Prepared by Verasight

PAA Omnibus

Results from a nationally representative survey of US adults aged 18+, featuring questions suggested by attendees of the 2026 Population Association of America (PAA) conference.

2,000 respondents (1,000 per module)
June 3, 2026June 8, 2026
58 questions
Beta

We generated this report using the beta version of our auto-generation survey report technology, so please share your feedback or suggestions. If you find and share any errors in the report, we will give you a $250 Verasight credit for your next survey.

Key Takeaways

Q1

Homeownership & the American Dream

How important is homeownership to your conception of the American Dream?

(N = 1,000)
49%
32%
14%
5%
Very importantImportantSomewhat importantNot very important

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Very important52%46%0%
Important31%33%51%
Somewhat important11%17%21%
Not very important6%4%27%
Q2

Preferred City Policy Proposal

Which of the following policy proposals would you be most likely to support in your city of residence?

(N = 1,000)
Cutting funding for police departments and reinvesting in community-based programs that address root causes of gun violence
7%
A new agency of first responders (e.g. emergency medical services or firefighters) to deal with issues related to addiction or mental illness that need to be remedied but do not require police
19%
Training police officers in nonviolent alternatives to deadly force
17%
Training police how to mobilize alternative first responders and non-police actors to respond to emergency situations
11%
Investing in mobile crisis units which deploy licensed behavioral and mental health specialists and/or community residents who respond to mental health crises, substance abuse, or homelessness
32%
Investing in training and employing community residents to respond to (and prevent) cases of violence that transpire in the neighborhoods where they live
14%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Cutting funding for police departments and reinvesting in community-based programs that address root causes of gun violence9%6%0%
A new agency of first responders (e.g. emergency medical services or firefighters) to deal with issues related to addiction or mental illness that need to be remedied but do not require police19%19%0%
Training police officers in nonviolent alternatives to deadly force17%17%0%
Training police how to mobilize alternative first responders and non-police actors to respond to emergency situations12%11%25%
Investing in mobile crisis units which deploy licensed behavioral and mental health specialists and/or community residents who respond to mental health crises, substance abuse, or homelessness26%37%47%
Investing in training and employing community residents to respond to (and prevent) cases of violence that transpire in the neighborhoods where they live17%11%27%
Q3

School District Funding Adequacy

Indicate your level of agreement with the following statement: My school district has enough funding to support student learning.

(N = 1,000)
13%
21%
29%
26%
12%
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Strongly disagree10%15%79%
Disagree19%23%0%
Neutral26%31%0%
Agree31%21%21%
Strongly agree14%10%0%
Q4

Most Important College Ranking Factor

Colleges in the United States are frequently ranked by various companies and news agencies (e.g. US News and World Report, Times Higher Education, and QS World University Rankings). In your opinion, what is the most important factor that determines whether a university is ranked higher or lower in these lists?

(N = 1,000)
How selective the college is/how difficult it is to get into the college
12%
How employable graduates of the college are (employment rates, average income)
48%
How famous graduates and alumni of the college are
3%
How expensive tuition costs at the college are
12%
How much money the college spends on its students
5%
How satisfied current students are with the college
10%
How much scientific research is produced at the college
9%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
How selective the college is/how difficult it is to get into the college12%12%25%
How employable graduates of the college are (employment rates, average income)48%49%26%
How famous graduates and alumni of the college are3%3%0%
How expensive tuition costs at the college are12%12%0%
How much money the college spends on its students6%5%27%
How satisfied current students are with the college8%12%0%
How much scientific research is produced at the college10%7%21%
Q5

Primary Reason for Military Enlistment

What do you think is the primary reason most people join the U.S. military?

(N = 1,000)
Financial benefits (e.g. pay, education, funding, healthcare)
47%
Sense of duty or patriotism
16%
Family tradition or legacy of service
8%
Limited civilian job or educational opportunities
11%
Desire for adventure, travel, or new experiences
4%
Personal challenge or self-improvement
6%
Job security and long-term stability
7%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Financial benefits (e.g. pay, education, funding, healthcare)42%52%100%
Sense of duty or patriotism19%14%0%
Family tradition or legacy of service8%8%0%
Limited civilian job or educational opportunities13%8%0%
Desire for adventure, travel, or new experiences5%2%0%
Personal challenge or self-improvement7%6%0%
Job security and long-term stability5%10%0%
Q6

Preferred Elder-Care Support Policy

Which of the following policies would you most favor for the federal government to implement for people who are providing care for an aging family member?

