Median Household Income in the U.S. Reaches Record High of $87,460
The Census Bureau reported that Americans' median household income rose 2.6% to a record high of $87,460 in 2025, adjusted for inflation. This marks an increase above pre-pandemic levels and is the highest since data collection began in 1967. Despite this growth, years of stagnant wage increases and higher inflation have reduced purchasing power, making affordability a key political issue. After-tax income also rose by 3.1% to $76,060 during the same period. The official poverty rate fell slightly to 10.2%, while an alternative measure accounting for government programs remained at 13.1%. Social Security was identified as the largest antipoverty program in 2025. Income inequality showed little change: top 10% households saw a modest increase, whereas the poorest 10% experienced a slight decline.
Topics: Inflation Median Household Income Poverty Rate Social Security