Politics & Government
Here's What New Census Data Says About Household Incomes in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts and the rest of the U.S., median income is rising. But does it feel that way to you? Let Patch know your thoughts.
Median household earnings climbed upward in nearly every Massachusetts county last year, a diminished echo of positive, national trends.
Annual census data made public Thursday shows that in Massachusetts, median household income climbed to $70,628 in 2015, compared with $69,160 in 2014.
Nationwide, the median household income for 2015 was $56,000, the American Community Survey data shows, about 5 percent higher than the year before. That's significantly greater growth than Massachusetts, where incomes overall were up 2 percent from 2014-15.
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At the same time, the number of people living below the federal poverty line has decreased every so slightly in Massachusetts, also in line with national trends. In 2015, the ACS found 752,071 people living in poverty, or 11.5 percent of the state population. In 2014, that number was 757,235, or about 11.6 percent.
Based on that census data, Patch has broken down 2015 household earnings for each county in the state. Find yours below:
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- Barnstable County
- Bristol County
- Essex County
- Middlesex County
- Norfolk County
- Plymouth County
- Suffolk County
- Worcester County
Decreasing poverty and increasing household incomes don't necessarily mean bonuses, raises, or higher-paying jobs. It can also indicate that people are working more hours, taking on a second job, or making extra money on the side (for example, driving for Uber or selling their hand-stitched superhero costumes on Etsy).
The median household income is the number at which half of households make more and half of households make less per year. Additionally, the census data released Thursday does not include Dukes or Nantucket County.
Patch wants to hear your take! How do you feel like the economy is doing? Do you see this kind of growth reflected in your day-to-day lives? In your family's budget? Please let us know, either in the comments below or by emailing alison.bauter@patch.com
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Patch has edited and updated this story.
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