THE PUBLICATION

People & Places

How economic change reaches families and communities.

38 stories

Income Inequality in America: How to Read the National Picture

National income-inequality measures describe how income is distributed across a population, not the full financial position of every household. Definitions, survey methods, benefits, inflation adjustments and the distinction between income and wealth shape what the figures mean.

Nov 13, 2025

People & PlacesExplainer

What Income Inequality Measures—and What It Leaves Out

Income inequality statistics summarize how income is distributed, but their meaning depends on the income definition, survey, reference period and measure. A Gini index cannot describe every point in the distribution.

Nov 5, 2025