AP-NORC America 250 Poll

June 8, 2026

This July 4^th will mark the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As America approaches this milestone, only a third of the public feel the American Dream, the belief that if you work hard, you’ll get ahead, still holds true today. Half say that while the American Dream once held true, it does not anymore. Few, only 15%, say that the American Dream has never been true.

These findings are consistent with previous WSJ/NORC polls in which 31% of adults in 2025 and 34% in 2024 said the American Dream still holds true.

Not all adults are equally likely to believe that the American dream exists. Republicans are more than twice as likely than both independents and Democrats to believe that the American Dream still holds true (57% vs. 24% and 17%, respectively). Additionally, men are more likely than women (39% vs. 29%), and older adults are more likely than younger adults to believe in it. Nearly half of adults 60 and older (46%) still believe in the American Dream compared with only a fifth of adults ages 18-29 (22%). White adults are more likely than Black adults to believe that the American Dream currently holds true (40% vs. 19%) while Black adults are more likely to feel that the American Dream has never been true (30% vs. 12%).

Adults born within and outside of the United States are similarly likely to believe that the American Dream still exists.

Americans’ views of the American Dream are closely tied to how they see their own economic prospects. Although few adults feel confident about their financial future, those who say the American Dream still holds true are more likely than others to feel confident they can find a good job, save enough for retirement, cover an unexpected medical expense, and buy a new home.