Are you concerned about the Kansas economy? What poll shows

While Kansans expressed mixed reviews on the health of the state economy, poll respondents were far more confident in the state than they were in the national economy.

The Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University in October released the results of its annual Kansas Speaks public opinion survey. The poll included questions about the state and national economies.

"This year, besides tracking people's opinion of the Kansas economy, we ask about their ratings of the national economy for the first time," survey report co-author Jian Sun said in a statement. "Kansans' rating of the Kansas economy is higher than the rating of the national economy."

Sun noted multiple areas of the poll where the state economy outperformed the national economy. Additionally, the responses in some areas improved for the state compared to past years.

"The rating of the Kansas economy has become more positive in the past three years, but the percentage of Kansans feeling concerned that the Kansas economy will seriously threaten their or their family's welfare remains high," he said.

Poll responses showed a stronger sentiment on the Kansas economy in 2025 compared to 2024 and 2023. At 60%, more people than in the past rated the state economy as excellent, very good or good.

Additionally, at 36%, fewer people than in recent years believed the state economy is getting worse. However, instead of more people believing the economy is getting better, more people said the economy stayed the same over the past year. However, also at 36%, more people believe the state is on the wrong track.

Meanwhile, more people expressed at least some level of concern that the Kansas economy will seriously threaten their family's well-being. Only 19% had no concern at all.

The 2025 poll was the first time the Kansas Speaks survey asked about the national economy.

While 60% of respondents said the Kansas economy is good, very good or excellent, only 34% said the same about the national economy.

While 36% believe the Kansas economy is getting worse, 54% believe the national economy is getting worse — and 57% believe the nation is on the wrong track. Respondents also expressed a greater level of concern that the national economy would seriously threaten their wellbeing.

The poll didn't ask about specific economic policies, such as tariffs, or about economic indicators, like inflation or unemployment rates.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at  jalatidd@usatodayco.com . Follow him on X  @Jason_Alatidd .

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas poll shows how people rate the state and national economy