(N = 1,000)
Giving tax credits to help pay for caregiving
25%
Paying for short-term care for aging adults to give family caregivers a break
17%
Requiring employers to provide paid family leave
12%
Giving direct payments to help with caregiving costs
46%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Giving tax credits to help pay for caregiving28%23%0%
Paying for short-term care for aging adults to give family caregivers a break18%16%0%
Requiring employers to provide paid family leave11%13%47%
Giving direct payments to help with caregiving costs44%49%53%
Q7

Who Should Help Family-less Elders

Who do you think should primarily provide help to an older adult who does not have any family?

(N = 1,000)
Government
60%
Private companies
7%
Charities/religious organizations/ non-profit
21%
Friends/neighbors
12%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Government56%63%73%
Private companies7%7%0%
Charities/religious organizations/ non-profit24%18%27%
Friends/neighbors13%11%0%
Q8

CPS Newborn Safety Assessment

Should Child Protective Services assess the safety of newborns prior to hospital discharge if their parents previously lost custody to other children due to abuse and neglect?

(N = 1,000)
65%
28%
4%
2%
AlwaysSometimesRarelyNever

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Always59%72%100%
Sometimes34%22%0%
Rarely4%4%0%
Never3%2%0%
Q9

Guardianship vs. Adoption

When children cannot live with their biological parents due to abuse and neglect, is it better for them to reside in legal guardianship with a relative or to be adopted?

(N = 1,000)
Guardianship is usually better
48%
Guardianship is similar to adoption
32%
Adoption is usually better
20%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Guardianship is usually better46%50%21%
Guardianship is similar to adoption32%31%53%
Adoption is usually better21%19%25%
Q10

Sacrifice to Raise Children Today

Compared to previous generations, do you think young adults in the U.S. today have to give up more, less, or about the same in order to raise children?

(N = 1,000)
32%
28%
28%
9%
3%
Much moreMoreAbout the sameLessMuch less

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Much more31%33%79%
More29%27%21%
About the same28%27%0%
Less8%9%0%
Much less3%3%0%
Q11

Readiness to Have a Child

If you want a(nother) child at some point in the future, do you feel ready to have the child now?

(N = 1,000)
Yes
15%
No
31%
I don't want to have a(nother) child.
54%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes18%13%0%
No35%27%25%
I don't want to have a(nother) child.47%60%75%
Q12

Preferred AI Policy Responses

While artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI offer productivity gains, there are also risks of job loss (especially for entry level knowledge workers), energy cost increases, and privacy and security concerns. Among the following policy or regulatory ideas below, check all of the following that you would ask your state or federal policymakers to adopt to address AI:

(N = 1,000)
Tax AI companies and data centers, redistribute those tax revenues using an AI dividend payment to all Americans.
40%
Provide free retraining programs for all workers to ensure optimal and safe AI use.
37%
Remove tax breaks or other incentives for data centers.
36%
Make it easier to access unemployment benefits in the case of job loss or if young workers cannot find a job (e.g., by removing earnings and work experience requirements to qualify).
36%
Change student loan repayment to make payment conditional on employment and income.
24%
Ban the use of AI. Strictly enforce these regulations.
18%
Do nothing.
9%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Tax AI companies and data centers, redistribute those tax revenues using an AI dividend payment to all Americans.40%40%73%
Provide free retraining programs for all workers to ensure optimal and safe AI use.37%38%25%
Remove tax breaks or other incentives for data centers.34%37%73%
Make it easier to access unemployment benefits in the case of job loss or if young workers cannot find a job (e.g., by removing earnings and work experience requirements to qualify).35%37%73%
Change student loan repayment to make payment conditional on employment and income.21%27%73%
Ban the use of AI. Strictly enforce these regulations.16%19%53%
Do nothing.8%9%0%
Q13

AI vs. Human Visual Ability

Artificial intelligence, in terms of image recognition, is defined as the determination of what objects are present in a still picture. Human ability in peripheral vision is defined as the ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead. Do you believe that image recognition by a computer or machine could be used for peripheral vision?

(N = 1,000)
56%
44%
YesNo

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes63%50%25%
No37%50%75%
Q14

Frequency of Seeing AI News

How often in the past month have you seen news related to artificial intelligence?

(N = 1,000)
I have not seen any news related to artificial intelligence in the past month
12%
Only once or twice in the past month
10%
Maybe three times in the past month
10%
Once a week
11%
A few times a week
24%
Once daily
10%
Multiple times daily
23%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
I have not seen any news related to artificial intelligence in the past month10%14%0%
Only once or twice in the past month8%12%0%
Maybe three times in the past month10%10%0%
Once a week10%12%0%
A few times a week24%24%47%
Once daily11%9%0%
Multiple times daily26%20%53%
Q15

Concern Over AI Data Center Health Effects

How concerned are you about the health effects of AI data centers?

