{"id":109030,"date":"2026-02-08T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/au\/?p=109030"},"modified":"2026-02-06T23:58:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T12:58:17","slug":"biggest-worry-australians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/au\/biggest-worry-australians\/","title":{"rendered":"New Survey Reveals the Biggest Worry for Australians Right Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you think about the biggest worries on Australians\u2019 minds, you might assume it\u2019s all about the economy. You\u2019d be right \u2014 to an extent. But what this new Gallup survey shows is far more worrying. While other countries are fixated on economic growth, Aussies are feeling the weight of something much more fundamental: food and housing.<\/p>\n

The Real Concerns: Food and Shelter<\/h2>\n

Gallup\u2019s recent global survey<\/a> asked around 1,000 people from 107 countries about their top concerns, and the results are eye-opening. While many countries are concerned about economic growth, Australians are more focused on basic needs. In fact, about 3% of Australians listed food and housing as their main worries \u2014 a percentage that\u2019s higher than most other developed nations.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, Australia ranks third on the list of countries where housing crises are most significant. Along with Ireland and Canada, Australians are grappling with rising house prices, limited affordable housing, and a growing divide between the haves and the have-nots. It\u2019s no wonder that younger Australians are particularly feeling the strain, as they\u2019re being priced out of the housing market.<\/p>\n

Housing Satisfaction Hits Rock Bottom<\/h2>\n

The survey also highlighted a sharp decline in satisfaction with housing availability<\/a> in Australia. In just a decade, the percentage of Australians satisfied with affordable housing dropped from almost 50% to just 25%. That\u2019s a huge shift, and it speaks volumes about how difficult it is for many to find a place to live, let alone buy. The issue isn’t just homeownership; even renting has become an unaffordable nightmare for many.<\/p>\n

This dissatisfaction comes at a time when rents and property prices are skyrocketing. The demand for homes continues to outstrip supply, pushing up prices even further. And let\u2019s not forget that young adults are now at the greatest disadvantage, with wages failing to keep up with rising costs.<\/p>\n

Rising Living Costs and Inflation<\/h2>\n

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that living costs for households rose across the board in the 12 months leading up to the December 2025 quarter. The increase ranged from 2.3% to 4.2%, with housing, food, and non-alcoholic drinks contributing most to the pressure. Inflation continues to outpace wage growth, and it\u2019s eating into household budgets. These increasing costs, combined with higher interest rates, make it harder for Aussies to keep up.<\/p>\n

Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the struggle, pointing to both temporary factors like the energy rebate and travel costs, and persistent issues like housing affordability. Despite measures to help, many are still left trying to juggle basic expenses like food and rent.<\/p>\n

A Rising Tide of Concern<\/h2>\n

The growing concern over food and housing in Australia signals deeper issues with the country\u2019s economic structure. While we often focus on economic growth, it\u2019s clear that many Australians can\u2019t even afford the basics anymore. The increase in the cost of living, combined with stagnant wages and an under-supplied housing market, leaves people wondering how they\u2019re supposed to keep up.<\/p>\n

What does all of this mean for the future? Well, if housing affordability and food security continue to slip away from ordinary Australians, the problem will only get worse. It\u2019s time for the government and policymakers to focus on these fundamental issues\u2014because if we can\u2019t get the basics right, it\u2019s hard to see how we\u2019ll move forward. The good news? This survey shines a light on the problem. The bad news? We need some real action before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n

Across 107 countries and areas, the economy is the most frequently cited national problem. A median of 23% of adults name economic issues as their country\u2019s top concern.

Full story in Gallup\u2019s The World\u2019s Most Important Problem report: https:\/\/t.co\/Pou1SiSkMS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/5HdmqD0oo3<\/a><\/p>— Gallup (@Gallup) February 4, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>