For the first time since the Great Recession, a majority of Pennsylvanians have positive feelings about the economy.

According to a recent poll conducted by the Morning Call and Muhlenberg College, just over half — 51 percent — of Pennsylvanians believe the economy is either “good” or “excellent”.

Likely contributors to this belief include the declining price of gas, the declining unemployment rate, and a rising stock market.

At this moment, 33% of respondents said that life in Pennsylvania has gotten “better,” while 35% say it has gotten “worse.”

As pessimistic as that might seen, it’s actually “the best ration we’ve ever had,” according to the director of Muhlenberg College’s Institute of Public Opinion, Chris Borick. This is because the difference between those who say “better” and “worse” has never been so small.

For instance, the percentage of those who responded with “better” increased 10% since 2013, and the percentage of those who responded with “worse” decreased by 11% since 2013.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 6 points and was conducted through 403 telephone interviews from January 28 to February 11.