Three reports released by the Census Bureau this week delve into the state of household income, poverty, and health insurance, providing important insights into the state of consumers’ finances. For the first time since 2019, household income improved on a year-over-year basis between 2022 and 2023, growing 4%, while the official poverty rate fell slightly.
Income Trends
The Income in the United States: 2023 report revealed that median household income increased by 4.0% to $80,610. This marks a significant turnaround after a few years of stagnation. However, not all demographics experienced equal growth:
- Income Growth by Race: While White and non-Hispanic White households saw median income increases of over 5%, Black, Asian, and Hispanic households did not experience notable changes.
- Regional Differences: The Midwest led the way with a 6.6% income increase, followed by the South with 3.3%. The West showed no significant change​
Health Insurance Coverage
The Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2023 report underscores the critical role that health coverage plays in household financial stability. The report revealed that 92% of Americans had health insurance for some or all of 2023, but disparities remain across demographic lines:
- Private vs. Public Coverage: Private insurance continues to cover 65.4% of the population, with a growing reliance on direct-purchase plans.
- Uninsured Rates by Age: Adults aged 19-25 remain a vulnerable group, with 14.1% uninsured, the highest of any age group.
- Income Quintiles and Coverage: Individuals in the lowest income quintile were most likely to rely on public health insurance, while those in higher quintiles predominantly held private coverage​.
Poverty Rates and Financial Vulnerability
The Poverty in the United States: 2023 report showed a mixed picture regarding economic well-being:
- Official Poverty Rate: The official poverty rate fell to 11.1%, a slight decrease from 2022​. However, the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), which accounts for the impact of government benefits and geographic cost-of-living differences, rose to 12.9%​.
- Disparities in Poverty: The poverty rate for Hispanic and Black populations remains higher than for other racial groups, directly affecting their capacity to meet financial obligations​.
- Impact of Social Programs: Social Security continues to be the most effective anti-poverty program, moving 27.6 million people above the poverty line​.
