Americans feel sunny about the new year, at least when it comes to their own lives.

What about the nation as a whole?

There are more clouds in the sky on that.

A USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll this month asked Americans if they thought things would get better or worse in their own lives in 2020. By an overwhelming 80% to 11%, they predicted their lives would be better. That optimism stretched across demographic lines, although men had a more positive outlook than women (83% vs. 76%) and Southerners a more positive outlook than Midwesterners (84% vs. 74%).

Why? The economy

In follow-up interviews, those surveyed often mentioned the strong economy when asked what's ahead for them.

"My life's going pretty well," said Alex Foss, 28, a construction inspector from Lakeland, Florida. "I'm under 30, and I'm making more money each year." He sees fellow millennials in his neighborhood buying homes and starting families.

More:Has Trump fulfilled his pledge to turbocharge job growth, revive manufacturing? Many say no.

By about a 3-to-1 ratio (63% vs. 22%), those surveyed also predicted things would get better next year for their communities.

But asked about the nation as a whole, optimism was more tempered and attitudes more divided by partisanship. By a wide 72% to 16%, Republicans expected things to get better in the United States. By double digits, 54% to 37%, Democrats said things would get worse.

Overall, 54% predicted better times, while 34% predicted worse. Twelve percent weren't sure.

The Trump factor

Asked about the country's prospects, respondents tended to mention President Donald Trump.

Amy Locklear, 45, a retired teacher and Army veteran from Maxton, North Carolina, said she's optimistic as long as Trump stays in office. "He gets things done," she said. "I just want someone who does what they've promised."

But Yotam Schachter, 34, a leadership development consultant in Boston, worries about what he sees as Trump's inaction on climate change and his influence on national unity.

"This campaign is going to further escalate the polarization, divisiveness and enmity in our country," Schachter said. "I think it's going to be a good year for my life and for my family. I don't think it's going to be a good year for the country."

The poll of 1,000 registered voters, taken by landline and cellphone Dec. 10-14, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.