Here’s how the US ranks COVID-19 and other issues ahead of Election Day

States are nearly unanimous in considering COVID-19 the top problem that the nation faces. But there’s no consensus on the next biggest issue, according to a new survey by researchers from Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers.

The map below shows the percentage of citizens in each state who view COVID-19 as the top problem facing the country right now. COVID-19 was the top concern in every state but Alaska, where it was second to climate change.

Percentage of Americans saying that COVID-19 is the most important problem facing the country today

SOURCE: The COVID-19 Consortium for Understanding the Public’s Policy Preferences Across States. covidstates.org.
While most agree  about the threat the pandemic continues to pose, states were much more divided on what else ails the nation. The next map shows which issue placed second in each state.

Second most important problem facing the country today

SOURCE: The COVID-19 Consortium for Understanding the Public’s Policy Preferences Across States. covidstates.org.
Below, use the dropdown menu to explore how opinions on the nation’s biggest obstacles differ across age group, political party and racial identification.

For media inquiries, please contact Shannon Nargi at s.nargi@northeastern.edu or 617-373-5718.