A recent statewide poll finds rural Nebraskans clearly concerned about the economy heading into 2024. But the poll, taken before war broke out in the Middle East, has some good news in it as well.

[View our full video report above]

As we reported earlier the 2023 Nebraska Rural Poll finds small town-rural Nebraskans increasingly down about the near future and, according to the poll, the economy appears to be a driving force behind those concerns.

Here’s the numbers: Looking ahead to 2024, when it comes to grocery prices, inflation, housing costs and interest rates, a vast majority—70 percent—expect to see those costs rising.

At the same time 25 percent see those increases as “significant” and that’s down from 50 percent last year.

When asked what educational changes lead to a “good job” 70 percent said an associate or bachelor’s degree, while 90 percent said completing an apprenticeship makes that good job more likely.

By the way, as we also reported earlier, despite their economic concerns, 83 percent of those polled say their mental health is good or excellent.