Black DC Residents Aren't Benefiting From Good Economy: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- Median household income is rising in D.C., but a new study claims that it is not benefiting one specific group: African-Americans.

Median household income has reached $82,400, and has been rising for 10 straight years. But black median household income has been flat at around $42,000, and just a third of white median household income of $134,000, according to a statement from the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute.

It's an indication that despite economic prosperity, there are still significant barriers to economic opportunity for a large segment of the population.

The data indicates the share of residents living in poverty has decreased, with 10,000 fewer people earning less than $25,100 for a family of four in 2017 compared to 2016.

"While that’s good news—and likely due to a growing economy and recent increases in DC’s minimum wage—our poverty rate is no lower than it was in 2007, prior to the Great Recession," the institute notes. "This means that poverty has come down after rising sharply in the Great Recession, but we haven’t made long-term progress in reducing poverty. And, our youngest residents are among those most likely to be living in poverty, with 26 percent of DC children growing up in families working hard to make ends meet. The vast majority of children living in poverty are children of color."

The institute concludes that racism and other barriers facing residents of color continue to hold back a significant number of D.C. residents, and officials need to do more to make it easier for African-Americans to build for their future.

"That includes things like ensuring that economic development leads to high-quality jobs that go to DC residents," the statement adds. "It also will take increased investments in affordable housing so that households facing severe rent burden have greater stability and a safe place to live. And, increasing resources for schools will allow us to prepare all students for the successful future they deserve. With these increased investments, more DC residents will be able to benefit from our city’s growing prosperity."

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: A resident sets up a fire at a homeless encampment near K and 27th Street, NW, as the city tries to clear up the location November 20, 2015 in Washington, DC. A few tents and piles of personal belongings were removed after the 2pm deadline set by the city had passed. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)