Republicans are more likely than Democrats to identify as ‘working class’ regardless of education, occupation or financial situation
% of U.S. adults who say ‘working class’ describes them extremely/very well
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2024 earnings. Read “About this research” for details on “financial stress” and “type of work.”
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to identify as ‘working class’ regardless of education, occupation or financial situation
% of U.S. adults who say ‘working class’ describes them extremely/very well
| Group | Rep/Lean Rep | Dem/Lean Dem | Total | grouping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 67 | 55 | 60 | total |
| College grad+ | 56 | 44 | 50 | edu |
| No college degree | 72 | 61 | 66 | edu |
| Upper income | 61 | 38 | 50 | income |
| Middle income | 72 | 63 | 67 | income |
| Lower income | 62 | 52 | 57 | income |
| Low | 60 | 39 | 50 | financial stress |
| Medium | 71 | 60 | 65 | financial stress |
| High | 67 | 58 | 61 | financial stress |
| Blue-collar workers | 82 | 72 | 77 | type of work |
| All other workers | 68 | 55 | 61 | type of work |
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2024 earnings. Read “About this research” for details on “financial stress” and “type of work.”
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
