The American Dream remains very much alive for many Americans.
A new survey tied to America’s 250th anniversary found that two-thirds of U.S. residents say they have either reached that dream or are actively working toward it, even as more people worry it is becoming harder to attain.
According to the poll, conducted for the Archbridge Institute think tank, 67% of respondents said they have achieved or are pursuing the American Dream, 64% believe the nation’s promise of opportunity can help bring Americans together, and 71% said they have the same or greater opportunities than their parents did.
The survey also found strong levels of national pride, with 73% of respondents saying they are proud to be American and 70% saying their American identity is an important part of who they are.
Still, the results point to a decline in optimism around the American Dream this year, with pessimism hitting its highest level since Archbridge began the annual survey in 2020 — rising from 18% in 2022 to 23% this year.
The poll also found a clear generational divide, with younger Americans expressing notably more negative views than older respondents.
Similarly, while more than 80% of Americans said they feel hopeful about their personal future, just 58% expressed optimism about the future of the country overall.
Overall, 58% of Americans said they still believe in the American Dream, while 41% said they do not.
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But only 48% of respondents believe most Americans can achieve the dream, while 52% think it’s unreachable.
The “American Dream at 250” survey of 2,100 Americans — polled April 2-6 — also shows that US residents have concerns and struggles.
For example, 43% of respondents worry that Artificial Intelligence will hinder their ability to achieve the American Dream, while only 18% said it would help them. The remaining 39% believe it would have no effect.
Of those who said the American Dream is out of reach, nearly two-thirds of respondents cited economic barriers as the culprit — more than all of the other reasons given combined.
Still, 64% agree that the American Dream can unite Americans around a shared belief, regardless of their different backgrounds and viewpoints, compared to 35% who disagree.
“These are important challenges to address, as affordability issues have become widespread and are now a major source of concern across the political spectrum, with competing proposals for how best to address them,” the poll analysis said.
On the whole, a majority of residents view America optimistically, as if the glass is half-full.
“At 250 years old, the American Dream’s death is greatly exaggerated, and public opinion proves it,” said Gonzalo Schwarz, president and CEO of Archbridge.
“While Americans are increasingly pessimistic about affordability and AI in today’s America, there is still overwhelming consensus that the American Dream is achievable across demographic groups and regardless of political party. This bodes well for national unity.”
