71% of lower-income adults had trouble affording at least 1 of 4 basic necessities in the past year
% saying each of the following happened to them in the past year
* Wording included ”paying for medical care for yourself or your family.”
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted July 20-Aug. 9, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
71% of lower-income adults had trouble affording at least 1 of 4 basic necessities in the past year
% saying each of the following happened to them in the past year
| Upper income | Middle income | Lower income | All adults | Grouping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Had trouble paying for medical care* | 9 | 27 | 42 | 28 | 1 |
| Had problems paying for daily transportation costs | 4 | 16 | 42 | 22 | 1 |
| Had problems paying their rent or mortgage | 5 | 15 | 39 | 21 | 1 |
| Got food from a food bank or food pantry | 2 | 12 | 42 | 20 | 1 |
| At least one of the above | 13 | 39 | 71 | 44 | 2 |
* Wording included ”paying for medical care for yourself or your family.”
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted July 20-Aug. 9, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
