Forty-two percent (42%) of voters now rate the U.S. economy as poor, up 1 point from 2 weeks ago and 6 from a month ago. On the other hand, 30% rate it as Good or Excellent, up 3 points from 2 weeks and a month ago.

Meanwhile, 27% say the economy is getting better (up 3 points from 2 weeks ago and 4 from a month ago). Still, a majority (52%) say it is getting worse, down 1 point from 2 weeks ago but up 1 point from a month ago.

Despite these net-positive movements, 41% now say the U.S. is in a recession, up 7 points from two weeks ago and 5 from a month ago. Thirty-six percent (36%) say it is not, down 2 points from two weeks ago and 2 from a month ago.

As noted in a related article, voters are underwhelmed when it comes to their personal finances, and it is affecting President Trump's approval ratings on his handling of the economy.

Demographic Breakdown

It is worth noting that, while the number of Mainstreet Voters* saying the economy was getting worse increased by 3 points, the number of Elite and Elite Adjecent voters saying it was getting worse fell by 10. We will keep an eye on if this holds up 2 weeks from now. At present, this week's numbers for both groups are in line with their numbers 4 and 6 weeks ago, so it is possible last week's Elite and Elite Adjecent fluctuation was mere statistical noise.

This data is from a Napolitan News Service survey of 1,000 Registered Voters conducted online by Scott Rasmussen, August 17-18, 2026. RMG Research, Inc., conducted the field work for the survey. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1.

*Elite voters are defined as those with a postgraduate degree, make more than $150,000 annually, and live in a densely populated urban area. Elite Adjacent voters have at least one of these characteristics. Main Street voters have none of these characteristics, and make up the largest portion of voters.