Income

November 19, 2025While some members of Gen Z may still be working entry level jobs while attending high school or college, much of this cohort has now entered the workforce in earnest. As the least experienced generation on the schedule, Gen Z is generally paid less than their older counterparts, with this holding true in 93% of… read more…

October 21, 2025Millennials, now squarely in their prime working years, earn an average premium of 8.8% across large U.S. cities, outpacing the local median earnings of all households. However, supply and demand for labor – generally dictated by the alignment between local industry dynamics and resident qualifications – can have a large impact on the earnings, with… read more…

October 20, 2025Over 2.78 million Americans reported actively participating in cryptocurrencies according to the latest IRS data, with estimates asserting Bitcoin prevalence for roughly 75% of all users. The ascent in Bitcoin’s value over the years – among other currencies – has undoubtedly made fortunes for many investors. But the IRS did not start tracking general cryptocurrency involvement… read more…

October 9, 2025With Congress unable to agree upon funding legislation for 2026, the federal government shut down October 1st. Federal agencies deferred to funding contingency plans, typically resulting in furloughs for significant chunks of their workforces. These furloughed employees are not receiving paychecks during this time, though backpay is likely once a deal is struck. But the… read more…

September 16, 2025Nationwide, the median household income reached $83,730 in 2024, growing just 1.3% year over year. This means many households did not keep pace with the roughly 3% inflation rate during the same time period, but that was not true everywhere. Especially in large cities where residents often pay a premium for convenience, infrastructure and amenities,… read more…

August 20, 2025The United States depends heavily on credit cards, with the Federal Reserve reporting that credit cards account for 32% of transactions nationwide. Benefits like rewards programs, budgeting tools, credit-building, fraud protection, interest-free promotions and more make them valuable tools for everyday purchases and big-ticket items across most lifestyles. But when credit card holders encounter issues… read more…

July 22, 2025Nearly 1.5 million households across the United States now rank among the top 1% of earners, according to the latest tax return data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). On average, it takes $731,492 in annual income to be a part of this group. But that threshold looks different depending on where you live. Economic… read more…

July 1, 2025The demand for different career paths and qualifications varies widely from place to place, often depending on local economic features, including geography, infrastructure, politics, culture and resources. Similarly, what makes one job market more appealing than others can depend on a job-hunter’s financial and familial circumstances. Not only does the presence of jobs and a… read more…

June 4, 2025As cost of living increases seem to permanently make their way to important budget items, individuals and families increasingly need more income to support a comfortable lifestyle over the long-term. This means being able to afford hobbies, vacations, retirement savings, education funds, and the occasional emergency – in addition to necessities like housing, groceries, transportation… read more…

May 22, 2025According to the Social Security Administration, the average annual retirement benefit nationwide is just shy of $24,000. Meanwhile, supplemental income from designated retirement accounts, such as a pension, 401(k), 403(b), or Roth or traditional IRA, averages just over an additional $30,000 annually for retirees across U.S. cities. A combined average of about $54,000 puts many… read more…

May 29, 2025Net capital gains, the profits from selling assets like stocks, real estate, or businesses, are a key measure of investment success and regional wealth. These gains are realized only upon sale and are taxable at preferential rates when held for a year or longer: 0%, 15% or 20%. Other investment incomes, such as ordinary dividends… read more…

April 2, 2025Various dynamics can impact the cost of filling specific roles in the labor market. When demand for certain goods and services outpaces the local supply of resources, the wages for skilled professionals in those fields may be higher – and vice versa. Similarly, the labor supply can shape pay trends for certain. For example, a… read more…

March 24, 2025Most households aim to maintain a cushion between the necessary spending for day-to-day necessities – like housing, food, utilities and childcare – while also enjoying life in the moment and saving for the future. This means keeping room in the budget for the occasional vacation or splurge, as well as savings for long-term goals like… read more…

March 6, 2025As of September 2024, over 1.8 million people were employed by the federal government of the United States. However, the federal government is far from limited just to Washington D.C. Federal workers are dispersed throughout the nation, albeit unevenly. In turn, large layoffs – whether voluntary or involuntary – may have different consequences for different… read more…

February 20, 2025A $100,000 salary may sound like a comfortable income but how far it goes varies largely depending on where you live. Earning $100,000 places an individual tax filer at the upper limit of the 22% federal tax bracket. On top of that, FICA taxes for Social Security and Medicare apply, and depending on where you… read more…

February 13, 2025Life insurance policies play a significant role in providing financial security for beneficiaries. Over $202 billion dollars is paid out over the course of a year in the United States, according to estimates from the American Council of Life Insurers. But the extent of these payouts and the prevalence of policies vary greatly depending on… read more…

February 12, 2025Newly adjusted figures reveal the average total household debt stands at approximately $147,919 nationwide. However, debt levels vary significantly across the United States, with notable disparities at both the geographical and generational level. These differences can highlight how certain areas grapple with higher debts, while others may have higher flows of disposable income. Additionally, the… read more…

February 6, 2025Most current estimates put the U.S. median household income at around $75,000 to $80,000. But these figures do not account for the degree of the spread between the highest and lowest earners, a metric that can demonstrate the diversity in financial realities within a community. Across the U.S., the top 20% of earners bring in… read more…

February 5, 2025Across the United States, the median household net worth is estimated to be $187,690. Net worth includes the assets a household has – minus debts – and gives a general estimate of a home’s relative wealth and financial profile. It includes the value of home equity, balance of deposit accounts such as checking and savings,… read more…

January 29, 2025High-income households can generally afford to spend more within their communities, both via local business and the tax base. The business mix of a city may be greatly influenced by the relative population of high-income earners. Similarly, the prevalence of high-income households also can help describe the relative quality of life of a population, or… read more…

January 15, 2025Stretching a paycheck beyond the basics is becoming harder for many Americans. After covering taxes and essential expenses, the disposable income that is left impacts a household’s ability to save, invest or stay afloat. But high prices of housing, food, childcare and more can keep households struggling, leaving many families with little or nothing to… read more…

November 19, 2024Just as inflation can drive up costs, macroeconomic shifts, layoffs, or industry downturns can lead to declines in household income, potentially posing challenges to families affording housing, groceries and other necessities. For some, a dollar doesn’t stretch as far when income drops faster than expenses increase. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, household… read more…

November 13, 2024Inflation regularly increases the prices of goods, services and resources, making the cost of living less affordable with a dollar that does not keep up with that growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics clocked the 12-month inflation rate from the end of 2022 to the end of 2023 at 3.35%. Meanwhile, household income estimates shifted… read more…

October 29, 2024Following redistricting after the 2020 U.S. Census, the new borders of Florida’s 118th Congressional districts could play an important role in the 2024 election. Wealth distribution across these redefined districts provides insight into the evolving economic landscapes of Florida’s communities, potentially affecting voter concerns and priorities. With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked Florida’s congressional districts… read more…

October 24, 2024Congressional redistricting is based on population changes tracked by the U.S. Census. Following the redistricting cycle of 2020, the State of Texas set boundaries that define each of the districts which will be contested in the 2024 election. Identifying the wealthiest households in these districts can be informative because it shows how community needs are… read more…