Forty-nine percent (49%) of American adults now say that the U.S. economy will be stronger in five years than it is today. That figure is down from 58% in July and 64% in March.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 22% believe the U.S. economy will be weaker in five years. Twelve percent (12%) say the strength of the nation’s economy will remain about the same, and 18% are not sure.

Looking less far into the future, 40% say the economy will be stronger in one year while 34% say it will be weaker. Those figures are little changed since March and a bit more pessimistic than July. Premium Members can see trend data for all questions.

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A majority of Democrats nationwide believe the economy will be stronger in both one year and in five years.

Republicans, by a 46% to 27% margin, lean toward the view that the economy will be weaker in one year. However, by 41% to 29%, they believe the economy will be healthier in five years.

As for those not affiliated with either major party, they are evenly divided as to whether the economy will be stronger or weaker in one year. Looking out five years, 46% of unaffiliateds say the economy will be stronger, and 20% say it will be weaker.

Government employees are more optimistic than those who work in the private sector in both their short- and long-term economic views. Entrepreneurs are less upbeat than those who work for someone else in the private sector. Premium Members can see full demographic crosstabs.

Overall, 41% still believe a 1930s-style Depression is at least somewhat likely. That’s down from 53% in March. Only 15% say it’s Very Likely.

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