Optimism Wins Out

2 minute read

Americans have a lot on their minds, according to new data that the Harris Poll shared exclusively with TIME. Overall, 62% often worry about money. Fewer than half say they rarely fret about their health, and 1 in 3 finds their work frustrating. Still, an overwhelming majority–nearly three-quarters of the U.S.–reports being optimistic, a level that has remained essentially steady since Harris began asking about optimism in 2008. Here’s the latest breakdown:

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PERCENTAGE WITHIN GROUPS WHO ARE …

Optimistic about the future

Worried about finances

Worried about health

Frustrated with work

80%

70

60

50

40

30

20

REGION

WEST

MIDWEST

SOUTH

NORTH-EAST

37%

75%

Westerners are most optimistic and least worried about health

INCOME

LESS THAN $50K

$50K–$74.9K

$75K–$99.9K

$100K+

Middle-income respondents have a rosier outlook than higher earners

AGE (FEMALE)

18–34

35–44

45–54

55–64

65+

Young women are most concerned with finances

AGE (MALE)

18–34

35–44

45–54

55–64

65+

80% of males ages 35–44 are optimistic

But only 55% of middle-aged males feel the same

CHILDREN

HAVE

DO NOT HAVE

Parents are upbeat despite greater financial worries

MARRIAGE

MARRIED

NOT MARRIED

80%

70

60

50

40

30

20

SOURCE: THE HARRIS POLL. NOTES: POLL CONDUCTED MAY 31–JUNE 2, 2016. PERCENTAGES REFLECT RESPONDENTS WHO AGREED WITH THE STATEMENTS “I’M OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE,” “MY WORK IS FRUSTRATING” AND “I FREQUENTLY WORRY ABOUT MY FINANCIAL SITUATION,” AS WELL AS RESPONDENTS WHO DISAGREED WITH THE STATEMENT “I RARELY WORRY ABOUT MY HEALTH.”

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