Americans’ feelings about their personal financial situation differ widely by income level
% saying that, when thinking about their personal financial situation these days, they feel each of the following ways extremely/very often
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 24-30, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Americans’ feelings about their personal financial situation differ widely by income level
% saying that, when thinking about their personal financial situation these days, they feel each of the following ways extremely/very often
| Upper income | Middle income | Lower income | All adults | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hopeful | 53 | 35 | 30 | 37 |
| Content | 58 | 35 | 24 | 36 |
| Stuck | 12 | 29 | 43 | 30 |
| Proud | 45 | 24 | 19 | 27 |
| Angry | 7 | 17 | 28 | 18 |
| Ashamed | 3 | 12 | 23 | 13 |
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 24-30, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
