Optimism Differentiates Urban and Rural America: A New ACP Survey

Mon Nov 17 2025 17:06:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent survey reveals a distinct divide in outlook between rural and urban America, with rural residents expressing increased optimism about the future despite economic concerns, while city dwellers show rising pessimism.

According to a new survey from the American Communities Project, rural Americans are becoming increasingly optimistic about the country’s future, with 60% expressing hope. In contrast, urban residents are experiencing declining optimism, primarily due to economic pressures and political uncertainties. The survey highlights issues such as everyday household costs and crime, revealing a complex landscape of public sentiment across the nation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A recent survey from the American Communities Project indicates that while urban areas are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the future of the country, rural America is leaning towards optimism. This growing divide has emerged over the past year, reflected in the concerns and hopes of residents across different community types.

The ACP/Ipsos survey highlights that despite President Donald Trump's declaration of rampant urban crime, city dwellers are less inclined to cite crime and gun violence as top issues affecting their communities compared to previous years.

However, areas with large Hispanic populations report a decrease in optimism, indicating broader economic anxieties. The survey classifies U.S. counties into community types, using demographics like race, income, and age to gauge local sentiments.

Overall, inflation remains a common worry across all communities. Concern over rising costs is a unifying sentiment among Americans, irrespective of their locale, noted Dante Chinni, founder of ACP.

Growing Optimism in Rural America

Rural residents are increasingly hopeful about the future, even as many have not yet realized the economic revival promised by Trump. In Newark, Ohio, Carl Gruber, a disabled resident, expressed hope that prices might stabilize following the president's initiatives to bring jobs back to the U.S.

Recent data reflects a rise in optimism within Rural Middle America, where 60% of residents now regard the future positively, a significant increase from 43% in earlier surveys.

Urban Residents' Concerns

Conversely, city residents have seen a decline in hopefulness for the future, dropping from 55% to 45% within the past year. In cities like San Antonio, individuals voice concerns not only about the economy but also the polarization of democracy.

Crime and Safety Perspectives

Interestingly, the perception of crime has shifted. Residents in major metropolitan areas are less likely to prioritize crime as a pressing concern, contradicting the narrative of increased danger often highlighted by political leaders.

Hispanic Communities' Declining Optimism

In heavily Hispanic areas, feelings of optimism have decreased dramatically, with only 58% of residents expressing hope for their community's future, down from 78% the previous year. This shift reflects deeper fears surrounding immigration policies and their impact on family stability.

As communities across America increasingly navigate economic uncertainty, the disparities in perspective between urban and rural populations underscore the complexities of public sentiment in a rapidly changing landscape.