Cost of living surges as Americans’ top concern, as Iran war dips: Poll

Business Cost of living surges as Americans’ top concern, as Iran war dips: Poll Comments: by Mira Bhakta - 08/05/26 4:26 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Mira Bhakta - 08/05/26 4:26 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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Cost of living and inflation are the top concern for Americans over the Iran war and the economy, according to a new poll.

A Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday shows the most important issue for American adults is cost of living and inflation, at 35 percent, with the economy being second at 15 percent. Other notable concerns include the ]Iran conflict, which fell to 10 percent, its lowest spot in three months since it started being surveyed.

All other issues received less than 10 percent, including Medicare and Social Security, the proposed SAVE American Act, healthcare, immigration and border security, affordability of housing, crime and abortion policy.

Since January, the cost of living and inflation together has remained a top concern for Americans with the category ranking as either the most important or second most important concern for 56 percent of Americans.

Annual inflation dipped from 4.1 percent in May to 3.7 percent in June, according to the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index, which the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported. The PCE index is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation.

At the end of July, the Federal Reserve chose to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the fifth straight meeting, however three regional Fed presidents dissented, saying they would like to raise rates to combat elevated inflation.

This comes at a time when only 28 percent of Americans describe the nation’s economy as in an excellent or good state.

The war in Iran also dipped on the concern list as the conflict closes in on its sixth month, with 75 percent believing that it is not worth the cost, slightly up from 72 percent in June.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced new deals with defense contractors to expand production of missile interceptor components that have been used primarily in Iran after nearly exhausting its supply of THAAD interceptors.

The poll also reported that 88 percent of Americans do not believe the U.S. has achieved its goal in the Iran war, up from 81 percent in June.

The Marquette poll was conducted July 22-29 and included 1,076 respondents. The margin of error is 3.2 percentage points.

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