(N = 1,000)
Very worried
27%
Worried
27%
Neutral
23%
Not worried
9%
Not worried at all
4%
I'm not aware of the health effects of AI data centers
11%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Very worried24%29%79%
Worried26%28%21%
Neutral23%22%0%
Not worried11%7%0%
Not worried at all7%2%0%
I'm not aware of the health effects of AI data centers9%13%0%
Q16

US Global Health Funding Levels

Do you think the US should increase, maintain, decrease, or eliminate its global health funding, which costs several billions dollars per year?

(N = 1,000)
Increase significantly
18%
Increase somewhat
19%
Maintain at current levels
23%
Decrease somewhat
13%
Decrease significantly
10%
Eliminate entirely
6%
I have no option about it / none of the above
12%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Increase significantly18%17%51%
Increase somewhat20%17%21%
Maintain at current levels24%22%0%
Decrease somewhat14%12%0%
Decrease significantly8%11%0%
Eliminate entirely8%5%0%
I have no option about it / none of the above8%15%27%
Q17

Views on Global Health Agreements

Under the US government's new country-to-country health agreements with African nations that emphasize direct partnerships, country co-financing, and mutual benefits, which of these options align with your viewpoint? Please select ALL options that you agree with.

(N = 1,000)
The US should prioritize helping African countries build their own health manufacturing capacity, local medicine production, and health infrastructure so they can become more self-reliant over time
41%
The US can exchange global health funding with African countries in exchange for minerals and other natural resources.
26%
The US should prioritze securing rapid access to African health data, disease surveilance information, and samples to better protect the US and global health security from future epidemics.
25%
The US should respect national sovereignty and not force countries to share their citizens' health data in exchange for funding.
25%
The US should significantly reduce overall global health funding to Africa and focus only on programs that deliver clear, direct benefits to American interests.
24%
The US should only finance programs that have mutual benefits rather than purely development-focused aid.
20%
None of the above/I have no opinion on the issue
14%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
The US should prioritize helping African countries build their own health manufacturing capacity, local medicine production, and health infrastructure so they can become more self-reliant over time41%41%73%
The US can exchange global health funding with African countries in exchange for minerals and other natural resources.27%25%0%
The US should prioritze securing rapid access to African health data, disease surveilance information, and samples to better protect the US and global health security from future epidemics.28%23%25%
The US should respect national sovereignty and not force countries to share their citizens' health data in exchange for funding.23%26%47%
The US should significantly reduce overall global health funding to Africa and focus only on programs that deliver clear, direct benefits to American interests.26%22%0%
The US should only finance programs that have mutual benefits rather than purely development-focused aid.21%19%0%
None of the above/I have no opinion on the issue11%16%27%
Q18

Health Funding to Advance Rights Abroad

To what extent do you support or oppose the U.S. using its global health funding to encourage recipient countries or organizations to advance specific rights abroad (e.g., broader access to abortion, comprehensive sex education, or greater inclusion and protection for LGBTQ people)? Select ONE option.

(N = 1,000)
21%
18%
22%
9%
21%
10%
Strongly supportSomewhat supportNeither support nor opposeSomewhat opposeStrongly opposeNo opinion

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Strongly support20%22%73%
Somewhat support17%18%0%
Neither support nor oppose22%22%0%
Somewhat oppose10%8%0%
Strongly oppose24%19%0%
No opinion7%12%27%
Q19

Immigration for Aging Populations

Some countries may consider using immigration to address economic effects of aging populations and falling birth rates. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this as a policy option for the US?

(N = 1,000)
9%
19%
43%
18%
11%
Strongly agreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStrongly aisagree

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Strongly agree12%5%21%
Agree23%14%25%
Neutral35%51%0%
Disagree18%18%27%
Strongly aisagree11%12%26%
Q20

Immigrant Eligibility for Benefits

In your opinion, to what extent should immigrants living in the United States be eligible to receive government-funded public benefits, including healthcare?

