A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released on Apr. 15 shows that most New Jersey residents continue to face challenges affording basic necessities, with a growing number reporting difficulty paying for gasoline and transportation. The survey found that while there has been some easing in the cost of essentials like utilities, housing, healthcare, and groceries since October, the burden at the gas pump has increased.
The findings highlight ongoing financial pressures faced by many in New Jersey as they try to cover everyday expenses. Rising fuel costs are affecting nearly every demographic group in the state and are seen as a significant concern amid broader economic uncertainty.
Among those surveyed who pay these expenses, about two-thirds reported difficulty affording education costs (68%), utility bills (63%), housing (62%), healthcare (60%), gasoline and transportation (59%, up from 54% in October), and groceries (59%). Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, said: “New Jerseyans feel a slight relief on most everyday costs compared to last fall, but this relief does not extend to the gas pump.” She added: “This is no surprise, as gas nears – or even exceeds – $4 a gallon. The jump in reported difficulty in this area cuts across every demographic, forming a kind of rare consensus and showing just how acutely New Jerseyans are feeling the consequences of the current national conflict with Iran.”
The poll found disparities based on income level and race. Nearly three-quarters of respondents earning under $50,000 said transportation costs were difficult to afford compared to 39% among those earning $150,000 or more. Black residents (75%) and Hispanic residents (65%) were more likely than white residents (52%) to report trouble paying for gas. Difficulty was also higher among women than men by ten percentage points.
Other areas such as education showed persistent gaps: nonwhite residents saw an increase in hardship regarding education costs while white residents experienced some relief. Housing remains especially challenging for Black residents (81%) and lower-income households; younger adults also report greater strain compared to older age groups.
The statewide poll surveyed 1,568 adults from March 27-30 through the probability-based Rutgers-Eagleton/SSRS Garden State Panel with a margin of error of +/-3.2 percentage points.
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