Nebraska Residents More Optimistic About State Than Nation, Survey Finds

Younger Nebraskans and Democrats express more doubts about the direction of the state and country.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A new survey from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Bureau of Sociological Research finds that Nebraskans are feeling more optimistic about the direction of their state compared to the nation as a whole. The Nebraska Snapshot survey, which draws on data from 2020 to 2025, shows that while fewer than half of respondents say either the state or country is headed in the right direction, views have become more positive in recent years after peaking in pessimism during the pandemic. The survey also found significant differences in outlook based on age and political affiliation.

Why it matters

The survey results provide insight into how Nebraskans are feeling about the state of their state and country, which can help inform policymakers and community leaders as they work to address residents' concerns. The partisan and age divides highlighted in the data also underscore the political polarization present in Nebraska and across the U.S.

The details

The Nebraska Snapshot survey found that the share of Nebraskans who said the country was headed in the wrong direction rose from 40% in early 2020 to 76% in 2022, before declining to 49% in 2025. Views of the state's direction were less negative, with the percentage saying Nebraska was going in the wrong direction peaking at 28% in 2024 before falling to 26% in 2025. In the 2025 survey, 41% said the state was headed in the right direction, compared to 31% who felt that way about the country. Younger respondents aged 19-44 were more likely to say the country was headed in the wrong direction (61%) compared to older age groups. There were also stark partisan divides, with 87% of Democrats and 59% of independents saying the country was off track, compared to 17% of Republicans.

  • The Nebraska Snapshot survey draws on data from seven Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Surveys conducted between early 2020 and November 2025.
  • Pessimism about the direction of the country peaked in 2022 at 76% of respondents saying it was headed in the wrong direction.
  • Pessimism about the direction of Nebraska peaked in 2024 at 28% of respondents saying it was headed in the wrong direction.

The players

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Bureau of Sociological Research

The research institute that conducted the Nebraska Snapshot survey to track public sentiment in the state over time.

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The takeaway

The Nebraska Snapshot survey highlights the political and generational divides in how Nebraskans view the direction of their state and country. While overall optimism has rebounded from pandemic-era lows, the data suggests that state and community leaders will need to work to bridge these gaps and address the concerns of all residents, regardless of age or political affiliation.