Data: Google Trends; Map: Jacque Schrag and Will Chase/Axios
Search interest in gas prices has risen steeply in the U.S. as the national average hit an unprecedented $5 per gallon on June 11, new Google Trends data shows.
Driving the news: "Gas prices" was in the top three most searched topics in 121 out of 435 congressional districts during the week of June 6-13, according to data Axios' midterms dashboard.
- Interest was highest in the Midwest, near the Great Lakes, and in parts of the southwest.
- "Gas prices" was one of the 5 most-searched topics in 274 districts — up from just 22 districts at the end of May.
- National interest in "firearms" remains high. It was one of the top searches in 345 districts.
- For the first time since the conflict began, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is no longer in the top five most-searched topics in the U.S.
Why it matters: These findings reflect Americans' focus turning toward domestic issues — and continued pressure on the Biden administration to alleviate the pain at the pump.
Go deeper: 5 top ways to save on high gas prices
