A Marquette University Law School poll released on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, shows that 35 percent of American adults consider the cost of living and inflation to be the most important issue facing the country. The economy ranked second at 15 percent, while the Iran conflict came in third at 10 percent, marking its lowest concern level in three months.

Since January, cost of living and inflation have consistently ranked as either the top or second most important concern for 56 percent of Americans. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, annual inflation decreased from 4.1 percent in May to 3.7 percent in June, based on the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index.

Despite the Federal Reserve leaving its benchmark interest rate unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting at the end of July, three regional Fed presidents dissented, advocating for rate increases to address elevated inflation.

The ongoing war in Iran, now exceeding five months, remains broadly unpopular, with 75 percent of respondents believing the conflict is not worth the cost, a slight increase from 72 percent in June. Additionally, 88 percent of Americans do not believe the U.S. has achieved its goals in the Iran war, up from 81 percent in June.

On August 4th, the Pentagon announced new contracts with defense contractors to expand production of missile interceptor components, primarily used in Iran, after nearly depleting its supply of THAAD interceptors.

Other issues such as Medicare, Social Security, the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, healthcare, immigration, housing affordability, crime, and abortion each received less than 10 percent concern among respondents.

Sources