Colorado affordability fears hit new high, poll finds
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Colorado's affordability challenges are changing how people eat, seek medical care and plan their futures here, according to a bipartisan survey released Thursday by the Colorado Health Foundation.
Why it matters: As statewide elections loom this November, the survey suggests years of economic pressure are turning financial anxiety into growing frustration with policymakers.
By the numbers: 76% of Coloradans now worry they may not be able to afford living in the state in the future, up from 70% last year, the statewide survey of 2,240 adults found.
Zoom in: The financial squeeze is forcing painful tradeoffs:
- 17% skipped meals in the past year because they couldn't afford food.
- Nearly half (48%) delayed medical or dental care, and 29% put off mental health help.
- 32% worry about losing their home because they can't afford rent or their mortgage.
- 73% slashed spending on recreation and entertainment.
The intrigue: Even though 85% of respondents say the cost of living and housing are Colorado's biggest problems, they ranked government and politics as the top issue for the second straight year in an open-ended question.
- 72% said they're dissatisfied with how the government is responding to economic concerns.
What they're saying: "What we're hearing is that financial pressure is a daily reality for many Coloradans, including those with higher incomes," CHF spokesperson Katie Peshek said in a statement. "Affordability challenges are creating persistent uncertainty, while frustration with government and political division continues to grow."
- Republican pollster Lori Weigel, who co-led the survey, said the rise in serious financial hardship suggests cost crunch frustration "continues to intensify."
The big picture: Affordability pressures that emerged during the pandemic haven't eased. They're now shaping everything from health care decisions to housing security.
What we're watching: Whether midterm candidates can convince voters they have a credible plan to lower costs.