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Census data shows US household income rose and poverty fell in 2025

Real median income grew to $87,460 while the poverty rate dropped to 10.2 percent.

Updated Sep 15, 2026 · 21:07 UTC2 reports

The short version

US median household income rose 2.6% to $87,460 in 2025 after adjusting for inflation, according to new Census Bureau figures.[NPR]
The official poverty rate fell to 10.2%, representing 34.5 million people, down from 36 million in 2024.[NPR]
African American families recorded the largest income increase at 4.8%, though their median income remains significantly lower than white and Asian households.[NPR]
Analysts caution that recent reductions in safety-net programs and health coverage subsidies could offset these reported economic gains.[NPR]

Inflation-adjusted average family income rose 2.6% to $87,460 in 2025.[NPR · CNBC]
The official US poverty rate declined from 10.7% in 2024 to 10.2% in 2025.[NPR · CNBC]
The number of individuals living below the poverty line decreased from 36 million to 34.5 million.[NPR]
The top 10% income tier saw gains of 1.7%, while the bottom 10% experienced little change.[NPR]
African American household income grew by 4.8% to $59,980, remaining below the medians for white ($91,930) and Asian ($126,300) households.[NPR]

Analysts suggest social safety net reductions could erode income and poverty improvements.[NPR]
Health insurance coverage rates are projected to fall following the expiration of enhanced Obamacare subsidies.[NPR]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.