Thousands of unemployed people wait in lines for buses to a job fair April 9 at the Mall of New Hampshire parking lot in Manchester, N.H. For all their differences, Americans largely agree on one thing: 2009 was a lousy year for the nation, which was rocked by job losses, home foreclosures and a sick economy. Nearly three-fourths of Americans think 2009 was a bad year for the country, and 42 percent rated it “very bad,” according to the latest AP-GfK poll.

Washington ? For all their differences, Americans largely agree on two things: 2009 was a lousy year for the nation, and 2010 is likely to be better.

Nearly three-fourths of Americans think 2009 was a bad year for the country, which was rocked by job losses, home foreclosures and economic sickness. Forty-two percent rated it “very bad,” according to the latest AP-GfK poll.

That’s clearly worse than in 2006, the last time a similar poll was taken. The survey that year found that 58 percent of Americans felt the nation had suffered a bad year, and 39 percent considered it a good year.

Fewer than half as many people, 16 percent, said their family had a “very good year” in 2009 as said that in 2006.

Behind the gloominess, however, are more hopeful views that seem to reflect Americans’ traditional optimism or, perhaps, wishful thinking.

Even though most said it was a bad year for the country, three in five Americans said their own family had a good year in 2009, while about two in five called it a bad year.

Some 72 percent of Americans said they’re optimistic about what 2010 will bring for the country. Even more, four in five, are optimistic about what the year will bring for their families.

Curiously, however, nearly two-thirds think their family finances will worsen or stay about the same next year.

Mari Flanigan of South Milwaukee, Wis., is one of those who feel fairly optimistic that things will go better at a personal level in 2010 even though her financial situation might grow worse.

Flanigan, 36, is unemployed after selling a family business that faced increasing competition. “Financially, I’m scared,” she said in an interview.

Rather than seek new work, however, she is thinking of returning to school to become a social worker. “I’d rather make less money and do something I love,” Flanigan said, noting that happiness and optimism are not strictly tied to finances.