Census - American Community Survey - B19013 Median household income

Median household income in the past 12 months (in 2021 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Public

Methodology

Link To Data Source

https://data.census.gov/table?q=B19013:+MEDIAN+HOUSEHOLD+INCOME+IN+THE+PAST+12+MONTHS+(IN+2021+INFLATION-ADJUSTED+DOLLARS)&g=0500000US40109,40143&tid=ACSDT1Y2021.B19013

Why Was The Data Collected?

"To create statistics about income, assistance, earnings, and poverty status. Local, state, tribal, and federal agencies use our published income data to plan and fund programs that provide economic assistance for populations in need." They can also determine the distribution of social assistance and services. https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/income/

How Was The Data Collected?

Survey, via mail to specific addresses

Who Collected The Data?

American Community Survey (ACS)

Who Owns The Data?

U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce

Who Was Included Or Excluded From The Sample?

3.5 million addresses nationwide are randomly selected each year to respond to the American Community Survey. The sample size indicated below applies to the nationwide size, housing units selected for final interviews.

Notes On Data Quality

"Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted roughly as providing a 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value. In addition to sampling variability, the ACS estimates are subject to nonsampling error (for a discussion of nonsampling variability, see ACS Technical Documentation). The effect of nonsampling error is not represented in these tables."

Notes On Data Usage Conditions

The data is used by various tribal and government agencies to fund programs and services for households that qualify for assistance.

How Often Is The Data Refreshed?

The ACS is conducted annually.

Analysis

Source Categories

Categories

Analysis

What Other Data Could Be Used As A Comparison Point?

The IRS may also have relevant income data.

Why Were These Categories Used?

ACS does not explain how it defines or why it uses particular categories, other than to understand income level for service and program delivery and funding.

Who Selected The Categories?

American Community Survey and U.S. Census Bureau

Who Is Defining The Categories?

American Community Survey and U.S. Census Bureau

Who Is Defining The Categories?

American Community Survey and U.S. Census Bureau

Interpretation

Associated Topics Covered
Income and Benefits
Income