Short Definition: Median household income

Long Definition:

Median household income.

Census 2000 reports income for the calendar year 1999. Data for the 2006-2010 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates are collected on an on-going basis from January 1, 2006-December 31, 2010. ACS income values are reported based on the amount of income received during the 12 months preceding the interview month. For example, a person interviewed in July 2009 would report their total household income for the previous 12 months (June 2009 through July 2008). Therefore, the 2006-2010 ACS 5-year data reflect incomes over 2005-2010 (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars).

Agency Source: U.S. Census

Time Period(s):

Calendar Year	2000
Multi-Year	2006-10

Geographies: RI Tracts, RI Municipalities, U.S. States

Data Type: Numeric

Purpose:

Contextual: income is a vital measure of general economic circumstances. Income data are used to determine poverty status, to measure economic well-being, and to assess the need for assistance. These data are included in federal allocation formulas for many government programs. State and local governments use this information to decide how to allocate funds for food, health care, job training, housing and other assistance programs.

Limitations:

Since answers to income questions are frequently based on memory and not on records, many people tended to forget minor or sporadic sources of income and, therefore, underreport their income. Underreporting tends to be more pronounced for income sources that are not derived from earnings, such as public assistance, interest, dividends, and net rental income.

Census 2000 - Although the household income statistics cover calendar year 1999, the characteristics of individuals and the composition of households refer to the time of enumeration (April 1, 2000). Thus, the income of the household does not include amounts received by individuals who were members of the household during all or part of calendar year 1999 if these individuals no longer resided in the household at the time of enumeration. Similarly, income amounts reported by individuals who did not reside in the household during 1999 but who were members of the household at the time of enumeration are included. However, the composition of most households was the same during 1999 as at the time of enumeration. For more details see Income of Households in the Technical Documentation.

ACS 2006-2010 - Although the household income statistics cover the past 12 months, the characteristics of individuals and the composition of households refer to the time of interview. Thus, the income of the household does not include amounts received by individuals who were members of the household during all or part of the past 12 months if these individuals no longer resided in the household at the time of interview. Similarly, income amounts reported by individuals who did not reside in the household during the past 12 months but who were members of the household at the time of interview are included. However, the composition of most households was the same during the past 12 months as at the time of interview. For more details see Income of Households in the Technical Documentation.

Universe: Households

Tags: Census, Income, Households, Median Income, Median Household Income, Housing

Related Reports: No related reports.

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