According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, median household income increased for nearly all race groups in most states (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) over the past 15 years.
After adjusting for inflation, the median household income for the Black population increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia between 2005-2009 and 2020-2024. This is the third-highest increase among racial groups. Hispanic and White populations experienced increases in 44 and 43 states, respectively.
Notably, White Americans’ median household income declined in five states over the past 15 years, which is the largest decline among racial groups. Only one state (Nevada) experienced an inflation-adjusted decrease in Black households’ median income since 2005-2009, while 11 states and Puerto Rico had no significant change.
In the 2020-2024 period, the District of Columbia had the highest overall median household income ($109,870) and the largest disparity between Black and White households’ income. During this time period, the median income of Black households was $60,764, compared to $170,201 for White households.
