A recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released on Apr. 16 shows that most New Jersey residents give negative ratings to both the state and national economies, with dissatisfaction about taxes and affordability remaining high.
The findings highlight persistent concerns among New Jerseyans regarding rising costs, stagnant wages, and ongoing issues with affordability. The poll indicates that three-quarters of respondents view the state’s economy negatively, while nearly eight in ten have a negative outlook on the national economy.
Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, said: “Pessimism continues to overwhelm New Jerseyans’ views on both the state and national economies, with negativity toward the national economy returning to its highest levels since spring 2025 and negativity toward the state economy up by double digits since fall 2024. The message to both Trenton and especially Washington is clear: Rising costs, stagnant wages, and an ongoing affordability crisis have yet to be addressed in any way residents can feel.”
Tony Bawidamann, chairman of NEW JOBS political action committee, said: “New Jersey families are clearly feeling the pressure of rising costs, and they feel like they are falling behind. These results reflect what we are hearing across the state. Moving forward, it will be important for elected officials to focus on policies that support job growth, address affordability, and ease the burden on working families.”
The poll also found that more than eight in ten respondents are dissatisfied with how the state government handles cost of living issues. About eight in ten express dissatisfaction with tax policy as well. Koning said: “The story here is not just that New Jerseyans are dissatisfied – it is that the dissatisfaction is spreading… healthcare and transportation have now crossed into net negative territory for the first time in our trend data.”
Some improvement was noted regarding education and crime management; satisfaction levels rose slightly compared to previous polls but remain mixed overall.
Bawidamann added: “There is a lot of work to be done as the state’s business leaders… we need to continue this momentum and work closely with elected officials to create public policy that makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to grow and flourish here.”
The statewide survey polled 1,568 adults from March 27–30 using a probability-based panel managed by SSRS. The margin of error was +/-3.2 percentage points.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing employers across various sectors throughout New Jersey. It advances competitive excellence among its members while providing essential information services according to its official website. Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer according to NJBIA. The association also facilitates partnerships between businesses, government entities, academic institutions according to NJBIA, offering advocacy programs designed for business prosperity.