Dr. Matthew May and Dr. Lantz McGinnis-Brown discuss this year’s Idaho Public Policy Survey.
The Tenth Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey was conducted November 9-14, 2024, and surveyed 1,000 adults who currently live in Idaho. The sample is representative of the state’s population, both geographically and demographically, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The sample included respondents in 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties. Responses were weighted to ensure representativeness of Idaho’s demographics. The survey covered a wide variety of topics, including the economy, taxes, elections, education, housing, and healthcare. GS Strategy Group fielded the survey by cell phone (38%), landline phone (11%), online (40%), and text message (11%).
Key Findings
- Idahoans believe the state is headed in the right direction, showing an increase for the first time in six ears.
- More Idahoans expect Idaho’s economy to get better for the first time since 2020.
- For the second consecutive year, workforce and affordable housing is Idahoans’ top overall legislative budget priority.
- Increased teacher pay is Idahoans’ top education budget priority.
- A majority of Idahoans say they oppose (53%) the use of tax dollars to pay for a private or religious school.
- Nearly half of Idahoans (49%) say access to health care is difficult in the state.
- 39% of Idahoans say increasing the number of immigrants helps Idaho’s economy, but that proportion grows to 46% when discussing legal immigrants specifically.
- A majority of Idahoans (55%) believe that abortion should be permitted in Idaho through at least the first trimester. A majority (64%) also believe that exceptions for abortion access should be expanded.
- A majority of Idahoans (51%) have concerns about the security of elections in the United States, but less than a quarter (22%) have concerns about the security in Idaho itself.
- A majority of Idahoans are concerned about campaign spending by independent groups in Idaho.