AP-NORC poll: holiday budgets squeezed
A new AP-NORC national poll released Dec. 12, 2025 finds most Americans see higher-than-usual prices for groceries, electricity and gifts, with about half saying it’s harder than normal to afford holiday presents and delaying big or nonessential purchases. Sixty-eight percent describe the U.S. economy as 'poor,' a sentiment largely unchanged from late 2024, underscoring persistent inflation concerns despite White House messaging.
📌 Key Facts
- AP-NORC poll released Dec. 12, 2025
- 68% of U.S. adults say the economy is 'poor' (unchanged from Dec. 2024)
- Majorities report higher prices for groceries, electricity and holiday gifts
- About half say it’s harder to afford gifts and are delaying big/nonessential purchases
📊 Relevant Data
The annual inflation rate in the US was 3.0% for the 12 months ending September 2025.
Consumer Price Index Summary - 2025 M09 Results — Bureau of Labor Statistics
The 2025 tariffs imply an increase in consumer prices of 1.2% in the short run, assuming full passthrough.
State of U.S. Tariffs: November 17, 2025 — The Budget Lab at Yale
The US unemployment rate was 4.4% in November 2025.
United States Indicators — Trading Economics
In 2024, the median earnings of full-time, year-round White workers were $65,370, compared to $50,430 for Hispanic workers. Whites make up about 58% of the US population, Hispanics about 19%.
No Significant Change in Estimated U.S. Median Household Income — U.S. Census Bureau
In the third quarter of 2025, median weekly earnings were $944 for Hispanic workers and $970 for Black workers, lower than for White workers. Blacks make up about 13% of the US population.
Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers — Bureau of Labor Statistics