New Poll: Latinos are sounding the alarm on the economy

Latinos across America are all anxious about one thing above all else: the economy.

That’s the big takeaway from the latest Latino poll from The LIBRE Institute.

Latinos are a major force in American life. They make up 15% of the electorate and generate $4.4 trillion in economic activity — equivalent to the world’s fourth largest economy. Knowing what Latinos are thinking, what they’re worried about, and what they want is key to understanding America.

That’s why The LIBRE Institute conducts an annual survey on Latinos, and here are the three big takeaways from this year’s poll.

For Latinos, the economy isn’t cutting it right now

The poll made two things clear: Latinos are laser-focused on the economy, and they don’t like what they’re seeing.

When asked about the most important issues America is facing right now, half of all respondents mentioned an economic issue as their top priority.

• 47% said the economy and jobs
• 31% said inflation
• 17% said taxes and spending

No other issue even came close.

That makes sense when you look at how Latino voters feel about the current state of the economy.

More than 4 in 5 Latino voters think the economy is either in fair or poor shape, with only 18% saying the economy is in good or excellent shape.

And they aren’t optimistic about what comes next.

Almost 60% of Latino voters think the economy will get worse over the next year, compared to 22% who expect it to improve and 19% who think it will stay the same.

The poll also shows why Latinos are gloomy about the economy. Nearly 90% say inflation has affected their lives, and 82% say it’s hard to find a good-paying job in today’s economy.

These results paint a clear picture: For Latinos today, finances are a daily concern.

Latinos and the affordability crisis

Latino families feel their paychecks simply aren’t cutting it anymore — they’re having a hard time making ends meet.

The poll found that:

• 55% of Latinos are worried they won’t be able to pay their rent or their mortgage
• 54% are concerned they won’t be able to pay for food and household items
• 37% are worried they won’t be able to pay for their health care

Latino voters are running out of patience with rising costs. Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe leaders should be able to bring prices down quickly, not years from now.

That frustration cuts across party lines.

The poll’s message is clear: Latino families feel like they are working harder than ever but getting less in return.

The American Dream feels increasingly out of reach

Perhaps the two most sobering numbers from this poll are:

• Just 53% of Hispanic voters still believe the American Dream is achievable for people like them
• 90% of Latino voters think the American Dream is harder to achieve now than before

Those numbers should concern anyone who cares about the future of the country.

Latinos are deep believers in the promise of America. Many came here — or watched their parents come here — believing that through hard work and sacrifice, their children would have more opportunities than they did.

Yet this poll shows that Latinos are very anxious about the current economy and are starting to feel less optimistic about America’s future.

That’s why The LIBRE Institute is working hard every day in Latino communities across America, fighting for policies that expand opportunity, empower families, and remove the barriers making it harder for people to thrive.

Whether it’s educating on permitting reform, educational freedom, or solutions to our affordability crisis, at The LIBRE Institute, we’re committed to ensuring the American Dream remains alive for generations to come.