Poll: 87% Of Black Women Voters Say They Are Falling Behind Financially

A majority of Black women voters say they are falling behind financially, according to a 2025 poll from the Highland Project.

Key findings from the poll give more insight on Black women’s political thoughts: 50% of Black women voters said they were affected by federal job cuts, and 38% said they believe that a rigged or unfair economic system is an obstacle preventing economic mobility.

The Highland Project centers minority multi-generation communities in its mission of creating a thriving community in all aspects. It considers financial sustainability, physical health, and an overall sense of belonging. The organization was launched in 2020 by founder Gabrielle Wyatt. 

“I think in black culture… we prioritize collectivism over individualism,” Gabrielle said. “We know that we are not listened to in research, right? We know that when we look at national polls, when they say they’ve spoken to Black women, it’s about 40 of us who were surveyed, and that might be a generous thing to say. But we know that we’re not a monolith.”

The annual survey started as a way to provide representation for Black women in a political world that doesn’t always look like us.  It serves as a way to quantify the thoughts and feelings Black women hold on community and wealth nationwide.

“We know that we have distinctively different experiences, and we know we deserve to be centered in sharing how we feel, how we’re experiencing wealth, the economy and democracy,” Gabrielle said. “So, we set, first and foremost, to be an organization about reimagining the future of wealth for black communities in the nation… that we ensured all voices were at the table.”

The Highland Project surveyed roughly 700 randomly selected African American women registered to vote. The survey was conducted from May 1, 2025, to May 8, 2025, via phone.

88% of Black women voters say they are dissatisfied with the country’s direction. 

This statistic increased by 52 points since 2021. The most common phrases selected in the multiple choice question asking the participants to describe the ‘state of the country’ were “disappointed” and “going backwards.”

87% of Black women voters say they are falling behind financially.

This is not only about paying bills, but most are also thinking long-term. At the top of the list of concerns are “retirement savings” and “access to a quality education for their children.” 

Despite the challenges, a 55% majority believe this is the time to build a collective future.

Gabrielle said she believes a part of building a collective future means finding places to rest and moving more intentionally. Of the 700 participants, nearly 75% of younger Black women and moms have stopped following the news for their own mental health. 

“I think what stands out in this data is that a majority are saying, ‘No. We believe now is the time to protect our rights and build a collective future,'” she said. “And, I deeply believe that the 55% is a nuanced response, that folks still are finding places to rest, that they’re not moving from a place of constant reaction and constant crisis, that they’re making choices like, ‘I’m not going to protest, because I’m actually more focused on building the future part right now.’”

The statistics demonstrate the political crisis that impacts black women in our day to day lives. And may serve as a reminder to women that they are not alone. 

The goal is “abundant choice” which Gabrielle says is rooted in financial freedom, belonging, and the thriving health of ourselves and our communities.

“I think if we begin to name like, where there are actually shared values, shared visions of what the future could look like, there might be something there that emerges… that impacts [us] all in positive ways,” Gabrielle said.