Pew Research Finds Half of Americans Struggle With Necessities
Pew Research Center reports nearly half of Americans struggle to afford basic necessities due to inflation and rising costs of living.
The Pew Research Center reports that nearly half of Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities as persistent inflation and a rising cost of living strain household budgets. The financial pressure is most acute for lower-income adults, with nearly 75% reporting difficulties paying for food, housing, medical care, or transportation over the past year.
In contrast, only 13% of upper-income adults report similar struggles, although more than half of wealthier individuals have reduced discretionary spending on dining and entertainment. Data shows that Black and Hispanic adults, women, young people, and those without college degrees face higher rates of financial challenge.
These economic pressures have been exacerbated by higher gas prices linked to the war in Iran. The resulting strain has shifted public views on economic inequality, with approximately 25% of those concerned about the issue now believing the economic system requires a complete rebuild.
