Many Americans think data centers are bad for the U.S.; more oppose them locally – August 25, 2026

An Economist/YouGov poll found that 47% of Americans believe construction of new data centers is bad for the country, while 24% believe it is good. Opposition increases when the issue moves closer to home, with 61% saying they would oppose construction of a data center in their own community. Concerns about household costs may help explain that resistance: 62% believe a new local data center would increase their electricity bill. This survey shows that Americans' concerns about expanding data center infrastructure extend beyond its national effects to the potential consequences for their own communities and household expenses.

38% in U.S. Say Extreme Weather Damaged Their Community - August 17, 2026

Gallup found that 38% of Americans say their town or city experienced damage from extreme weather during the past year. Among residents of affected communities, 57% are worried about additional extreme weather damage over the next 12 months. Concern about future local impacts is particularly high in the Mountain region, where 55% of residents reported experiencing drought conditions—more than twice the national average—and nearly three-quarters of those whose communities experienced extreme weather damage are worried about future impacts.

This survey illustrates how extreme weather can place added strain on the natural resources, water systems, housing, and other essential conditions communities depend on.

Climate change: a growing skepticism – August 12, 2026

An international Ipsos survey found that, when asked whether society should prioritize the environment or economic growth and employment, 48% of respondents chose the environment, compared with 38% who favored growth and employment. However, support for prioritizing the environment declined from 53% in 2019 as rising costs and other economic concerns gained importance. This survey highlights the continuing tension between environmental protection and traditional measures of economic growth – two priorities increasingly affected by demands on natural resources. In the U.S., slowing and ultimately reversing population growth can help reduce those demands while supporting a more sustainable balance between environmental and economic well-being.

Americans' Support for Immigration Down, Still Strong – July 9, 2026

Gallup found that nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) believe immigration is a good thing for the country, while 21% say it is a bad thing. Majorities also believe legal immigration strengthens the economy by helping fill workforce shortages and increasing tax revenue, though concerns remain about its effects on housing availability and job opportunities for U.S.-born workers. Because immigration is the largest source of U.S. population growth, public opinion on its costs and benefits has significant implications for the nation's demographic future. This survey offers insight into how Americans weigh immigration's economic benefits alongside its perceived effects on housing and employment—issues that continue to shape the national immigration debate.

Climate Change in the American Mind: Beliefs & Attitudes, Spring 2026 – July 9, 2026

According to a new Yale University and George Mason University survey, Americans who think global warming is happening outnumber those who think it is not by more than four to one. This survey also found that 59% believe global warming is mostly caused by human activities, while 27% attribute it primarily to natural environmental changes. As concerns about climate change continue to shape public debate over energy, conservation, and environmental policy, this survey provides a snapshot of public opinion on one of today's most consequential environmental issues.

YouGov Survey: American Views on Immigration – June 28, 2026

Americans' views on immigration vary depending on the aspect of society being considered. This YouGov survey found that 42% of respondents believe immigration makes the U.S. economy better, while 25% say it makes the economy worse. Opinions were more divided on politics, with 30% saying immigration makes the nation's political situation worse, 24% saying it makes it better, and 32% saying it makes little difference. For NPG, this survey is valuable because it shows that Americans distinguish between immigration's effects across different areas of national life, reinforcing the importance of examining immigration through multiple lenses—including its role in shaping the nation's demographic future.

Gallop – Americans Oppose AI Data Centers in Their Area – May 13, 2026

Gallup found that seven in 10 Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local area, including 48% who strongly oppose such projects. Environmental concerns play a significant role in that opposition, with half of opponents citing excessive resource use and others expressing concerns about pollution and impacts on their local quality of life. Data centers require substantial amounts of land, electricity, and water, adding new demands to resources already needed to support communities across the country. This survey highlights growing public concern over how the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure could affect natural resources and quality of life in American communities.

Americans' Rating of Environment Hits New Low – April 14, 2026

Gallup found that just 35% of Americans rate the quality of the nation's environment as excellent or good—the lowest level recorded since 2001. The poll also found that 66% believe the quality of the environment is getting worse. Among specific environmental issues, Americans expressed the greatest concern about drinking water pollution and maintaining the nation's freshwater supply. This survey offers insight into Americans' views on the condition of the nation's environment and highlights the importance they place on protecting essential resources such as clean drinking water and freshwater supplies.

What Americans think about overpopulation, birth rates, and children – March 25, 2026

A YouGov survey found that Americans are more likely to view overpopulation as a serious problem than low birth rates, particularly when asked about the world as a whole. While 62% of respondents said overpopulation is a serious global problem, 37% said the same about low birth rates. In the United States, opinion was more closely divided, with 47% viewing overpopulation as a serious problem and 41% saying the same about low birth rates. This survey highlights how Americans distinguish between demographic challenges at the national and global levels.

Nearly half of Americans think they'll see catastrophic impacts of climate change in their lifetimes – February 17, 2026

An Economist/YouGov poll found that nearly half of Americans (45%) believe they will experience catastrophic impacts of climate change during their lifetimes, while 31% do not expect to see such effects. This survey also found that 57% believe the United States should do more to address climate change, compared with 16% who think it should do less. Taken together, the results indicate that many Americans expect climate change to affect their own lives and believe it deserves continued national attention.

Surge in U.S. Concern About Immigration Has Abated – July 11, 2025

Gallup found that Americans' concern about immigration declined sharply over the past year, with the share wanting immigration reduced falling from 55% to 30%. At the same time, a record-high 79% of respondents said immigration is a good thing for the country, while support for stricter enforcement measures also declined. Because immigration is now the largest source of U.S. population growth, public opinion on immigration plays an important role in shaping the nation's demographic future. This survey highlights how Americans' attitudes toward immigration continue to influence one of the most consequential population issues facing the United States.