(N = 1,000)
No immigrants should receive any government-funded public benefits or healthcare, regardless of their legal status.
9%
Immigrants should only receive emergency medical care when their life is at immediate risk, and no other public benefits.
10%
Only immigrants who are lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) should be eligible, after a waiting period (for example, 5 years).
24%
All lawfully present immigrants (including visa holders, asylum seekers, and DACA recipients) should be eligible, without a waiting period.
24%
All immigrants (including undocumented immigrants) should be eligible for basic and preventive healthcare, but not other public benefits.
13%
All immigrants (regardless of legal status) should be eligible for the full range of public benefits and healthcare, the same as U.S. citizens.
12%
I don't know / I don't have an opinion on this.
8%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
No immigrants should receive any government-funded public benefits or healthcare, regardless of their legal status.10%7%0%
Immigrants should only receive emergency medical care when their life is at immediate risk, and no other public benefits.11%8%0%
Only immigrants who are lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) should be eligible, after a waiting period (for example, 5 years).24%24%0%
All lawfully present immigrants (including visa holders, asylum seekers, and DACA recipients) should be eligible, without a waiting period.23%26%0%
All immigrants (including undocumented immigrants) should be eligible for basic and preventive healthcare, but not other public benefits.15%12%25%
All immigrants (regardless of legal status) should be eligible for the full range of public benefits and healthcare, the same as U.S. citizens.10%14%47%
I don't know / I don't have an opinion on this.7%8%27%
Q21

Support for Local Sanctuary Policies

Some cities and counties have adopted policies that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. How much do you support or oppose your local government having such a policy?

(N = 1,000)
I support because local government should focus resources on local, not federal, priorities
13%
I support because it builds trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement
13%
I support because federal immigration enforcement policies are too harsh or unjust
22%
I do not support because local governments should cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies
14%
I do not support because it could put the local community at safety risk
9%
I do not support because immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility that shouldn't be blocked
14%
I don't know whether I support or do not support
15%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
I support because local government should focus resources on local, not federal, priorities13%12%21%
I support because it builds trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement16%11%0%
I support because federal immigration enforcement policies are too harsh or unjust21%23%51%
I do not support because local governments should cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies14%14%0%
I do not support because it could put the local community at safety risk10%8%0%
I do not support because immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility that shouldn't be blocked15%13%0%
I don't know whether I support or do not support11%19%27%
Q22

Abortion Legality in Own State

If you or your spouse were to have an unintended pregnancy, do you think abortion would be legal in your current state of residence without needing a specific medical or legal reason?

(N = 1,000)
43%
36%
22%
YesNoNot sure

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes44%41%51%
No35%37%27%
Not sure21%22%21%
Q23

Custody Best for the Children

Imagine a mother and father separate or divorce. Which do you think is best for the children ? To live with…

(N = 1,000)
…the mother all of the time
4%
…with both parents but mostly with the mother
18%
…about equal time with both parents regularly alternating between homes
66%
…with both parents but mostly with the father
2%
…with the father all of the time
1%
None of the above
9%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
…the mother all of the time4%4%0%
…with both parents but mostly with the mother15%21%26%
…about equal time with both parents regularly alternating between homes67%66%74%
…with both parents but mostly with the father4%1%0%
…with the father all of the time2%0%0%
None of the above9%9%0%
Q24

Custody Best for the Mother

Imagine a mother and father separate or divorce. Which do you think is the best for the mother ? The children living with…

(N = 1,000)
…the mother all of the time
5%
…the mother most of the time, while the father has regular care
22%
…both parents about equally, alternating regularly between their homes
62%
…the father most of the time, while the mother has regular care
2%
…the father all of the time
1%
None of the above
8%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
…the mother all of the time5%5%26%
…the mother most of the time, while the father has regular care21%22%0%
…both parents about equally, alternating regularly between their homes61%64%74%
…the father most of the time, while the mother has regular care3%1%0%
…the father all of the time2%0%0%
None of the above9%7%0%
Q25

Custody Best for the Father

Imagine a mother and father separate or divorce. Which do you think is the best for the father ? The children living with…

(N = 1,000)
…the mother all of the time
3%
…the mother most of the time, while the father has regular care
16%
…both parents about equally, alternating regularly between their homes
65%
…the father most of the time, while the mother has regular care
5%
…the father all of the time
2%
None of the above
8%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
…the mother all of the time3%4%0%
…the mother most of the time, while the father has regular care14%18%26%
…both parents about equally, alternating regularly between their homes63%67%74%
…the father most of the time, while the mother has regular care8%2%0%
…the father all of the time3%1%0%
None of the above8%7%0%
Q26

Dogs vs. a Person Tradeoff

Imagine you see two canoes sinking, and you only have time to save one. In one canoe is an old woman. In the other canoe, there are some dogs. How many dogs would there need to be in the canoe with dogs for you to choose to save the dog-canoe instead of the old woman's canoe?

