New Jerseyans continue to give lackluster ratings to both the state and national economy, with a sizeable number who say they are financially falling behind and half or more are having difficulty with basic household costs, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. “New Jerseyans are far from optimistic when it comes to current finances – whether it’s the state economy, the national outlook, or their own personal situation,” said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. “While residents still rate New Jersey’s economy somewhat better than the country’s, many feel financial strain in their daily lives, including when it comes to affording basic needs.”

Results are from a statewide poll of 621 adults contacted through the probability-based Rutgers-Eagleton/SSRS Garden State Panel from June 13 to June 16. The full sample has a margin of error of +/- 5.4 percentage points.