Among a list of nine financial burdens, more Dutchess County residents point to the cost of gasoline as causing financial strain than any other expense.
76% of county residents mention the difficulty they have keeping up with the cost of gasoline. 43% describe it as placing a great deal of pressure on their monthly finances and another 33% see it as putting a good deal of stress on their family budget.
56% of Dutchess County residents report that property taxes are a burden on their family budget including 27% who feel it places a great deal of financial strain on meeting their monthly obligations.
Utility costs are a major burden for many of these county residents. 61% of Dutchess County residents think the cost of heat and electricity puts pressure on their monthly budget including nearly a quarter who say paying for their utilities places a great deal of stress on their finances.
A majority of county residents deal with the financial stress of meeting their monthly rent or mortgage payment including 22% who indicate that their rent or mortgage represents a considerable burden. Although most Dutchess County residents are not burdened by paying or saving for private school or college, one-third of county residents say they feel the financial strain of meeting these costs.
