Political Calculations' initial estimate of median household income in September 2021 is $70,824, an increase of $519 (or 0.7%) from the initial estimate of $70,305 for August 2021.

The latest update to Political Calculations' chart tracking Median Household Income in the 21st Century shows the nominal (red) and inflation-adjusted (blue) trends for median household income in the United States from January 2000 through September 2021. The inflation-adjusted figures are presented in terms of constant September 2021 U.S. dollars.

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September 2021 saw inflation once again rise more slowly than median household income, with the typical income-earning American household gaining a little more purchasing power during the month. Adjusted for inflation, median household income remains below the April 2020 peak of $71,135 in terms of constant September 2021 U.S. dollars. That change can be considered good news because 2021 has generally seen inflation rise faster than median household income.

Analyst's Notes

The BEA made small, negative adjustments to its estimates of aggregate wage and salary income for July and August 2021 in its latest data release. The BEA's next data release covering the period through October 2021 is scheduled for 24 November 2021. We anticipate our estimate for median household income in October 2021 will be available on 1 December 2021.

References

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Table 2.6. Personal Income and Its Disposition, Monthly, Personal Income and Outlays, Not Seasonally Adjusted, Monthly, Middle of Month. Population. [Online Database (via Federal Reserve Economic Data)]. Last Updated: 29 October 2021. Accessed: 29 October 2021.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Table 2.6. Personal Income and Its Disposition, Monthly, Personal Income and Outlays, Not Seasonally Adjusted, Monthly, Middle of Month. Compensation of Employees, Received: Wage and Salary Disbursements. [Online Database (via Federal Reserve Economic Data)]. Last Updated: 29 October 2021. Accessed: 29 October 2021.

U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers - (CPI-U), U.S. City Average, All Items, 1982-84=100. [Online Database (via Federal Reserve Economic Data)]. Last Updated: 13 October 2021. Accessed: 13 October 2021.