KFF-AP Poll: Rural Voters’ Economic Frustration Tests Trump’s Support

Press, in partnership with KFF, surveyed more than 2,000 rural registered voters over two weeks beginning in mid‑August. The survey captured attitudes about national and local economies, pocketbook concerns, and reactions to recent policy developments and costs that affect daily life.

Top economic concerns in rural communities

How rural voters view President Trump

The poll shows a mixed picture for President Trump among rural voters. Roughly half of rural voters approve of his overall job performance. Approval on the economy is lower: only about 4 in 10 rural voters approve of his handling of the economy. Rural Republicans are more likely than independents or Democrats to say Trump has improved the national economy — about 6 in 10 Republicans — but only about 45% of rural Republicans say their local economies are better off under Trump.

The survey surfaced signs of potential erosion in turnout. Some respondents — including registered Republicans who have voted in past elections — said they might not cast ballots in the midterms. The poll also found that about 1 in 4 rural voters say there are fewer good‑paying jobs where they live than five years ago.

The reporting includes on‑the‑ground comments that illustrate the survey findings. Ed Westrick, a Republican and veteran in rural Texas, called Trump's performance "mediocre, middle‑of‑the‑road" and is unsure whether he will vote in the midterms. Brittainy Sosebee, an independent voter in Michigan who voted for Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020 but skipped the 2024 election, described tighter household finances and growing anxiety about grocery bills.

The findings suggest rural voters remain a base for Republican candidates, but economic frustration is widespread and could affect turnout and margins. Many rural voters have not abandoned support for Trump, yet substantial portions say they have not experienced the improvements he promised, particularly in local economies and household expenses. That tension — approval combined with disappointment on daily costs — creates uncertainty for November's midterm contests.

The AP‑KFF poll finds rural Americans are worried about rising costs and local economic decline. Their views of President Trump are mixed: a sizable share still approves, especially on the national economy among Republicans, but many rural voters do not feel economic relief in their communities. Whether that translates into lower turnout or shifts in voting patterns will be a central question for the midterms.