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New Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Data in Ten Charts

On Tuesday, September 13, the U.S. Census Bureau released 2015 economic data on household income, poverty and health insurance coverage. These 10 charts show how the U.S. economy continues its strong recovery from the effects of the Great Recession and what areas still are a challenge.

2015 saw the largest percentage increase in median household income since records began being kept in 1967. The gender wage gap narrowed to 20 cents on the dollar. The number of Americans living in poverty dropped by 3.5 million to 13.5%. Every racial and ethnic group saw its poverty level drop and its household income rise. Only 9.1% of Americans still don’t have health insurance.

The 10 charts include:
  • Median Household Income Has Largely Recovered from the Great Recession
  • Despite Strong Gains in 2015, Median Household Income Remains Below 1999 Peak
  • After a Sharp Increase During the Recession, the Poverty Rate is Coming Back Down
  • Social Security Lifts Millions of People Out of Poverty
  • Uninsured Rates Have Fallen Dramatically Since 2013
  • All Major Racial and Ethnic Groups Saw Income Gains in 2015, but Large Disparities Remain
  • Poverty Rates in Black and Hispanic Communities Fell in 2015, but Remain Well Above the National Average
  • Wide Disparities in Health Insurance Coverage Persist
  • Women Earn 80 Cents for Every Dollar Earned by Men
  • Gender Pay Gap Hurts Women of All Races and Ethnicities