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Poll: Most New Jersey residents glum over national economy, but feel better about their own finances

Source: ROI-NJ · Jul 28, 2026, 5:00 AM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Poll: Most New Jersey residents glum over national economy, but feel better about their own finances news image

A new Rutgers-Eagleton and SSRS Garden State Panel survey reveals a stark divide in how New Jersey residents view economic conditions.

While New Jerseyans share the nation's gloom about the overall economy, they express significantly more optimism about their own financial situations and job prospects.

The poll highlights a common pattern where personal financial confidence diverges from broader economic sentiment, suggesting many residents feel insulated from national economic headwinds or believe their individual circumstances differ from the national trend.

Key points

  • New Jersey residents express pessimism about the national economy comparable to the rest of the United States
  • Residents report notably better sentiment about their personal finances and employment situations
  • The survey was conducted by Rutgers-Eagleton and SSRS, a nationally recognized polling firm
  • The findings reveal a disconnect between national economic perception and personal financial confidence among New Jerseyans

FAQ

How do New Jersey residents feel about the national economy?
According to the survey, New Jersey residents view the national economy about as negatively as Americans overall, expressing significant concern about broader economic conditions.
Do New Jerseyans feel the same way about their own finances?
No. While pessimistic about the national economy, New Jersey residents report notably better sentiment about their personal financial situations and job prospects, showing a meaningful divergence from their national economy outlook.
Who conducted this survey?
The survey was conducted by Rutgers-Eagleton and SSRS, a nationally recognized polling and policy research firm, as part of the Garden State Panel research initiative.

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