Fifty-five percent (55%) of Americans say they are better off today than they were four years ago. A Rasmussen Reports national opinion poll of 5,000 adults found that 36% disagree and say they are not better off.

The sense of progress is found across most demographic groups. Fifty-six percent (56%) of men and 54% of women say they are better off today. That view is shared by 55% of white Americans, 52% of black Americans, and 58% of all other Americans.

There are some difference--retired Americans are less likely than working age Americans to say they are better off.

And, as you would expect, there are partisan differences. However, the partisan differences are less significant than found on many issues. Seventy-two percent (72%) of Republicans say they are better off than four years ago. That same answer is given by 40% of Democrats and 51% of those not affiliated with either major party.

This sense of progress comes at a time when only one-third of Americans rate the U.S. economy as good or excellent.

Crosstabs with additional demographic details are available for Premium Members