income smoothing describes the concept that

Census money income is defined as income received on a regular basis before payments for taxes, social security, etc. and does not reflect noncash benefits. Income is the gauge many use to determine the well-being of the U.S. population. Survey and census questions cover poverty, income, and wealth. About Income Census money income is defined as income received on a regular basis (exclusive of certain money receipts such as capital gains) before payments for personal income taxes, social security, union dues, medicare deductions, etc. Post-tax income is defined as money income net of federal and state taxes and credits, as well as payroll taxes (FICA). Appendix B of the income report compares household median income and inequality measures based on post-tax income. Median post-tax household income increased by 1.8% from $71,040 in 2023 to $72,330 in 2024. Inequality, as measured by the Gini index, was 8.7% lower when ... Median income of non-Hispanic White households declined in five states over the past 15 years: Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Nevada, and New Mexico.

These tables present data on income, earnings, income inequality & poverty in the United States based on information collected in the 2025 and earlier CPS ASEC. This report presents data on income, earnings, income inequality & poverty in the United States based on information collected in the 2021 and earlier CPS ASEC.