The U.S. Fact File

By interviewing 1,000 American adults over a three-day period, twice a week, every week of the year, we have learned a wealth of information for our clients on a wide variety of topics, from products to current events. By taking a step back and looking at what has been collected over the course of the year, we came across some interesting patterns of results, and the numbers that either confirm or refute stereotypes people carry about the structure of public attitudes.

The above are some interesting tidbits about the American public from over 12,000 interviews conducted by Ipsos U.S. Express from June to November, 2003.

How do Republicans differ from Democrats?

• Republicans are more likely to be married. 68% of Republicans are married, compared to 55% of Democrats.
• Females are more likely to be Democrats. 52% of women are Democrats while only 41% of males are Democrats.
• Republicans are more likely to be homeowners. 82% of Republicans own homes versus 73% of Democrats.
• Democrats are more likely to live in urban areas. 32% of Democrats live in cities, compared with only 23% of Republicans.
• Republicans are more optimistic about the country and the economy. When asked is our country is headed in the right direction, 66% of Republicans agreed, while only 21% of Democrats agreed. Similarly, 47% of Republicans are optimistic about the economy, while only 24% of Democrats feel the economy will be stronger in the next 6 months.
• Republicans are more comfortable making a major purchase such as a car or home now compared to 6 months ago, with 48% of Republicans agreeing that they would consider making a major purchase, compared to only 24% of Democrats
• Democrats are more likely to have come into contact with someone they know losing their job recently due to the economy. 56% of Democrats know someone personally who lost a job in the past 6 months due to economic conditions, compared with 33% of Republicans, and Democrats are also more likely to feel that either they or someone they know personally will lose a job in the next 6 months (28% versus only 11% of Republicans).

How do homeowners differ from renters?

• People who own a home are more likely to be registered voters (83% to 57% of those who rent)
• 59% of those in urban areas are homeowners while 73% of suburban homes and 76% of rural homes are homeowners.
• Those who own a home are more likely than those who rent to say the country is going in the right direction (44% vs. 36%)
• Renters are more optimistic about their own financial situation the next 6 months (49% think their own financial situation will be stronger in the next 6 months vs. only 34% of those who are homeowners)
• Homeowners are much more likely to invest in stocks, bonds or mutual funds (61% vs. only 27% of renters)

And finally, did you know... ?

• 37% of those in the South are considered Born again vs. 21% of the rest of the country.
• Median age for white Americans is older than other Americans (45.3 years vs. 35.3 years)
• Males are more likely than females to think the country is going in the right direction (45% vs. 38%).
• Blacks are much more likely than whites to say the country is heading on the wrong track (71% vs. 50%)
• Baby Boomers are the most likely to say the local economy in their area is weak (38%). Only 31% of Generation Next believe the economy is weak. Perhaps the Baby Boomers are paying for everything for Generation Next!