While a majority of Tennesseans have a positive outlook on the state’s economy, anxiety over inflation and cost-of-living increased significantly.
A poll from Vanderbilt University showed while 61 percent of residents view Tennessea’s economy as “very” or “fairly good,” 87 percent viewed their cost of living as “very” or “somewhat expensive.”
The university polled 1,046 registered Tennessee voters aged 18 and up, and asked about economic anxiety statewide and nationwide. Respondents were also questioned on public health issues, educational priorities, and more.
“Inflation is a serious concern for Tennesseans across the state, even among MAGA Republicans,” John Geer, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, said. “While Trump continues to have support in the state, the worries about the cost of living are growing.”
The poll showed 67 percent of participants worrying about not having funds for car and medical emergencies. Researchers noted this as a 13 percentage point increase from December of 2024.
Fifty-one percent of respondents voiced concern for paying monthly bills.
Financial fear took over qualms regarding education and immigration, as seventy percent of poll-takers said they were concerned about their savings.
“People appear to feel very strongly about a variety of issues right now, but when they are asked about what the government should prioritize, their responses are financially driven – the economy, health care and inflation,” Josh Clinton, co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll, said.
Clinton said while a portion of Tennesseans are ‘thriving,” data shows the average person struggling to make ends meet.
The poll also found significant themes of partisanship on issues like public health. Researchers Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s role as secretary of health and human services increased discourse surrounding autism.
Three-quarters of participants said they knew someone with autism, with 41 percent of them saying “the person requires regular or daily support.”
“Unlike many social issues, this concern cuts across party lines,” the findings said.
As a response to the claim that vaccines contribute to autism, 21 percent agreed. Five percent of these respondents were democrats, while 22 percent of Independents and 30 percent of Republicans concurred.
Sixteen percent believed talking Tylenol while pregnant increases the chance of a child developing autism.
“We’re seeing significant partian differences in response, reflecting the rhetoric out of the Trump administration,” Geer said.
He added the claims made by Trump administration officials are influencing how Americans think about public health issues.