Growing numbers of people are giving their thumbs up to Bermuda's buoyant economy, according to a new poll.

More than six out of ten — 63 percent — described their view of the economy as either good or excellent in last month's survey, up from 60 percent in the previous poll in November.

Of these, 15 percent said it was excellent, up significantly from 9 percent, and 48 percent called it good, down from 51 percent.

However, 11 percent now say they regard the economy as poor, up from 5 percent, possibly reflecting fears it is in danger of overheating and that many people are being priced out of the housing market.

The remaining 27 percent say the economy is only fair, down from 35 percent three months ago.

The survey of 411 people was carried out from January 18 to 21, a few days after it was announced that the Island's residents had the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the world.

Bermuda's total GDP — the market value of all the goods and services produced — rose by 9.1 percent in 2005, mainly due to the expansion of the international business sector.

The Island's total GDP was estimated at $4.857 billion, or $76,403 per head, more than $10,000 more than second-placed Luxembourg.

This compares with the US figure of $41,600, Canada's $33,900 and the UK's $30,100.

However, Opposition Senator Bob Richards, an economist, argued shortly afterwards that the booming economy was failing to benefit many Bermudians. Sen. Richards said the flourishing construction industry was delivering a glut of high-end units rather than the affordable homes the Island needs.

Support for the economy is at its highest point since July last year, when 63 percent said it was good or excellent.

Throughout the rest of the past 12 months, the figure has hovered around the mid 50s.

Not surprisingly, a breakdown of the poll shows support for the economy was highest among the richer section of society. Nearly 74 percent of people with a household income of more than $100,000 said they thought it was good or excellent, with just 2 percent of this category describing it as poor.

In comparison, among those bringing in less than $50,000, 52 percent plumped for good or excellent, and 15 percent for poor.

Support for the economy was higher among men, with 19 percent describing it as excellent, compared with 11 percent of women.

Just over 12 percent of women said the economy was poor, compared with about 9 percent of men.

The younger age group had a slightly more favourable view, with 66 percent of 18 to 35-year-olds saying good or excellent, compared with 60 percent of those aged 55 or older.

Just 10 percent of the younger category said the economy was poor, in contrast to 15 percent of the older category.

The phone survey, which was carried out by Research Innovations, has a margin error of 4.9 percent.