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Answer key · for teachers
Figures as of November 14, 2026, from each chart's current data.
Chart 1 of 1 · Income and poverty
The chart's answer: In the Census Bureau's 5-year survey ending in 2024, the typical household in District of Columbia earned $109,870 a year, the most, followed by Massachusetts ($103,960) and Maryland ($103,678). Mississippi was lowest at $56,447, and the U.S. median was $80,734. These are 5-year estimates in 2024 dollars, each with a margin of error.
Find your state. Is it above or below the U.S. median, and by about how much?
Why do statisticians often use the median instead of the average (mean) for income?
Housing and groceries cost more in some states. What would you need to know to compare what these incomes can buy?
Open question: answers will vary. Look for answers that use the chart's numbers and source.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates (Public domain (U.S. government work). This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.) · Data as of Dec 31, 2024 · chart.ly/charts/median-household-income-by-state
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