Multiple times a year, our statewide Wilder School Commonwealth Poll provides policymakers with an up-to-date snapshot of public opinion on current policy issues in the commonwealth. On this page you'll find information about recent poll highlights, as well as poll data organized by topic and by date.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Virginians see inflation and rising cost of living as top issues
Poll Highlights
Our most recent poll was conducted from July 14-25, 2023, with results released August 8, 2023. The poll asked Virginians for their perspectives on:
- Inflation and rising costs of living
- The value of a four-year degree
- Women's reproductive rights
- Virginia's budget surplus
- Climate change impacts
- The future of artificial intelligence
- K-12 standards for history classes
- Affirmative action rulings
Virginians share thoughts on key issues
36%
believe inflation is the key issue facing Virginia
47%
see the value of a four-year degree
59%
have felt impacts of climate change
48%
want the budget surplus used for special projects
Our recent Wilder School poll showed Virginians are concerned about the costs of living. I’ve always had a one-word definition for politics, money; and the people are likewise focused on inflation and the skyrocketing cost of living.
Governor L. Douglas Wilder
66th Governor of Virginia
We are proud to have the Wilder School’s Commonwealth Poll selected as a Presidential Election Poll by CNN Politics for the first time in VCU’s history. Selection as a CNN-approved poll solidifies the Commonwealth Poll among the top polling operations in the nation while elevating the voice of Virginians.
Methodology
Our most recent poll was conducted from July 14-25, 2023, with results released in August 2023. The methodology is as follows:
- 804 adult Virginians surveyed
- Phone survey (Landlines/Cell) – dual sample design on listed landline numbers and random digit dialed (RDD) cell phone numbers
- Sample weighted by demographics: gender, age, education, race, Hispanic origin, and region
- Overall margin of error: +/- 5.46 percentage points
References
For more information about the results, questions, and data, visit the links below:
- August 3, 2023: Virginians favor Youngkin over Biden for president
- August 8, 2023: Virginians see inflation and rising cost of living as most important issues facing the commonwealth
For a comprehensive list of past poll questions, visit our Poll Guidebook.