The newly released U.S. Census Bureau data on median household income reveals an upward trend. In 2025, the median household income across the United States rose to $84,780, up from $83,808 in 2024.
This data is part of the 2025 American Community Survey (ACS) one-year estimates, offering detailed insights into household incomes on state and metropolitan levels. Adjusted for inflation, the national median increased by $972, or about 1.2 percent, as reported in “Household Income in States and Metropolitan Areas: 2025.”
Top Earners
The District of Columbia, Maryland, and New Jersey reported the highest median household incomes, with DC at $109,505, Maryland at $107,700, and New Jersey at $107,797. Hawaii also recorded a high figure at $105,013.
Lowest Incomes
Mississippi had the lowest median household income among U.S. states, at $59,346. Puerto Rico, included in the Census Bureau’s survey, had an even lower figure of $29,272.
A considerable gap of over $48,000 exists between the highest- and lowest-income states.
State Income Changes
Despite the overall increase, income growth was not uniform. After inflation adjustments, 14 states and Puerto Rico saw income increases. California experienced a statistically significant decline.
In 35 states and the District of Columbia, no significant income changes were reported, indicating uneven income growth.
Income by Race and Age
The survey also analyzed incomes by race, Hispanic origin, and age of the householder. Asian households had the highest median at $122,161. Non-Hispanic White households followed with $90,931, Hispanic households at $76,206, and Black households at $59,022.
Income growth occurred across all racial and Hispanic-origin groups.
Households headed by individuals aged 45 to 64 had the highest median income at $103,430. Those aged 25 to 44 had $96,184. Households led by individuals over 65 had $61,989, and those under 25 had $47,638.
The largest income rise was in households headed by individuals aged 25 to 44, increasing by 1.7 percent. No significant change occurred for the under-25 group.
Metropolitan Income Variations
The Census Bureau compared incomes across 25 major metropolitan areas. San Francisco reported the highest median income at $136,020, while Detroit had the lowest at $79,203.
Only four areas saw statistically significant changes: Houston, Philadelphia, and Seattle had increases, while Denver noted a decline.
Income Inequality Trends
Income inequality increased slightly at the national level. The Gini index, a measure of income distribution, rose from 0.481 to 0.482, by 0.3 percent.
Six states, including Arkansas, California, and Wisconsin, saw increased inequality. North Carolina was the only state to record a decline.
Median household income represents the midpoint of income distribution and includes all household members aged 15 and older. It’s distinct from average salary, which considers individual earnings.
The American Community Survey is an annual study by the U.S. Census Bureau, presenting demographic, social, economic, and housing data.
The 2025 estimates reflect income received during the 12 months preceding survey responses, rather than strictly within the calendar year.