Monthly Sentiment Survey
Every month, we poll Massachusetts residents on key issues impacting their quality of life and gauge overall sentiment on the Commonwealth’s current state. Read a more in-depth analysis of our polling data here.
Updated August 2025
55% of residents Agree
that Massachusetts is headed in the right direction, while 29% do not.
Residents reported 7.0/10
as the average rating for Massachusetts quality of life.
30% of residents Agree
that life is improving in Mass. compared to last year, while 40% think it stayed the same.
Monthly Polling Analysis from MOA
Tax Cut Gets Majority Support Across Demographic Groups
The Mass Opportunity Alliance recently highlighted two big ideas that could boost the state’s competitiveness and address high cost of living concerns expressed time and time again by taxpayers. One in particular would reduce the state income tax rate from 5% to 4%.
A recent poll of 1,000 Massachusetts voters shows they want a tax cut, regardless of income bracket, demographic group, or party affiliation.
Potential Ballot Measures: Income Tax Cuts, More Taxpayer Refunds
Two big ideas to increase competitiveness in MA. The first: Cutting the income tax from five percent to four percent. The second: Encouraging fiscal responsibility by returning more money to taxpayers.
POLLING: Bay Staters Sweating High Energy Costs Want Practical Solutions
MOA’s latest polling shows that voters want pragmatic solutions to increasingly high energy costs.
POLLING: Housing and Taxes Drive the Governor’s Race
MOA’s latest polling shows that voters want kitchen table economics to be the focus of the 2026 election cycle.
POLLING: Higher Taxes Won’t Lead to Better Government Services
MOA’s latest polling shows that majority of surveyed Mass. residents recognize that higher taxes won’t solve the Bay State’s problems.
Capping Charity: How Deduction Limits Could Cost Massachusetts Charities
One thing that has remained consistent over the past 25 years is Massachusetts residents’ opposition to capping charitable tax deductions.
POLLING: Bay Staters Not Sweet on Taxing Candy
MOA’s latest polling shows that majority of surveyed Mass. residents oppose tax hikes.
Residents Reject Congestion Pricing As a Means to Tame Traffic
MOA’s latest polling shows that 58 percent of surveyed Mass. residents oppose congestion pricing in Boston to reduce traffic.
Businesses Shouldn’t Pay for the State’s UI Mistake
Massachusetts inadvertently misallocated federal relief funds to pay state unemployment benefits, resulting in a $2.5 billion debt. The pressing question now is: how will the Commonwealth address this financial obligation without further burdening its businesses and residents?
POLLING: ‘Tis The Season for Financial Stress?
MOA’s latest polling shows that 52 percent of surveyed Mass. residents think that addressing the cost of living crisis should be lawmakers’ focus in 2025.
POLLING: Residents Expect Energy Cost Squeeze This Winter
New polling from the University of New Hampshire shows that a majority of Massachusetts residents are worried about winter heating costs.
Turkey Troubles: What Could Be Driving Up the Cost of Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?
The cost of living in Massachusetts may be putting a damper on this festive holiday.
POLLING: 80% of High School Parents Support Standardized Tests
New polling from MOA shows that a majority of Massachusetts residents — especially parents and caregivers — support standardized testing.
Data Dive: Massachusetts Taxes are Top Concern for Young, Hispanic, and Suburban Residents
In 2022, Massachusetts had more people leaving the state than moving into the state — over 45,000 more to be exact.
POLLING: Cost of Living and Taxes Are Top Threats to Mass Competitiveness
Our latest polling data suggests rising cost of living concerns are threatening overall quality of life in Massachusetts. But many may not yet realize it.
Detailed Sentiment Trend Data
Want to learn more about opportunity in Massachusetts?