Survey: Federal Cuts Hit 55% of DMV Households

A Gallup–Greater Washington Community Foundation survey found that 55% of residents in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region say federal workforce cuts negatively affected someone in their household, including 66% in Washington, D.C., and 62% in Arlington County and Alexandria. The effects have reached contractors, local businesses and families through lost income and clients, reduced access to programs, rising financial pressure and, in some cases, reliance on public assistance or plans to leave the region. The region has lost more federal jobs than any other major U.S. metro area, and only 4% of residents said the cuts benefited them. Impact was also reported by 58% of households earning at least $90,000, compared with 48% of lower-income households. Residents’ positive assessments of local job availability fell from 65% in 2023 to 51% in 2026, while concerns about affordable housing remain widespread.