AI Image

The rich got richer in 2025. The poorest households? Not so much

USA Today • September 18, 2026 • business

Key Points:

In 2025, median household income in the U.S. rose 2.6% to a record $87,460, but income growth was uneven, with the top 10% seeing a 1.7% increase while the bottom 10% saw virtually no change, widening income inequality.
The income gap between top and bottom earners has grown significantly since 1967; the bottom 10% earned only eight cents for every dollar earned by the top 10% in 2025, down from 11 cents in 1967.
Racial disparities persist, with median Hispanic and Black household incomes at 76 and 62 cents respectively for every dollar earned by White households, while Asian households earned 1.31 dollars; this disparity contributes to lower homeownership rates among people of color amid rising housing costs.
The gender wage gap narrowed slightly in 2025, with women earning 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, up from 81 cents in 2024.
Poverty rates remained steady at 13.1% under the supplemental poverty measure, but experts warn that upcoming cuts to SNAP and Medicaid funding could worsen conditions for low-income Americans, potentially increasing poverty and reducing health coverage.

Trending Business