51% of U.S. adults say American Dream is out of reach for most: CNBC survey

Key Points:

• A CNBC and SurveyMonkey survey found that just over half of Americans believe the American Dream is currently out of reach for most people, with 45% saying it is achievable only for some and 6% saying it is not attainable for anyone.
• Major financial barriers cited include cost of living (80%), housing prices (60%), healthcare costs (nearly 50%), and low wages, contributing to growing pessimism about economic fairness and upward mobility.
• The survey revealed that 72% of Americans associate the American Dream with financial stability, followed by homeownership, happiness, and freedom to pursue passions, yet many feel financial stability is elusive amid economic challenges.
• Political and demographic divides are evident: 70% of Republican-leaning respondents believe the Dream is attainable for most, compared to 26% of Democrats, while Gen Z men and women differ in priorities such as marriage, children, and career aspirations.
• Despite concerns, 44% of respondents feel they have already achieved the American Dream, and 55% of those who haven't remain confident they will, reflecting more optimism about personal futures than about the nation as a whole.