Massachusetts Residents Say Life Is Getting Worse, New Poll Finds

Many Massachusetts residents are worried not only about their future but also the future of their children. Those are the things that keep you up at night.

Massachusetts Residents Report Declining Quality of Life

A recent survey by the MassINC Polling Group reveals "deepening economic pessimism among Massachusetts residents, with many reporting declining quality of life, financial strain, and delayed life milestones."

"The findings paint a stark picture of a state where prosperity feels increasingly out of reach for the middle class," reported MassINC.

Financial Anxiety Continues to Grow Across the State

The poll shows 56 percent of people rate their quality of life as either "good" or "fair," while 34 percent describe it as "very good" or "excellent." Most (40 percent) said the quality of life for them and family members has declined over the last five years.

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Forty-two percent said they were financially better off a year ago, and 40 percent said they expect to be in even worse financial shape a year from now.

Massachusetts Exodus Raises Economic Concerns

As a result, Massachusetts residents are fleeing the state in search of greener pastures, resulting in a significant loss of taxable income for the state.

"Across nearly every demographic group, more say their quality of life is worse than better, compared to five years ago," said MassINC. "Overall, 40 percent say their quality of life has worsened, compared to just 20 percent who say it has improved."

The exodus from Massachusetts is raising business concerns among the experts.

MassINC found that "financial pressures are reshaping life decisions, delaying retirement savings, home purchases, household formation, and more."

Economic Concerns Could Become Major Election Issue

The findings come as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey tries to fend off Republican challengers Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve in an election year.