Poll: Few people think racism is the U.S.'s 'most important problem'

A new poll finds that few people view racism as the “most important problem” facing the United States.

Gallup conducted telephone interviews earlier this month, asking a random sample of over 1,000 adults a variety of questions, including, “What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?” The most common answers related to the economy (17%), government dissatisfaction (15%), and immigration (9%).

Only 3% of respondents said they felt race relations or racism was the most important problem facing the U.S. Gallup observes that this percentage has declined over the past year. In July, it was at 9%. Last December, it was at 13%.

These findings feel out of step with the present moment—a time when students are protesting institutionalized racism on college campuses nationwide. But Gallup notes that its interviews were completed before the University of Missouri protests began last week.