Report Authors:
Matthew May, Survey Research Director, School of Public Service
Lantz McGinnis-Brown, Research Scholar, Idaho Policy Institute
Vanessa Fry, Director, Idaho Policy Institute
Anthony Bertelsen, Intern, Idaho Policy Institute
About the Survey
The Tenth Annual Idaho Public Policy Survey was conducted November 9-14, 2024, and surveyed 1,000 adults who currently live in Idaho. The sample is representative of the state’s population, both geographically and demographically, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The sample included respondents in 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties. Responses were weighted to ensure representativeness of Idaho’s demographics. The survey covered a wide variety of topics, including the economy, taxes, elections, education, housing, and healthcare. GS Strategy Group fielded the survey by cell phone (38%), landline phone (11%), online (40%), and text message (11%).
Key Findings
Idahoans believe the state is headed in the right direction, showing an increase for the first time in six years.
More Idahoans expect Idaho’s economy to get better for the first time since 2020.
For the second consecutive year, workforce and affordable housing is Idahoans’ top overall legislative budget priority.
Increased teacher pay is Idahoans’ top education budget priority.
A majority of Idahoans say they oppose (53%) the use of tax dollars to pay for a private or religious school.
Nearly half of Idahoans (49%) say access to health care is difficult in the state.
39% of Idahoans say increasing the number of immigrants helps Idaho’s economy, but that proportion grows to 46% when discussing legal immigrants specifically.
A majority of Idahoans (55%) believe that abortion should be permitted in Idaho through at least the first trimester.
A majority (64%) also believe that exceptions for abortion access should be expanded.
A majority of Idahoans (51%) have concerns about the security of elections in the United States, but less than a quarter (22%) have concerns about the security in Idaho itself.
A majority of Idahoans are concerned about campaign spending by independent groups in Idaho.
The Idaho Public Policy Survey polled 1,000 Idahoans representing 42 of Idaho’s 44 counties.
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