National Polls Related to Population Growth, Immigration, and the Environment

Americans regularly participate in surveys measuring public opinion on issues ranging from immigration and the environment to climate change, housing, infrastructure, and the economy. Conducted by nationally recognized polling organizations, these surveys provide valuable insight into the concerns, priorities, and attitudes shaping national conversations. While each issue has many contributing factors, population size and population growth continue to influence the scale and complexity of the challenges our nation faces.

NPG created this page to bring together polling on issues central to our educational mission. Each survey includes a brief summary of the key findings and explains how the results relate to population trends. We encourage you to explore the polls, consider the findings, and use them to inform discussions with friends, family, elected officials, and members of your community. By grounding these conversations in credible research and measured analysis, we can better understand the challenges facing our nation and the role population trends play in shaping our nation's future.

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.

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.

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