Americans are more hopeful than the headlines suggest. In a nationally representative survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Heartland Forward, a majority of Americans feel optimistic about what lies ahead, and a broad supermajority say their communities would welcome new business investment.
They also agree that strong America depends on a strong heartland, and that the opportunity to build a good life here does not run through a single pathway.
Americans Are Optimistic and Open for Business
59% of Americans say they feel optimistic about their future.
Question wording. Which ONE best describes how you feel about your future? (Optimistic net, includes very optimistic and somewhat optimistic)
78% say their local community would welcome business investment that grows the economy and creates jobs.
Question wording. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? My local community would welcome business investment that would grow the economy and increase jobs. (Agree net)
The Country Believes in the Heartland
85% of Americans agree that a strong and successful United States requires a strong and successful heartland.
Question wording. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In order to have a strong and successful United States, we need a strong and successful Heartland. (Agree net)
78% of Americans agree the heartland is a good place to live and work.
Question wording. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The Heartland is a good place to live and work. (Agree net)
More Than One Path to Opportunity
68% of Americans do not believe a four-year college degree is required to have a successful future.
Question wording. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? I believe you need a four-year college degree to have a successful future. (Disagree net)
60% say America’s heartland offers the most opportunity for people who do not have a four-year college degree.
Question wording. Which part of the country has the most opportunity for people who do not have a four-year college degree? (America’s heartland)
Methodology
This poll was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Heartland Forward from June 19 to June 24, 2026, using the probability-based KnowledgePanel. The survey is based on a nationally representative sample of 1,032 adults aged 18 or older. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level for results based on the entire sample. All figures shown reflect responses among all adults nationally.