(N = 1,000)
1-2 dogs would be enough for me to choose to save the dogs
20%
3-4 dogs would be enough
7%
5-8 dogs would be enough
3%
9-16 dogs would be enough
1%
17-32 dogs would be enough
1%
It would need to be more than 32 dogs
1%
No amount of dogs would ever be enough for me to chose to save the dogs
67%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
1-2 dogs would be enough for me to choose to save the dogs17%23%0%
3-4 dogs would be enough9%5%0%
5-8 dogs would be enough4%3%0%
9-16 dogs would be enough1%1%0%
17-32 dogs would be enough1%1%0%
It would need to be more than 32 dogs1%1%0%
No amount of dogs would ever be enough for me to chose to save the dogs67%66%100%
Q27

Personal Firearm Harm Experiences

Have you or those in your life experienced any of the following from firearms? Select all that apply.

(N = 1,000)
Emotional harm, personally
12%
Physical harm of a relative
12%
Physical harm of a friend
12%
Emotional harm of a relative
11%
Emotional harm of a friend
11%
Physical harm, personally
6%
None of the above
67%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Emotional harm, personally9%14%79%
Physical harm of a relative12%12%51%
Physical harm of a friend12%12%25%
Emotional harm of a relative10%12%51%
Emotional harm of a friend8%14%25%
Physical harm, personally5%7%0%
None of the above68%66%21%
Q28

Belief in Racial Genetic Intelligence

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Certain races may be smarter than others because of genetics.

(N = 1,000)
43%
11%
21%
10%
15%
Strongly disagreeSomewhat disagreeSomewhat agreeStrongly agreeDon't know

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Strongly disagree37%47%75%
Somewhat disagree10%11%0%
Somewhat agree25%18%0%
Strongly agree12%8%0%
Don't know15%16%25%
Q29

Judging Pay-Driven Job Switches

If you learned that someone left their previous job to take a similar position elsewhere solely because it paid more, for which of the following jobs would this make you think less of them as a professional? (Select all that apply)

(N = 1,000)
Nursing home aide (assists elderly residents with daily personal care)
10%
Nurse (provides medical care to hospital patients)
9%
Childcare worker (cares for young children at a daycare)
9%
Corporate lawyer (advises businesses on legal matters)
9%
Engineer (designs technical systems and infrastructure)
6%
Accountant (manages financial records and taxes)
6%
None of the above
71%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Nursing home aide (assists elderly residents with daily personal care)13%8%0%
Nurse (provides medical care to hospital patients)8%10%0%
Childcare worker (cares for young children at a daycare)10%8%0%
Corporate lawyer (advises businesses on legal matters)11%7%0%
Engineer (designs technical systems and infrastructure)8%4%27%
Accountant (manages financial records and taxes)7%4%27%
None of the above67%75%73%
Q30

Countries Visited Abroad

How many countries outside the United States have you visited?

(N = 1,000)
None. I never traveled outside the United States.
30%
1 country
18%
2 countries
13%
3 countries
8%
4 countries
5%
5 or more countries
25%
Don't know
0%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
None. I never traveled outside the United States.22%38%84%
1 country18%18%0%
2 countries15%11%16%
3 countries10%7%0%
4 countries5%5%0%
5 or more countries31%21%0%
Don't know0%1%0%
Q31

Confusing Bald People

How often do you confuse one bald person for another bald person?

(N = 1,000)
2%
3%
14%
14%
37%
30%
Almost all the timeOftenSometimesOccasionallyAlmost neverNever

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Almost all the time1%2%0%
Often4%3%0%
Sometimes14%14%0%
Occasionally16%12%19%
Almost never40%34%20%
Never25%35%61%
Q32

Social Media Self-Description

Which of the following best describes you on social media?

(N = 1,000)
I am currently trying to become an influencer.
6%
I have attempted to become an influencer in the past but no longer pursuing it.
6%
I want to attempt becoming an influencer in the future.
16%
I have never and do not see myself ever attempting to become an influencer.
67%
I do not use social media.
4%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
I am currently trying to become an influencer.7%5%0%
I have attempted to become an influencer in the past but no longer pursuing it.6%6%0%
I want to attempt becoming an influencer in the future.17%14%20%
I have never and do not see myself ever attempting to become an influencer.64%71%64%
I do not use social media.6%3%16%
Q33

Time Travel: Past or Future

If you could time travel for one day, would you rather spend the day traveling in the past or in the future?

(N = 1,000)
62%
38%
The pastThe future

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
The past59%64%61%
The future41%36%39%
Q34

Life Satisfaction Ladder

Please imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. Think about which step of the ladder you would say you personally feel you stand at this time. Think about on which step you will stand about five years from now. What do you think the difference in your position will be from now to then? (e.g., 3 is 3 steps up and -2 is 2 steps down).

