Growth of US Family Income, 1947-2007

 

Between 1947 and 1979 income for all income quintiles increased in fairly tight formation–the rising tide lifting all boats. However, starting in 1980 things began shifting dramatically. The top 1% of earners saw their income rise 261% while everyone else barely increased at all. Even the 19% below the top 1%, wealthy people by most measures, only gained 31% during those 27 years. For more recent data, see our data on 2011 income percentiles.

Tags: US Economy, US Income Distribution