Fewer than half say they would vote for a tax increase for their local schools. Support for a tax increase falls well short of the required two-thirds majority in all groups. Residents have very positive assessments of the current state of the county, but they are worried about next year. Three in four residents rate the county economy today as excellent or good. However, six in 10 worry that the Asian financial crisis will hurt the Orange County economy in the next year or so.
Consumer confidence remains very high.
But it is down from last year, as a result of less bullish views about the U.S. economy next year. Nonetheless, ratings of the quality of life are overwhelmingly positive, and optimists outnumber pessimists when it comes to predictions about Orange County's future. The housing market continues to heat up. Strong majorities of homeowners and renters believe that buying an Orange County home is an excellent or good investment. Optimism about housing has risen sharply since the recession ended.