Colorado poll shows economic, health and political concerns

DENVER — Coloradans continue to cite the rising cost of living, housing and healthcare as top issues, with many reporting financial and mental health struggles that outpace the statewide average, according to the Colorado Health Foundation‘s 2025 Pulse Poll.

The sixth annual survey, conducted from April 19 to May 18 by a bipartisan research team, collected responses from 2,333 residents, including oversamples of Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian American Coloradans, as well as Morgan County residents.

For the first time in the poll’s history, government and politics ranked as the top concern for residents, cited by 32% of respondents. Cost of living and housing followed closely. Concerns over these three issues rose sharply during the pandemic and have remained high for the past two years.

Most Coloradans reported feeling limited ability to address these challenges through civic engagement, such as speaking at public meetings or contacting policymakers. Volunteering for organizations working on causes they care about was viewed as the most effective form of participation.

Disproportionate burdens

The poll found that younger adults, unemployed residents, lower-income households, renters, uninsured individuals, American Indian/Alaska Native people, LGBTQ+ residents and Pueblo County residents face disproportionate hardships. Members of these groups were more likely to report at least three of six major financial challenges in the past year, including delaying medical or dental care, reduced wages or hours, skipping meals or losing jobs.

“Any one of these issues is challenging enough on its own, but when you combine these factors within some of our state’s most burdened communities, the needs and opportunities for support become even more urgent,” said Maribel Cifuentes, a portfolio director at the foundation.

While the number of residents reporting significant financial sacrifices declined slightly since the pandemic, just over half said they faced financial challenges in the past year. More than one in five reported three or more hardships. Food insecurity remains a major concern, especially among Black, Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native residents. About 10% of Coloradans said they skipped meals due to affordability.

Regional and partisan divides

Top concerns were largely consistent statewide but varied by region. Urban residents were more concerned about wildfires, while suburban and rural residents prioritized crime. Morgan County respondents listed healthcare costs, drug overdoses, illegal immigration and crime as top issues.

Partisan divides were sharp on climate change, immigration, crime and reproductive rights, with differences of 45% or more between Democrats and Republicans.

When it comes to taxes, most residents said lower- and middle-income households, small businesses and their own families pay too much, while high-income earners and large corporations pay too little. Public safety, job creation, healthcare, mental health and housing ranked as the most important areas for tax spending.

Mental health strain

Fifty-six percent of respondents reported mental health strain in the past year, with politics and finances identified as the primary causes. Politics was the top contributor for Black residents and older adults, while financial concerns were highest among American Indian and Latino respondents.

Those experiencing mental health strain were more likely to express concern over a range of issues, including climate change and the treatment of immigrants. The poll did not determine whether mental health strain is a cause or result of these challenges.

Civic engagement outlook

While most residents viewed civic activities as ineffective, 37% said volunteering for organizations working on social causes was a productive way to contribute. Volunteering was seen as more effective among Black, American Indian and urban residents, while suburban residents valued public expressions of support.

Scott Downes, a portfolio director at the Colorado Health Foundation, said the poll highlights the breadth of challenges Coloradans face and the importance of community-based solutions. “We’ll continue to learn from the Pulse Poll findings, amplify the voices of Coloradans and put these insights into action to advance health equity and racial justice,” he said.

The Pulse Poll’s margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3.07 percentage points for the full sample, with a higher margin for subgroups. Additional releases of the 2025 findings are scheduled in August and September.