Housing costs top list of problems facing Jacksonville, UNF poll finds

Housing costs now top the list of problems facing Jacksonville, according to a new poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab. It’s one of the top stories on the Tuesday edition of Jacksonville’s Morning News for June 3, 2025.

It’s a dramatic shift over the last survey of registered Duval County voters. Historically, crime has been far and away the top response.

But in this poll, 25% said housing costs, while only 12% cited crime as the most important problem facing Jacksonville.

Education, transportation and infrastructure each with 9%, and the economy and property taxes each received 8%.

“The further shift towards economic concerns likely reflects not only pressing state and local concerns like homeowner’s insurance and housing supply, but also general national concerns about inflation and how key markets are reacting to the Trump administration’s tariff policies,” commented Dr. Sean Freeder, UNF professor of political science.

742 registered Duval County voters were also asked whether they approve or disapprove of several public officials.

When asked how Donna Deegan is handling her job as Mayor, a majority expressed their approval, either strongly or somewhat, with 61%. A total of 37% said they disapprove.

Sheriff T.K. Waters garnered similarly high approval with a total of 64% indicating they approve strongly or somewhat, and 32% who disapprove.

Among elected officials, only the City Council had net negative approval, with 42% indicating they approve of the job they are doing and 53% expressing disapproval. Respondents were also asked about Jaguars owner Shad Khan, to which 57% said they approve and 39% disapprove.

3 Big Things to Know:

• Fiery debate over illegal immigration in Jacksonville: City Council Members are considering a bill that would prevent undocumented immigrants from using taxpayer funded services. It would also require the Mayor to report to council about the number of undocumented immigrants in public housing and the city’s compliance with federal immigration laws. Two amendments would make some exceptions - including not punishing health organizations that help sex trafficking victims.

• Happening today: St. Johns County Commissioners review proposed restrictions on e-bikes. Last month, there were four crashes involving e-bikes, one child was hospitalized with critical injuries. Commissioners are set to discuss the proposal during their meeting which starts at 9 this morning.

• The Jacksonville Job Corps Center is closing - it’s part of a pause in operations at facilities across the country - citing an internal review of the program’s structure. For decades the Job Corps Center has certified students in trades like HVAC, electricity and pharmacy tech. Now students who were in the middle of their programs are having to leave. The pause in operations aligns with President Trump’s proposed budget, as the program operated at a $140 million deficit last year.

WEATHER: A few showers this afternoon before widespread rain this week. Humidity increases this afternoon and a few showers will develop and head inland off the Atlantic. A few downpours are possible. Wednesday & Thursday look wet with mostly cloudy skies & scattered showers. An embedded storm is possible.

TROPICS: An area of weak low pressure will develop by midweek northeast of Jacksonville & near the coast of the Carolina’s. While this area has been highlighted in yellow by the NHC for a low risk of development, there will be few if any direct impacts to Jax/NE Fl. Tropical moisture will bring showers & storms to the local area with or without any low pressure actually developing. Follow daily updates in Talking the Tropics with Mike Buresh.