Poll: US Economy, Jobs, AI Concerns

Economic Pessimism Persists

The negative sentiment surrounding the U.S. economy continues, with unfavorable ratings persisting for several years. Similarly, the U.S. job market receives net-negative marks.

Adding to the unease, there's widespread suspicion about the potential harm AI could inflict on the job market, especially after numerous announcements regarding AI innovations. The percentage of individuals who believe the economy is declining has increased, largely due to the impact of rising prices. Prices remain the primary way people judge the overall health of the economy. Many report that the costs of goods and services continue to increase, and most anticipate further price hikes, despite some improvement in gas prices.

Job Market Concerns

Over half of Americans view the job market negatively, a more critical assessment than six months prior. This shift may be influenced by future outlooks. While most employed individuals feel at least somewhat secure in their current positions, the majority anticipates difficulty in finding desired employment if they were to seek a new job. Assessments of longer-term job market trends are mixed, with the job market not perceived as expanding. A significant majority believes there are fewer good jobs available in their local area compared to five years ago.

Partisan Divide and AI Impact

Partisanship influences economic perceptions, with Republicans expressing less negativity than Democrats regarding the job market and the economy. There's widespread skepticism concerning the potential impact of AI across various fields and the workplace. Many anticipate a net-negative effect on job availability in their fields over the next decade, a view shared by both employed and unemployed individuals. Broadly, many think AI development will negatively affect the U.S. economy, a sentiment that cuts across education and income levels, although it is less pronounced among younger adults. For some, AI may make available jobs easier to do.

Overall Economic Views

Overall views of the U.S. economy, which have been net-negative for years, have slightly worsened since the summer. Those with higher incomes continue to report better personal financial situations compared to those with lower incomes, though the majority across all income levels report rising prices.

This data comes from a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted between September 30 and October 2, 2025, with a representative sample of 2,489 U.S. adults. The margin of error is ±2.2 points.