US median household income hits record $87,460 in 2025

The median U.S. household earned $87,460 in 2025, a record high in inflation-adjusted terms dating to 1967. The Census Bureau released the figure on Tuesday, showing median household income rose 2.6% over the prior year, or about $2,250.

Income growth was uneven across demographic groups. Median income rose 3% for white households and 4.8% for Black households, according to the Census. There was no significant change for Asian or Hispanic households.

Among full-time workers, women saw wages grow about 3.2% in 2025, while men saw no boost. Men working full time earned $72,380, compared with $60,760 for women. The Census Bureau said the gap is slowly closing, with women earning about 84 cents on the dollar compared with men.

Income gains were also uneven between the top and bottom earners. The top 10% of households saw income rise 1.7% to about $261,300, while the bottom 10% saw a slight decline, earning around $20,000 in 2025.

Even with higher incomes and lower inflation, many Americans say they feel worse off. Consumer surveys show inflation, even at reduced levels, has been eroding income for years.

Necessities remain costly. The national average price of a gallon of gas is about $4.33, according to AAA. The benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.71% in early September, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said, the highest level in more than a year.