(N = 1,000)
16%
42%
22%
9%
4%
5%
1%
Moving up 3 steps or moreMoving up 1-2 stepsStaying the sameMoving down 1-2 stepsMoving down 3 steps or someI don't knowPrefer not to say

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Moving up 3 steps or more17%15%35%
Moving up 1-2 steps42%41%45%
Staying the same22%23%0%
Moving down 1-2 steps9%10%20%
Moving down 3 steps or some5%4%0%
I don't know4%6%0%
Prefer not to say0%1%0%
Q35

Immigrant as a Neighbor

Now, I would like to ask you about foreign immigrants - people who have come to live and work in this country from another country. Please tell me whether you, personally, think an immigrant becoming your neighbor is a good thing or a bad thing?

(N = 1,000)
An extremely bad thing
4%
A somewhat bad thing
7%
Neither a good thing nor a bad thing
43%
A somewhat good thing
22%
An extremely good thing
18%
Don't know
6%
Prefer not to say
1%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
An extremely bad thing5%3%0%
A somewhat bad thing9%5%0%
Neither a good thing nor a bad thing39%47%19%
A somewhat good thing25%19%0%
An extremely good thing17%18%65%
Don't know4%7%16%
Prefer not to say1%1%0%
Q36

Drivers of Others’ Perceptions

What do you think contributes most to how you are perceived by others? My...

(N = 1,000)
6%
13%
11%
48%
8%
2%
12%
GenderAgeRaceAppearanceSocial classSexualityNone of the above

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Gender4%8%45%
Age12%14%0%
Race13%9%0%
Appearance47%48%55%
Social class10%7%0%
Sexuality2%2%0%
None of the above13%11%0%
Q37

Income Similarity to Neighbors

On a scale of 1 (not at all similar to me) to 5 (extremely similar to me), how similar in annual household income do you think you are to your neighbors?

(N = 1,000)
13%
17%
38%
18%
3%
11%
1%
Not at all similar to meA little similar to meSomewhat similar to meVery similar to meExtremely similar to meDon't knowPrefer not to say

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Not at all similar to me11%16%25%
A little similar to me14%19%0%
Somewhat similar to me41%35%40%
Very similar to me21%14%16%
Extremely similar to me2%3%0%
Don't know10%13%19%
Prefer not to say1%0%0%
Q38

Knowing AI Chatbot Companions

How many people do you know who rely on an AI chatbot as a social companion?

(N = 1,000)
68%
21%
8%
1%
1%
01-23-56-89+

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
067%69%55%
1-222%20%45%
3-58%9%0%
6-82%1%0%
9+1%2%0%
Q39

Phone Use in Bed

How often do you use a cell phone or similar device in bed before going to sleep?

(N = 1,000)
41%
24%
10%
9%
10%
6%
AlwaysVery OftenOftenSometimesRarelyNever

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Always33%47%84%
Very Often27%22%0%
Often11%10%0%
Sometimes11%8%0%
Rarely12%9%16%
Never6%5%0%
Q40

Hours Caring for Family

How many hours did you spend yesterday caring for other family members (not for pay)?

(N = 1,000)
51%
22%
12%
7%
3%
1%
4%
<1 hour1 to <3 hours3 to <6 hours6 to <9 hours9 to <12 hours12 to <15 hours15+ hours

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
<1 hour53%49%55%
1 to <3 hours25%20%0%
3 to <6 hours10%14%0%
6 to <9 hours7%7%0%
9 to <12 hours2%3%25%
12 to <15 hours1%2%0%
15+ hours1%6%20%
Q41

Recent Primary Doctor Visit

Have you scheduled an appointment with your primary doctor in the last 5 years?

(N = 1,000)
85%
15%
YesNo

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes81%88%100%
No19%12%0%
Q42

Barriers to Dental Care

What barriers prevented you from going to a dentist in the past year? Select all that apply.

(N = 1,000)
Went to the dentist in the past year
47%
Out of pocket cost
22%
No dental insurance
19%
Have no cavities
8%
Transportation
7%
Have not lost all teeth
3%
Other
9%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Went to the dentist in the past year47%47%55%
Out of pocket cost24%21%20%
No dental insurance19%20%0%
Have no cavities9%7%0%
Transportation6%8%0%
Have not lost all teeth5%2%0%
Other8%10%25%
Q43

Received Housing Assistance

Did you receive assistance to help pay for housing?

(N = 1,000)
9%
91%
YesNo

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes10%9%0%
No90%91%100%
Q44

Frequency of Calling 911

In the past 12 months, how often have you called 911 to address your pressing needs or safety concerns?

