Oregon Public Broadcasting

The economy may be on the mend, but Northwest residents continue to feel economic angst. That's one of the findings in a new poll for Northwest public radio stations.

People throughout the region remain concerned about their own finances, but are especially worried about the economy in their home state. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has more.

The survey polled 1,200 Washington, Oregon and Idaho residents earlier this month.

Eight in ten say they're either very worried or somewhat worried about their state's economy. More than two-thirds are also concerned about their family's personal financial situation.

Pollster Adam Davis says in 30 years of public opinion surveys, he's never seen this level of persistent economic anxiety.

Adam Davis: "This recession is affecting people's dream as they relate to their retirement, as it relates to their legacy in terms of having something perhaps to pass on to their children and grandchildren. That's in jeopardy."

Economic concerns are especially acute in Oregon compared to Washington and Idaho.

The survey was a collaboration of the Northwest Health Foundation, pollsters Davis, Hibbitts and Midghall and Northwest public radio stations.

On the Web: 

NW OpinionScape