MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- Mid-state consumers are feeling better about the local economy than they have in a decade.
The Office of Consumer Research at Middle Tennessee State has released its quarterly consumer sentiment survey. It shows consumer sentiment up 33 points over last quarter. It’s also at its highest point since 2004.
Survey director, Dr. Tim Graeff, says mid-state consumers are especially bullish about the local economy. He says one reason is a “growing optimism regarding the local job market.
Dr. Graeff says Middle Tennessee consumers are far less enthusiastic about the national economy. He also found mid-state consumers still surprisingly reluctant to spend money.
“Another question was, ‘Is this a good time to buy large items for the home?’ and surprisingly we found that 13 percent fewer people (than last quarter) now say is a good time to buy large items for the home.”
The MTSU Consumer Sentiment Survey queried 241 residents in Davidson, Williamson and Rutherford counties.