(N = 1,000)
85%
12%
2%
1%
Not in the past 12 months1 to 2 times3 to 5 times6 or more times

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Not in the past 12 months85%85%55%
1 to 2 times10%14%45%
3 to 5 times3%1%0%
6 or more times1%1%0%
Q45

Disability Status

Have you ever had any form of disability? Disability is a physical, mental, sensory, intellectual, or developmental condition that may limit a person's ability to perform certain activities or participate fully in society without support or accommodations.

(N = 1,000)
69%
31%
NoYes

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
No70%68%60%
Yes30%32%40%
Q46

Parental Influence on Career

Thinking about your education and career decisions, how much influence did your parents have on your choice of career or profession?

(N = 1,000)
35%
20%
24%
10%
6%
4%
No influence at allA little influenceSome influenceA lot of influenceExtremely strong influenceNot applicable

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
No influence at all33%38%25%
A little influence20%20%39%
Some influence27%22%0%
A lot of influence9%11%20%
Extremely strong influence7%4%16%
Not applicable3%6%0%
Q47

Lottery Spending on Child Education

Suppose you won $5,000 in a lottery. How much of it would you spend on your child’s education and enrichment (such as childcare, tutoring, school fees, books, extracurricular activities, …)?

(N = 1,000)
21%
9%
9%
12%
5%
9%
34%
None$1 to $1,000$1,001 to $2,000$2,001 to $3,000$3,001 to $4,000$4,001 to $5,000I don’t have children

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
None21%21%20%
$1 to $1,0009%10%0%
$1,001 to $2,0009%9%0%
$2,001 to $3,00013%11%0%
$3,001 to $4,0006%5%25%
$4,001 to $5,00010%8%0%
I don’t have children31%36%55%
Q48

Financial Gifts to Siblings

Thinking about all of your siblings and siblings-in-law, have you ever given them more than $500 in a year?

(N = 1,000)
Yes
30%
No
63%
I do not have siblings or siblings-in-law
7%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes38%22%20%
No57%69%80%
I do not have siblings or siblings-in-law5%9%0%
Q49

Spending on Appearance for Romance

Did you, in the last year, spend money on your physical appearance with the intent of improving your chances or your experience romantically?

(N = 1,000)
Yes, for a current romantic relationship
13%
Yes, for prospective romantic relationships
9%
No
78%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes, for a current romantic relationship13%13%20%
Yes, for prospective romantic relationships11%7%45%
No76%80%35%
Q50

Household Death & Bereavement Leave

Have you ever experienced the death of someone who lived in your household who was not covered under your employer's bereavement leave policies?

(N = 1,000)
Yes
15%
No
50%
I have not experienced the death of someone in my household
31%
My employer does not have a bereavement leave policy
4%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes15%14%20%
No54%46%55%
I have not experienced the death of someone in my household28%34%25%
My employer does not have a bereavement leave policy3%6%0%
Q51

Confusion on Gender Survey Questions

How often do you feel confused, unsure, or misunderstood when answering survey questions about gender and sexuality?

(N = 1,000)
71%
16%
11%
2%
1%
NeverRarelySometimesOftenAlways

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Never70%72%36%
Rarely13%19%20%
Sometimes14%7%19%
Often2%1%25%
Always1%1%0%
Q52

Consensual Non-Monogamy Experience

Have you ever been in a relationship where you and at least one other person mutually agreed to have sexual or romantic, or intimate relationships with other people outside of your relationship?

(N = 1,000)
77%
13%
5%
3%
1%
No, neverYes, in the pastYes, currentlyNone of the aboveI am not sure

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
No, never73%82%55%
Yes, in the past15%11%45%
Yes, currently8%2%0%
None of the above3%4%0%
I am not sure1%1%0%
Q53

Current Contraceptive Methods

What method to avoid pregnancy, if any, are you using right now? Select all that apply.

(N = 1,000)
I am not using any method to avoid pregnancy
60%
Condom
12%
Birth control pills
6%
IUD
5%
Injectable
1%
Implant
1%
Other
18%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
I am not using any method to avoid pregnancy62%58%75%
Condom18%8%0%
Birth control pills4%7%0%
IUD3%6%25%
Injectable1%1%0%
Implant1%2%0%
Other15%22%0%
Q54

Desire to Use Contraception

Do you currently want to be using any method to avoid pregnancy? That is, do you want to use, not are you using something at this time?

