Economic Struggles Persist for 40% of People in Connecticut Amid Rising Insecurity

A new survey conducted by the non-profit DataHaven has revealed that approximately 40% of Connecticut adults are facing financial challenges or “just getting by.” The findings show that more residents report being in worse financial shape compared to a year ago than those who say their situation has improved, with notable increases in food and housing insecurity.

DataHaven collaborated with Siena College to conduct the survey, interviewing 7,458 randomly selected adults across Connecticut. The sample was weighted to ensure demographic representation, with a margin of error of 1.5%. This survey marks the sixth iteration of DataHaven’s inquiry into residents’ financial security since 2016, and the results indicate a worsening trend.

When asked about their financial situations, 29% of respondents stated they were “living comfortably,” and another 30% described themselves as “doing all right.” However, 21% reported they were “just getting by,” 11% said they were “finding it difficult,” and 8% indicated they were “finding it very difficult.” The combined share of those “just getting by” or worse rose by 12 percentage points since 2022, reaching its highest level since the survey began.

The survey aligns with findings from other recent reports highlighting growing economic precarity in Connecticut. In October, the United Way of Connecticut reported that more than 560,000 households now earn less than a living wage, while a Connecticut Voices for Children study found that poverty rates in the state surged by over 40% between 2021 and 2022 following the expiration of key federal aid programs.

Housing insecurity has also intensified, with 12% of respondents stating they lacked funds for adequate housing in the past year, up from 10% two years ago—the highest figure since DataHaven started tracking this metric in 2015. Similarly, food insecurity is on the rise: 12% reported relying on food pantries, and 18% said they had experienced periods when they couldn’t afford sufficient food. These figures had temporarily declined in 2021 during federal pandemic-relief efforts but have since climbed back up.

In response to these trends, organizations such as the United Way of Connecticut and Connecticut Voices for Children have advocated for policy measures like a state child tax credit to support low-income households. DataHaven Executive Director Mark Abraham suggested that policymakers focus on housing affordability, emphasizing the need for increased housing supply as a potential solution to improve financial security for residents.

Despite these challenges, the survey revealed areas of optimism. Eighty-two percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their city or local area, and 76% believed their community was either improving or staying the same. Public services also received favorable ratings, with 67% of residents rating police performance as “good” or “excellent” in keeping communities safe and 71% offering similar praise for public parks and recreational facilities. Furthermore, 68% described their area as a “good” or “excellent” place to raise children, and 81% indicated trust in their neighbors, with 73% noting collective efforts to improve their communities.

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