Was 2024 the worst year ever? Poll reveals where Americans stand

How was your year? The average American rates 2024 as six out of 10 according to new research.

That’s the verdict of a poll of 2,000 Americans who were asked to rate the overall year out of 10, and which saw respondents vote for a notable average of 6.1 points overall.

The most common score given was an extremely okay five out of 10, although a more positive 30% of people said this year has been an eight out of 10 or higher for them.

And while it was a growing year for many, the survey looked at the ways Americans considered the year memorable. When respondents were asked what made the year stand out for them, the top answer was a heart answer: “reconnecting with an old relative or family member.”

The survey, conducted by Talker Research, determined the 20 most memorable things for Americans in 2024 and saw many people identify factors like personal growth, getting a new pet or learning a new skill as important to them.

Also on the list of memorable events in 2024 was an adventure in a new country, starting a new job and buying a car.

Respondents were shown a curated list of common life experiences and were able to choose memorable moments applicable to them this year – the average respondent chose three significant moments.

The theme of personal growth was also prominent in the results, with 67% of the 2,000 respondents feeling they had some sort of growth in the past year.

Only 18% thought they had no growth at all, while 15% were not sure if they had grown or not.

Of those who say they saw growth in 2024, over half (52%) felt they saw improvements in their personal lives, while 38% saw developments in their mental and emotional lives.

Twenty-nine percent felt they had made improvements in their physical health and fitness and a quarter (25%) felt they had made progress in their financial life in the past 12 months.

HOW AMERICA SAYS 2024 (OUT OF 10 – WITH 10 NOT COMPLIANT)

1. 5%
2. 4%
3. 6%
4. 8%
5. 17%
6. 13%
7. 17%
8. 16%
9. 6%
10. 8%

AVERAGE = 6.1 / 10

WHAT EVENTS MADE 2024 MEMORABLE FOR AMERICANS?

1. Reconnecting with an old friend or family member – 17%
2. Creative and personal growth – 12%
3. Got a new pet – 12%
4. I learned a new skill or hobby – 12%
5. Volunteered or contributed to a cause – 11%
6. Visited a new country or city – 10%
7. Overcame a major health challenge – 9%
8. Made a new best friend – 9%
9. Started a new job – 9%
10. I experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event (eg, eclipse, concert) – 9%
11. Made significant progress on a fitness goal – 9%
12. Pay off significant debt (eg student loans, credit card) – 8%
13. I bought a car – 8%
14. Achieved a savings or financial goal – 7%
15. Celebrated an important birthday – 7%
16. Attended a major event or festival – 7%
17. Achieved a bucket list goal – 7%
18. Quit smoking or another habit – 7%
19. Went on a dream vacation – 6%
20. Moved to a new house or city – 6%

Survey methodology:

speaker The research surveyed 2,000 Americans. The survey was commissioned by Talker News and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between December 13 and 19, 2024.