cost‑of‑living challenges.