Idahoans Grow More Pessimistic About State's Economic Future

New survey shows shift toward economic uncertainty, despite continued optimism about state's overall direction

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:47am

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A new survey from Boise State University shows that many Idahoans are growing more pessimistic about the state's economic prospects, with 42% expecting conditions to worsen over the next two years. This represents a 19-point swing away from optimism compared to the previous year. However, Idahoans still largely feel the state is headed in the right direction, with 46% holding that view.

Why it matters

The survey results reflect a complex mix of economic anxiety and overall optimism about Idaho's trajectory. Researchers believe national events like trade tensions and price volatility have influenced Idahoans' attitudes toward the state's economic future, even as most residents still feel positively about the state's direction.

The details

The Boise State University annual Idaho Public Policy Survey, conducted in November 2025, found that 42% of Idahoans expect the state's economic conditions to worsen over the next two years, while only 25% expect improvement. This represents a significant shift from the previous year, when the numbers were more evenly split. The survey also found that 46% of Idahoans believe the state is headed in the right direction, compared to 38% who feel it is on the wrong track.

  • The survey was conducted from November 8-17, 2025.
  • The previous year's survey showed a more even split between Idahoans expecting economic improvement and those expecting worsening conditions.

The players

Boise State University

The university that conducted the annual Idaho Public Policy Survey.

Matthew May

Survey research director for Boise State University's School of Public Service.

Melanie Folwell

Executive director for Idahoans United for Women and Families, an organization that supports a proposed ballot initiative to establish reproductive health rights in Idaho.

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What they’re saying

“The fact that you had tariffs on the top of people's minds, we had the economic uncertainty and all of the price volatility over the summer, I think that was probably on a lot of people's minds. And not quite knowing what was coming next is potentially … why we see more people racing for economic uncertainty.”

— Matthew May, Survey research director for Boise State University's School of Public Service

“Radical lobbyists and politicians imposed an extreme ban on every Idahoan, but most Idahoans simply don't agree.”

— Melanie Folwell, Executive director for Idahoans United for Women and Families

What’s next

The proposed 'Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act' ballot initiative, which would overturn Idaho's strict abortion ban, is expected to be on the November 2026 ballot. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on this issue.

The takeaway

The survey results highlight the complex and sometimes contradictory views of Idahoans, who remain optimistic about the state's overall direction even as they grow more pessimistic about its economic future. This reflects broader national trends and uncertainties that are impacting the state.