Record US median income rises as affordability pinch persists

New Census data show median U.S. household income rose to $87,460 in 2025 (2.6% real increase), the highest inflation-adjusted level since 1967, even as prices for groceries, utilities, housing and other essentials keep households squeezed. Poverty fell to 10.2% and child poverty to 13.4%, but earnings for full-time workers were broadly flat while women’s earnings rose 3.2%, narrowing the pay gap to about 83.9% of men’s. The gain reflects income from various sources beyond wages, including Social Security and pensions, and officials caution future Census data could be affected by safety-net cuts.