Folks, I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest Census Bureau data, which says Americans’ median household income rose 2.6% to $87,460 in 2025, the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term. I guess that’s something to trumpet about, but I’m not sure it’s all sunshine and rainbows. This is the highest household income, adjusted for inflation, since the agency started measuring it in 1967, which is a pretty big deal. But let’s not get too carried away here, we’re still talking about a relatively modest increase.
The poverty rate dipped by half a percentage point to 10.2%, which is a good thing, and the uninsured rate stayed essentially the same at 7.9%. The poverty rate for children fell a percentage point to 13.4%, which is the lowest on record, so that’s definitely a positive trend. However, median earnings for full-time year-round workers did not change significantly in 2025, although women saw an increase in earnings of 3.2%, which is a step in the right direction.
I find it interesting that the annual Census report is being touted as evidence that the country is doing great under Trump’s leadership. He’s been saying that the country is doing far better under his leadership than under his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. At the Republican National Convention, Trump said, “This has been the most successful two years financially and every other way in the history of the presidency.” That’s quite a claim, but I suppose it’s up for debate.
Despite the increase in income, many Americans are feeling financially squeezed as prices for groceries, utilities, housing costs, and other essentials remain stubbornly high. Both Republicans and Democrats have acknowledged that America is suffering from an affordability crisis, which is a pretty big problem. It’s not all good news, folks, and we need to be careful not to get too caught up in the hype.
Median income barely rose during the Biden administration, which had to contend with the aftermath of the economic upheaval wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic and a period of soaring inflation. Median household income did not return to its inflation-adjusted pre-pandemic peak until 2023 and remained essentially flat during Biden’s last year in office. Notably, the Census’ median income figure does not include capital gains from stocks, which typically benefit higher-earning Americans. Those who have the means to invest have seen their wealth accumulate in recent years, with the S&P 500 rising 16.39% in 2025, its third consecutive year of double-digit gains.
In conclusion, while the latest Census Bureau data does show some positive trends, it’s not all good news. The affordability crisis is a real problem, and we need to be careful not to get too caught up in the hype. As I finish my coffee, I’m left thinking that the economy is a complex beast, and we need to take a nuanced view of the data. And on that note, I’ll just say that it’s always interesting to see how the numbers are spun, but at the end of the day, it’s the people who are struggling to make ends meet who really matter. Bless their hearts, indeed! 🙄
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
