The rich got richer in 2025. The poorest households? Not so much

Household income grew last year, but not for everyone. New U.S. Census Bureau data shows income for the top 10% climbed 1.7% in 2025, while earnings for the bottom 10% held essentially flat, widening the dollar gap between these income groups.

Overall, median household income rose 2.6% in 2025, while the poverty rate stayed at 13.1% and the share of people without insurance for the entire year was 7.9%, according to the data providing the most comprehensive account of income, poverty, and insurance coverage. The figures released Sept. 15, come with a lag and do not yet capture the effects of Trump administration policy changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

The topline income gains mask a widening divide. Since 1967, household income for the top has risen 121%, while growth for the bottom was 56%. This century alone, top earners saw 33% growth, while the bottom lagged at 8%.

That means that for every dollar earned by the 10% at the top, the bottom 10% made eight cents in 2025, a number that has gone down from the 11 cents in 1967.

In 2025, about 3 in 10 households made under $50,000, even as many Americans…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/