Black Household Income Rose to 62 Percent of White Median
New Census data shows a narrowing income gap between Black and non-Hispanic White households nationwide.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Saving
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The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the median income for Black households rose to $59,980 in 2025, up from $56,020 the year prior. This increase slightly narrowed the disparity between Black and non-Hispanic White median incomes across the country.
Why it matters
Understanding shifts in median income provides a benchmark for evaluating economic progress and household purchasing power over time. These figures reflect broad financial trends that can influence long-term savings goals and household financial planning strategies.
The median income for Black households rose to $59,980 in 2025 from $56,020 in 2024, while non-Hispanic White median income grew to $96,710 from $92,530. These figures result in a Black-to-White income ratio of 62 percent, a slight increase from 60.5 percent the previous year.
The players
U.S. Census Bureau
The federal agency responsible for producing data about the American people and economy through surveys and reports.
The details
The Census Bureau defines median income as the midpoint where half of all families earn more and half earn less. Recent data indicates that 19.4 percent of non-Hispanic White households reported annual incomes exceeding $200,000 in 2025, compared to 8.7 percent of Black households. These statistics are based on annual household income reports, which track changes in earnings distributions across different racial demographics.
Timeline
2024 served as the baseline year for the reported median household income figures.
2025 data represents the most recent annual findings on household income.
September 2026 marked the official release of the U.S. Census Bureau annual income report.
Money Landscape
This data updates the ongoing trend of median household income measurement in the United States. It provides the latest snapshot of how these figures compare to previous years as monitored by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Reviewing these median income benchmarks can help you contextualize your own household's financial standing compared to national data. Consult with a qualified financial professional to align your savings and investment strategies with your unique income profile.
The takeaway
The latest Census data reveals a marginal narrowing of the income gap between Black and non-Hispanic White households over the last year. Reviewing your annual income relative to national benchmarks can provide useful context for long-term household budgeting.
Further reading
Learn more about managing your savings goals and household financial planning in the Saving section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.
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Is the progress toward closing the racial income gap in the U.S. sufficient?
