For April 2013

Xavier University’s American Dream Composite Index™ (ADCI) measures the extent to which people living in the United States achieve the American Dream.  The ADCI is based on a random sample of no fewer than 1,000 adults who are surveyed online each month, with at least 400 respondents recurring from the previous month.

The monthly samples are representative, based on the most recent 2010 U.S. Census, of adults living in the U.S.  Demographics capture age, income, ethnicity/race, gender, level of education, state/region of residence, marital status, homeowner status, and employment status.

The results of the ADCI survey are made available to the public on a monthly basis.  Fluctuations in the ADCI across various dimensions of the American Dream are documented and assessed.  The ADCI survey can facilitate comparisons across individuals, cities, states, countries, and regions.

The American Dream Composite Index™ in April 2013 is 64.74, a decrease of 0.20% compared the previous month reading of 64.61 in March 2013. For the month of April, the five components of the ADCI performed as follows: the American Dream Economic Index™ was 62.98 (+0.37% from March), the American Dream Well-Being Index™ was 70.07 (+0.57% from March), the American Dream Societal Index™ was 53.85 (-0.11% from March), the American Dream Diversity Index™ was 74.18 (-0.30% from March), and the American Dream Environment Index™ (ADEVI) was 67.90 (-1.71% from March).

The American Dream Economic Index™ (ADEI) was higher by 0.37% compared to its 62.75 reading in March 2013. The increase in the ADEI is attributed to an increase in Financial Security, Job Benefits, Job Environment, Home Ownership, Health Care, and Destinations in Life. However, there was a decrease in Generational Progress and Freedom of Choice while Access to Education remained virtually unchanged.

The American Dream Well-Being Index™ (ADWI) was higher by 0.57% compared to its 69.67 reading in March 2013. Survey respondents reported an increase in Personal Health, Happiness, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Support of Someone Special, Fruits of my Labor, Support of Friends, Freedom of Expression, Optimism, and Social Status. However, there was some decrease in the level of satisfaction with Satisfaction with Residence, Family Support, and Leisure Activities.

The American Dream Societal Index™ (ADSI) decreased by 0.11% from its 53.91 reading in March 2013. While the survey respondents’ view of Safety in Travel, Trust in Business, Trust in Government, and Just Society was less favorable compared to the previous month, there was an increase in the level of satisfaction with respect to Education Quality, Civic Participation, and Trust in People. There was no significant change in the respondents’ level of satisfaction with Safety in Community.

The American Dream Diversity Index™ (ADDI) decreased by 0.30% from its March 2013 reading of 74.40. This decrease was due to a less favorable response regarding the level of satisfaction with diversity – both personal and within one’s neighborhood, as well as the attitudes towards those who are different from themselves. However, there was an increase in the level of satisfaction with Political Freedom.

The American Dream Environment Index™ (ADEVI) decreased by 1.71% from its March 2013 level of 69.08. The decrease in the ADEVI is owing to a lower level of satisfaction with all the underlying dimensions: disposal of waste, sewage and sanitation, noise, natural water sources, food, air quality, and water quality.