MOST AMERICANS' BEST DAYS ARE BEHIND THEM

Most Americans’ best days are behind them

By Darla Cameron and Ted Mellnik. Published Dec. 12, 2014

Median household income peaked at least 15 years ago in 81 percent of U.S. counties. That means that when incomes are adjusted for inflation, most middle class households are actually earning less money than they did years ago. Even though the economy is finally revving up, most Americans still don’t see the benefits in their paychecks.
When income peaked

45 years ago210 counties
in 1969
peaked in 1969

35 years572 counties
in 1979
peaked in 1979

25 years141 counties
in 1989
peaked in 1989

15 years1,623 counties
in 1999
peaked in 1999

5 years213 counties
in 2009
peaked in 2009

1 year380 counties
in 2013
peaked in 2013