(N = 1,000)
76%
16%
7%
NoYesDon't know

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
No72%80%100%
Yes19%15%0%
Don't know9%5%0%
Q55

Difficulty Becoming Pregnant

Have you or your partner ever tried to become pregnant for longer than 12 months?

(N = 1,000)
Yes
11%
No - Tried but it took less than 12 months to become pregnant
33%
Not applicable - Never tried to become pregnant
56%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Yes11%11%20%
No - Tried but it took less than 12 months to become pregnant34%32%16%
Not applicable - Never tried to become pregnant55%57%64%
Q56

Fear of Pregnancy-Related Death

If you got pregnant now, how worried or afraid would you be about dying as a result of pregnancy or postpartum complications?

(N = 1,000)
Very worried or fearful
7%
Somewhat worried or fearful
11%
Not at all worried or fearful
15%
I’m not sure
5%
This doesn’t apply to me (e.g., not capable of pregnancy)
58%
Prefer not to answer
4%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Very worried or fearful4%11%0%
Somewhat worried or fearful6%16%65%
Not at all worried or fearful14%16%0%
I’m not sure5%5%19%
This doesn’t apply to me (e.g., not capable of pregnancy)69%48%16%
Prefer not to answer3%4%0%
Q57

Hormonal Contraceptive Experience

Thinking about your experience with hormonal contraceptive methods (such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, implant, or the intrauterine device (IUD)) in the past 12 months, which of the following options best describes what happened?

(N = 1,000)
I did not experience side effects and continued using the method
11%
I experienced side effects but continued using the same method
5%
I experienced side effects and switched to a different hormonal method
2%
I experienced side effects and switched to a different non-hormonal method
2%
I experienced side effects and stopped using contraception altogether
3%
I have not used hormonal contraception in the past 12 months
70%
Other
7%

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
I did not experience side effects and continued using the method9%13%25%
I experienced side effects but continued using the same method3%7%20%
I experienced side effects and switched to a different hormonal method1%2%0%
I experienced side effects and switched to a different non-hormonal method2%2%0%
I experienced side effects and stopped using contraception altogether2%4%20%
I have not used hormonal contraception in the past 12 months73%68%35%
Other10%4%0%
Q58

AI Replacing Your Job

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "AI will eventually replace your occupational position"

(N = 1,000)
7%
18%
23%
15%
30%
7%
Strongly agreeSomewhat agreeNeither agree nor disagreeSomewhat disagreeStrongly disagreeUnsure

Demographic Crosstabs

ResponseMaleFemaleOther
Strongly agree7%7%25%
Somewhat agree18%19%0%
Neither agree nor disagree23%23%0%
Somewhat disagree15%15%19%
Strongly disagree32%28%56%
Unsure5%8%0%

Survey Details

Verasight collected data for this project from June 3-8, 2026. The sample consists of 2,000 United States adults. All questions were suggested by attendees of the 2026 Population Association of America (PAA) conference. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of two modules (N = 1,000 per module), each containing an approximately equal subset of the survey questions.

The sampling criteria for this survey were:

  1. US resident
  2. Adult (age 18+)

The selection criteria for the final sample were:

  1. Passed all data quality assurance checks, outlined below

The data are weighted to match the April 2026 Current Population Survey on age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, and metropolitan status, as well as to a running three-year average of partisanship distributions from the Pew Research Center NPORS benchmarking surveys and population benchmarks of 2024 vote. The margin of sampling error, which accounts for the design effect and is calculated using the classical random sampling formula, is +/- 3.1% for both modules A and B.

All respondents were recruited via email from the Verasight Community, which is composed of individuals recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting. All Verasight community members are verified via multi-step authentication, including providing an SMS response from a mobile phone registered with a major U.S. carrier (e.g., no VOIP or internet phones) as well as within-survey technology, including verifying the absence of non-human responses with technologies such as Google reCAPTCHA v3. Those who exhibit low-quality response behaviors over time, such as straight-lining or speeding, are also removed and prohibited from further participation in the community. Verasight Community members receive points for taking surveys that can be redeemed for Venmo or PayPal payments, gift cards, or charitable donations. Respondents are never routed from one survey to another and receive compensation for every invited survey, so there is never an incentive to respond strategically to survey qualification screener questions.

To further ensure data quality, the Verasight data team implements a number of post-data collection quality assurance procedures, including confirming that all responses correspond with U.S. IP addresses, confirming no duplicate respondents, verifying the absence of non-human responses, and removing any respondents who failed in-survey attention and/or straight-lining checks. Respondents that completed the survey in less than 30% of the median completion time were removed.

Unmeasured error in this or any other survey may exist. Verasight is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research Transparency Initiative.