How do Kansans feel about the economy?

KANSAS (KSNT) - With inflation rocking the local and national economy over the last few years, some Kansans worry the economy is threatening their family's welfare.

Earlier this month, Fort Hays University published its Fall Kansas Speaks survey. The survey uses a panel of 645 adult Kansans to assess their opinions on a variety of topics. The fall survey found most Kansans thought inflation had impacted them or others a "great deal."

Kansans were less positive this year than in 2023 and 2022 regarding their opinions on whether the state was on the "right track." The survey found that 33.9% of Kansans thought the state was on the wrong track, the highest percentage in three years.

Of those respondents, Republicans tended to respond that the economy is "getting worse" more than Democrats. A total of 47.2% of Republicans thought Kansas' economy was getting worse. On the other end, only 22.5% of Democrats thought the economy was getting worse with 29.2% responding that it was getting better.

While respondents reported that inflation had impacted their family or others, 21.1% of respondents thought the state economy was in "very good" or "excellent" condition this year compared to 2023 and 2022. Of those respondents, 14.5% thought the economy was poor or very poor.

Sixty percent of respondents ages 45-65 said inflation has impacted their family "a great deal." A total of 68.5% of the same demographic believed inflation had affected other Kansans.

Almost 80% of Kansans surveyed believed access to affordable childcare strengthened the economy. When asked to what level the state government should pass laws to expand access to affordable childcare, 74.8% agreed that the state government should and 67.7% thought or agreed the federal government should.

If you'd like to see what Kansans thought about the economy last year, click here. You can read the full 2024 report by clicking here.

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