Americans Uniquely Anxious About Politics and Economy, Gallup Poll Finds

Younger Americans more concerned about affordability issues than older counterparts

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47pm

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A new Gallup poll of over 100 countries found that Americans are exceptionally anxious about their political system and economic issues, with younger Americans more likely to prioritize affordability concerns compared to older adults who are more worried about politics and government.

Why it matters

The findings reflect deep political polarization and distrust in institutions in the U.S., which experts say can be corrosive to democracy. The economic anxiety among younger Americans also highlights the housing affordability crisis impacting many high-income countries.

The details

The Gallup World Poll, conducted from March to October 2025, surveyed people aged 15 and older in 107 countries. About one-third of Americans rated politics and government as the top issue facing their nation, behind only Taiwan and on par with Slovenia, Spain and South Korea. The U.S. also stood out for the higher levels of economic anxiety among younger residents compared to other wealthy countries.

  • The Gallup World Poll was conducted from March to October 2025.

The players

Gallup

An American analytics and advisory company that provides data-driven news based on public opinion surveys.

Benedict Vigers

A Gallup analyst who commented on the survey findings.

Brendan Nyhan

A Dartmouth political scientist who commented on the link between economic anxiety and democratic stability.

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What they’re saying

“It's really unique in that regard.”

— Benedict Vigers, Gallup analyst (ksgf.com)

“A world where people aren't optimistic about their economic futures is one in which they're willing to destabilize institutions even further.”

— Brendan Nyhan, Dartmouth political scientist (ksgf.com)

The takeaway

The Gallup poll highlights the unique challenges facing American democracy, with deep political polarization, distrust in institutions, and economic anxiety - especially among younger generations - posing threats to the stability of the country's political system.