Marist Poll Reveals New Yorkers Are Discontent and Seeking Change

A new Marist poll reveals that New Yorkers have a negative outlook on their state, citing a declining economy, unaffordable cost of living, and a significant percentage considering leaving within the next five years.

According to the poll, 51% of New Yorkers believe that the state’s economy is deteriorating, a significant increase from 29% in 2013. Additionally, 30% of respondents anticipate their financial situation worsening, up from 17% in 2013.

An overwhelming 81% of New Yorkers express that the cost of living in the state is either “not very affordable” or “not affordable at all,” an increase from 77% in 2011.

Although a majority of residents intend to remain in New York, 37% are considering leaving within the next five years due to economic concerns, cost of living, quality of life, and taxes. Republicans and unaffiliated voters are more inclined to leave compared to Democrats, as per the poll findings.

“The current economic situation in New York State is deemed unacceptable by residents,” stated Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. “This sentiment fuels the desire to relocate out of the state.”

The poll also reflects a lowered approval rating for Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul, standing at 39% approval and 42% disapproval, a decline from a 41% approval in November 2023.

Another poll released in March by the Citizen Budget Commission discovered that 50% of New Yorkers have plans to depart from New York City in the next five years.

New York’s population has decreased from 20.2 million to 19.5 million since 2020, indicating a 3% decline.