Justice
Metro Incomes Rise, But Inequality Remains Stubborn
The new Census numbers are “a sign of sunshine, with some clouds.”
In 2016, incomes in the largest U.S. metros rose and poverty levels dropped compared to the previous year. But inequality persisted.
Across U.S. metros, median income climbed 2.7 percent to $60,542 in 2016—that’s slightly higher than the national median of $59,039. According to American Community Survey numbers released Thursday, 21 of the 25 most populous metros saw increases; none saw declines. Poverty rates also fell in 17 of these metros.