Poll: What are Montanans Struggling to Afford?

Many Montanans are increasingly struggling to afford healthcare, fuel and groceries, according to a Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll of registered voters conducted in late April and early May.

Jeffrey Michael, director of the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, explained that inflation is at the top of people's minds as prices increase and the cost of living remains high. The U.S. consumer price index jumped 3.8% last month from April 2025.

"Housing continues to be expensive, but for the most part has stabilized," Michael said. "It's not one of the drivers anymore...