Economic Pessimism Hits Record Highs
A new survey conducted by CNBC and SurveyMonkey reveals a deepening divide in the American psyche, with 51% of U.S. adults stating that the ‘American Dream’ is currently out of reach for the average person. The study, which surveyed 4,130 adults between May 6 and May 11, 2026, highlights a significant decline in faith regarding economic mobility.
While 45% of respondents believe the dream is achievable only for a select few, a small but notable 6% suggest it is completely unattainable. Experts attribute this shift to the persistent disconnect between the traditional American promise of meritocracy and the reality of modern economic pressures.
The Primary Barriers
The survey identifies several core factors hindering the pursuit of prosperity. Roughly four in five respondents pointed to the cost of living as their primary hurdle. Other significant impediments include:
- Housing prices (cited by 60% of respondents)
- Healthcare costs (nearly 50%)
- Stagnant wages (nearly 50%)
Elizabeth Suhay, a professor of government at American University, notes that the definition of a ‘comfortable’ life has expanded since the mid-20th century. Today, expectations include larger homes, advanced healthcare, and college education, which, when coupled with the concentration of wealth in the top 1% of households, makes the traditional path to success feel increasingly precarious.
Political Polarization
The data also reveals stark ideological differences. While 70% of Republican-leaning respondents believe the American Dream remains within reach, only 26% of Democratic-leaning respondents share that view. These groups also differ fundamentally on the drivers of success, with Republicans more likely to attribute it to hard work and Democrats more likely to cite luck or systemic factors.
Despite the grim national outlook, 44% of respondents claim they have already achieved their own version of the dream. This suggests that while personal optimism remains, there is a profound lack of confidence in the broader national economic trajectory.