Affordability tops concerns for Marylanders in UMBC poll

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Affordability topped a list of issues Marylanders are concerned about, according to the results of a University of Maryland, Baltimore County Institute of Politics poll released Tuesday.

Cost of living, affordability or prices received 33% of responses in the poll. That was more than double the next two issues: taxes, spending or the state budget as well as politicians, Trump, federal government or state government each garnered 15%. Economy or jobs (8%), energy or utility costs (6%) and crime, public safety or substance abuse (6%) rounded out the top issues.

The UMBC poll surveyed 804 Maryland adults from March 17 to 22. Of those, 731 indicated they were registered voters. The poll had a margin of error of 3.5%.

When asked if several household expenses have become less affordable, more affordable or about the same as they were a year ago, 72% said groceries and 71% said gasoline were less affordable. Other items considered less affordable included electricity bills (69%), housing (65%), entertainment and recreation activities (59%) and health care, including prescription drugs and medications (57%).

“Affordability is the defining concern for Marylanders right now and over the past year. Cost-of-living issues top the list of what residents say matters most, and roughly seven in ten say that groceries, gasoline, and electric bills are less affordable now than they were a year ago,” said Mileah Kromer, director of the UMBC Institute of Politics, in a statement. “The reaction to opening their monthly electric bill is a mix of anger, concern, and frustration, along with a clear awareness that they are paying more for the same amount of energy.”

When asked about how worried they were about a series of personal financial concerns, health care and medical costs topped the list at 50%. Saving enough for retirement (46%), affording a home (40%), affording groceries and food and paying monthly utility bills each gathered (39%).

When respondents were asked if they were “very” or “extremely” worried about a series of issues, 63% cited the future of the country, 30% safety of their community and 29% of the well-being of their family.

This story has been updated.