Nuclear war within three years seems unlikely to half of Americans

Oct 1–11, 2024 · n = 1,000 · MoE ±3.4%Source report ↗

Core finding

In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted Oct. 1 to 11, 2024, 50% of Americans said a nuclear war in the next three years is unlikely. This includes 27% who said unlikely and 23% who said very unlikely.

About a third said a nuclear war in this window is likely (32%), with 24% who said likely and 8% who said very likely. Another 19% said they do not know.

Topline scale

50% of Americans say nuclear war within three years is unlikely.

In your opinion, how likely is a nuclear war in the next 3 years?

Unlikely
26.7%
Likely
23.6%
Very Unlikely
22.8%
Don’t Know
18.8%
Very Likely
8.0%

n = 1,000 · Oct 1–11, 2024 · MoE ±3.4%

Net findings combine adjacent response options from the same scale.
ModeVerasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
PopulationUS adults age 18+
Field datesOct 1–11, 2024
Base (unweighted)1,000
Margin of error±3.4%
Modulepol
SponsorVerasight
Weight variableweight
Weighting targetsage, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

Sources

  1. 01

    In your opinion, how likely is a nuclear war in the next 3 years?

    verasight-apsa-2024.tiiny.co

Cite this question

Verasight APSA Omnibus Survey #2024-103, fielded October 1-11, 2024, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.4%.