The 2024 Hoosier Survey, conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University, identifies Indiana residents’ top three policy priorities heading into the new year: school safety, public safety, and healthcare.

Notably, this year’s Hoosier Survey—an annual, non-partisan public policy study that gauges public opinion on key social and political issues—found that these priorities are shared across political affiliations, according to Dr. Kevin Smith, interim director of the Bowen Center for Public Affairs and associate dean of Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities.

“The 2024 Hoosier Survey provides an essential look at the issues that matter most to Indiana residents,” Dr. Smith said. “As we enter the new year, It’s clear that Hoosiers want a focus on school safety, public safety, and healthcare—critical priorities that cross political lines. This survey serves as a valuable tool for guiding policymakers by reflecting the voices and concerns of everyday Indiana citizens.”

The 2024 Hoosier Survey, conducted Nov. 6-7, included responses from 615 Indiana adults. Key findings from this year’s survey included questions about:

  • School Safety and Public Safety
    Nearly 70 percent of respondents identified school safety as a “very important” priority, while public safety also ranked among the top issues across all demographics and political affiliations.

    “School safety is a concern that resonates universally,” Dr. Smith said. “These findings indicate that Hoosiers want to ensure their communities and schools are secure, regardless of political differences.”

  • Healthcare Access
    Healthcare ranked as a leading issue for Hoosiers, with 68 percent marking it as “very important.” Concerns over affordability, accessibility and especially transparency remain central themes in the public discourse. Only 20 percent of respondents report that healthcare providers often or always explain the costs associated with appointments/procedures, and only one in three report that providers explain whether appointments/procedures are covered by insurance.

    “Ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare is consistently referenced as a priority, highlighting the challenges many Indiana residents face,” Dr. Smith noted. “This data underscores the need for bipartisan efforts to address healthcare concerns effectively.”

  • Marijuana Legalization
    Support for marijuana legalization remains robust, with 62 percent favoring recreational and medicinal legalization and an additional 25 percent supporting medicinal-only legalization. Support varies by education level, with 70 percent of those without college education favoring full legalization, compared to 51 percent of respondents with a four-year degree or higher.

    “The growing support for marijuana legalization reflects national trends,” Dr. Smith said.

  • Abortion
    More than 80 percent of respondents believe abortion should be legal in cases involving threats to the mother’s life, rape, incest, or lethal fetal anomalies. However, opinions diverge by trimester: two-thirds support abortion rights in the first trimester, while the majority oppose them in later stages.

    “The nuances in abortion views reflect Hoosiers’ thoughtful struggle to apply their personal values to public policy concerns,” Dr. Smith explained. “Hoosiers generally support exceptions, but there is growing consensus for restrictions as pregnancies progress.”

  • Gun Policy
    Fifty-eight percent of respondents oppose carrying concealed firearms without a permit, and 59 percent support banning assault weapons. Meanwhile, 45 percent favor allowing teachers to carry guns in schools, compared to 36 percent who oppose it.

    “Public opinion on guns reflects both safety concerns and respect for Second Amendment rights,” Dr. Smith said. “Striking a balance here is a critical consideration for policymakers.”

  • Immigration
    While 70 percent view undocumented immigration as a serious problem for Indiana, opinions on legal immigration are evenly split: half favor maintaining or increasing current levels, and half advocate reducing or halting it entirely. These views often align with political affiliation.

    “Immigration remains a divisive issue, but the survey highlights areas of potential consensus, especially regarding undocumented immigration,” Dr. Smith noted.