Optimism vs. Pessimism: A Survey of Rural and Urban America’s Outlook

Mon Nov 17 2025 17:27:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new survey reveals a stark contrast between the rising optimism in rural America and the increasing pessimism in urban centers regarding the future, amid ongoing economic concerns.

According to a recent survey, rural residents are increasingly hopeful about the country's trajectory, contrasting with the declining optimism noted among urban populations. While economic concerns, particularly regarding inflation, are widespread across both rural and urban communities, residents in less populated areas express a belief in better days ahead. Conversely, urban dwellers cite worries about crime, healthcare, and broader societal issues like democracy and polarization. Insights from the survey also highlight a significant drop in optimism among Hispanic communities, raising concerns about the impact of current political climates.

DES MOINES, Iowa — A newly released survey by the American Communities Project uncovers a growing divide in the outlooks of rural and urban America regarding the nation’s future. In contrast to the rising pessimism observed in cities, rural residents appear more optimistic about the direction the country is headed, despite struggling with economic challenges such as inflation.

While urban centers have embraced a mindset of discontent, rural communities have voiced greater hope, with 6 in 10 residents in areas categorized as Rural Middle America expressing confidence in the future, a marked increase from previous years. Carl Gruber, a disabled resident of Newark, Ohio, expressed optimism based on the belief that initiatives to bring jobs back to the U.S. could lead to a drop in prices. So, maybe we’ll start to see prices come down, he commented.

In rural regions and evangelical hubs, a broader sentiment of uplift is noted, while concerns over daily expenses unify these communities. Dante Chinni, founder of the ACP, stated, Concerns about inflation are across the board. One thing that truly unites the country is economic angst. Yet, for many in rural towns, this angst exists alongside a rising optimism about the economic revival promised by leadership.

Conversely, urban residents are finding themselves increasingly anxious about the future. In cities, the percentage of people expressing hope dwindled from 55% to 45%, according to the survey. Voices like Robert Engel, a federal worker in San Antonio, point to long-term worries related to job stability and healthcare for future generations, echoing sentiments of cautious skepticism.

The narrative around crime also reveals a discrepancy between perception and reality. Residents of urban areas are reportedly less concerned about crime rates than previous years, even as political agendas push narratives focusing on urban violence. As Angel Gamboa from Austin suggested, the increased discussions can feel exaggerated: I feel like there’s an agenda to scare Americans, and it’s so unnecessary. Instead, critical issues such as immigration and healthcare are at the forefront of urban concerns.

Hispanic communities, however, reported a stark decline in optimism for the future. The survey highlights that 58% of residents in predominantly Hispanic areas are hopeful about their community's future, a significant dip from 78% last year. Carmen Maldonado, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, expressed deep-seated fears rooted in the current political climate, saying, My hopelessness comes from the fact that we are a large part of what makes up the United States, and sometimes I cry thinking about these families. This growing anxiety among Hispanic voters, particularly surrounding immigration and political attitudes, marks a concerning trend against the backdrop of rising optimism in rural areas.

Overall, the disparities in optimism between rural and urban areas highlight not only varying perspectives based on geography but also emphasize the complex interplay between economic conditions and community sentiments.