Fact Check: "The average American household income was about $68,700 in 2019."
What We Know
In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the real median household income reached $68,703, marking a significant increase of 6.8% from the previous year (2018) when it was $64,324 (Census.gov). This figure represents the median, which is the middle point in income distribution, rather than the average, which can be skewed by extremely high or low incomes. However, the claim that the average household income was about $68,700 aligns closely with the reported median income figure.
Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) also analyzed household income data and noted that average incomes had increased across all quintiles from 1979 to 2019, although specific figures for average income in 2019 were not detailed in their report (CBO).
Analysis
The claim that the average American household income was about $68,700 in 2019 is supported by reliable data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which is a primary source for demographic and economic statistics in the United States. The reported median household income of $68,703 is a robust indicator of the economic conditions in that year.
While the term "average" can sometimes refer to the mean, in this context, it is important to note that the median is often used in income statistics to provide a clearer picture of the typical household income, as it is less affected by outliers. The Census Bureau's data indicates that 2019 was a historic year for income growth, with significant gains across various demographic groups, particularly among minority populations (Census.gov, Trump White House Archives).
The CBO's analysis corroborates the trends observed by the Census Bureau, highlighting that household incomes have generally risen, although the specific average income figure for 2019 was not provided (CBO).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the average American household income was about $68,700 in 2019 is true when considering the reported median household income of $68,703. This figure reflects a significant increase in living standards and is supported by credible data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which is the authoritative source for such statistics.
