PA Median Income Falls With 16 Other States: New Census Data

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania's median household income has dropped from 2020, as did household income in a significant percentage of states across the nation, according to new data from the U.S. Census released Thursday. It's the latest sign of the continuing impact of historic inflation on millions of Americans.

Pennsylvania's media income was $71,798 for 2022, the most recently available year, good for 21st nationwide. That's up from $70,789 in 2020, but down from $72,627 in 2021.

A total of 17 states saw decreases, while 28 states saw almost no change. Nationwide, median income fell by 0.8 percent.

Several swing states in the upcoming 2024 Presidential election saw their median incomes drop, a statistic that could figure prominently in the upcoming campaigns. Along with Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan also saw notable decreases.

Other states that decreased include Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
New Jersey led the nation at $96,346, and Mississippi ranked as the lowest median household income at $52,719.

Here's where the top and bottom states ranked:

Top 5:
New Jersey - $96,346
Maryland - $94,991
Massachusetts - $94,488
Hawaii - $92,458
California - $91,551

Bottom 5:
Kentucky - $59,341
Arkansas - $55,432
Louisana - $55,419
West Virginia - $54,329
Mississippi - $52,719