Voters Split Politically, But Agree Job Creation Is Key for Young People

Voters Say Job Creation Is the Top Priority for Helping Young Americans

A new national survey finds that most voters believe the government’s most important role in helping young people succeed is creating more job opportunities — and many do not think the current administration is doing enough.

Job Creation Outweighs Other Policy Priorities

According to the latest Rasmussen Reports poll, 38% of likely U.S. voters say job creation should be the government’s top focus when it comes to helping young people get ahead. Smaller shares prioritize increasing the minimum wage (19%), lowering housing costs (18%), or expanding access to affordable health insurance (17%).

The poll, conducted November 5–6 and 9 among 1,260 likely voters, has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.

Majority Say Administration Not Doing Enough

Only 30% of respondents believe the Trump administration has done enough to strengthen the economy for young Americans, while 57% say it has not. Among voters who view economic opportunity for young people as “very important,” two-thirds feel the administration is falling short.

Across political lines, majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents agree that ensuring opportunities for the next generation is vital. However, Republicans remain more likely to prioritize job creation, while Democrats place greater emphasis on raising the minimum wage and expanding affordable health coverage.

Demographics Reveal Broad Concern

The survey found little gender divide on the importance of job creation, though slightly more men than women identified it as the top priority. Majorities of white, Black, Hispanic, and other minority voters believe the administration has not done enough to improve economic conditions for young people. Hispanic voters were the most likely to view job creation as the most important factor in helping young Americans advance.