According to the most recent census data, Americans in the South and Southeast are facing particular challenges in meeting their everyday expenses compared to those in other regions. This is significant because while consumers across the country are grappling with increasing prices, some areas are experiencing greater difficulty in making ends meet.
The U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey revealed that about 37% of American adults in households found it somewhat or very challenging to afford typical expenses between late June and late July. Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia have the highest percentage of adults struggling to afford their basic needs, while states such as New York, Hawai'i, and Arizona also stand out for the difficulties their residents are facing. On the other hand, Washington, D.C., Vermont, and Minnesota have the fewest residents reporting such challenges.
This data illustrates that economic difficulties are prevalent across the country, but the distribution is not uniform.