https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/median-us-income-rises-to-highest-on-record-even-as-americans-feel-affordability-pinchContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/median-us-income-rises-to-highest-on-record-even-as-americans-feel-affordability-pinchhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/median-us-income-rises-to-highest-on-record-even-as-americans-feel-affordability-pinch#u70686Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:07:17 +0000Real median household income reached a record $87,460 in 2025, marking a 2.6% increase. This growth pushed household earnings above pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Simultaneously, the Census Bureau reports the official poverty rate dropped to a record low of 10.2%. Despite these gains, many Americans continue to struggle with inflation and a general pinch in affordability. The Wall Street Journal notes that women gained ground in income during this period.Why it mattersThese figures represent the first time household income has surpassed levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. The da