Michigan State Rankings: Perception vs. Reality

Voters consistently rank Michigan around 25-29 out of 50 states across key metrics. The reality shows Michigan ranking near the bottom in most categories. Shorter bars indicate worse rankings.

Size of population with a college degree
Voter Perception
25.6/50 states
Actual Rank
33/50 states
Student reading performance
Voter Perception
26.8/50 states
Actual Rank
44/50 states
Average income per person
Voter Perception
27.4/50 states
Actual Rank
40/50 states
Ability to attract high-technology jobs
Voter Perception
27.9/50 states
Actual Rank
45/50 states
Unemployment rate
Voter Perception
28.6/50 states
Actual Rank
45/50 states

Data Center Awareness

Just over half of Michigan voters have heard about data centers. Among those aware, most hold neutral views, with opposition outweighing support by nearly 5 to 1.

57.2%
Aware: 57.2%
Not Aware: 42.4%

Among those who are aware...

65.7%are neutral, 25.3% opposed, and 5.2% supportive

Is Michigan on the Right Track?

Nearly half of Michigan voters believe the state is heading in the right direction, while just over a third think it's on the wrong track.

Right Track: 49.6%
Wrong Track: 37.1%
Undecided: 13.3%

Economic Outlook

While most voters report stable or improved economic conditions, concern about job availability has reached its lowest point since tracking began.

When asked how they are doing compared to last year...

55.2%say they are doing the same, 20% better, and 24.6% worse

When asked if good jobs are available...

49.8%say yes, 34.6% say no, and 15.6% are unsure

Among 18-29 year olds...

41%say they have lost a job or cannot find one

High-Tech Jobs Matter to Voters

An overwhelming majority of Michigan voters believe attracting high-tech jobs is important for the state's future.

90.4%
Important: 90.4%
Not Important: 8.5%

And of those who said important...

58.6%said it was very important

The Compromise Paradox

Voters overwhelmingly want both parties to work together, but are deeply skeptical about whether Washington can deliver. Lansing fares slightly better in voter confidence.

91%

Want Both Parties
to Compromise

76%

Say that Washington
Cannot Compromise

50.6%

Say that Lansing
Cannot Compromise

2026 Gubernatorial Race

The race for Michigan governor remains tight among the top three candidates, with Mike Duggan holding a slight edge across all voter categories.

Registered Voters
Jocelyn Benson
27.8%
Mike Duggan
29.8%
John James
28.3%
Refused
13.1%
Other
1%
Likely Voters
Jocelyn Benson
28%
Mike Duggan
30.1%
John James
28.9%
Refused
12%
Other
1%
Definite Voters
Jocelyn Benson
30.9%
Mike Duggan
30.3%
John James
29.5%
Refused
8.3%
Other
1%
Jocelyn Benson
Mike Duggan
John James

Head-to-Head Matchups

In hypothetical one-on-one contests, Mike Duggan leads against both major opponents. The Benson vs. James matchup shows the closest race.

Duggan vs. Benson

Duggan: 53.4%
Benson: 31.3%

Duggan vs. James

Duggan: 57.2%
James: 29.5%

Benson vs. James

Benson: 44.6%
James: 40.4%