CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Years after the Great Recession ended, it appears North Carolinians and Americans are feeling only measured levels of optimism about the economy.
According to a USA TODAY/Wells Fargo Real Economy online survey, 21 percent of Americans rated the country’s economy as good or very good while 44 percent felt it’s in fair shape. A total of 35 percent think the economy is performing poorly.
The USA TODAY/Wells Fargo Real Economy online survey, conducted in June, surveyed 3,533 U.S. adults age 18 and over. Respondents included an oversampling of at least 500 adults residing in North Carolina, South Carolina, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oregon.
In North Carolina, views on the economy appear slightly more optimistic than at the national level. A total of 39 percent of people surveyed rated the state’s economic conditions as good or very good, while 40 percent described it as fair, and 22 percent rated it as poor.
Respondents were more positive about their own personal financial situation. According to the survey, 44 percent of Americans said they felt good or very good about their current finances. Only 17 percent described their financial situation as poor.
Charlotte city leaders said the survey reflects a mixed bag of economic realities that some families are still experiencing.
“The middle class continues to struggle as the people at the top 10 to 20% do well,” said Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes.
“Things are fair to partly sunny. Real incomes haven’t moved up,” said former Charlotte City Councilman Edwin Peacock.
People in North Carolina don’t have especially high expectations for the state’s financial future, either. Nearly two-thirds expect economic conditions to remain about the same one year from now.
The survey found respondents in North Carolina believe several sectors of the economy are thriving. They include technology, financial services banking, tourism, and healthcare. A total of 62 percent say the banking industry is thriving. Bank of America is headquartered in Charlotte, and Wells Fargo has its east coast hub in the Queen City, as well. Fifty-six percent say the healthcare industry is thriving. Carolinas Healthcare System is Charlotte’s largest employer, according to the Charlotte Chamber.
Here are other results from the poll:
When it comes to finding good jobs, North Carolinians don’t think young adults here are at any advantage compared to our neighboring states.
North Carolinians strongly believe the manufacturing industry is good for the state’s economy.
A majority of North Carolinians also indicated they believe the state has the infrastructure in place to support new manufacturing business.
@WellsFargo and @USATODAY will host panel discussion on the #RealEconomy of North Carolina Monday, September 21, 2015 at 9 a.m. WCNC.com will carry the panel discussion live on our web site and the WCNC mobile app.
A panel discussion with Wells Fargo and USA Today was held last month in South Carolina.
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