Washington, DC Income

The inflation-adjusted median household income in Washington was $101,116, based on U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates.
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Updated Dec 15, 2023
Overview
$101,116
Median household income
0.5111
Gini coefficient
25 to 44 years ($116,817)
Highest median income age group
$701,660
Income of top 5%

All incomes in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars using R-CPI-U-RS. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

Age of householder

Per the latest American Community Survey by the Census Bureau, Washington sees its highest median household income among householders in the age group of 25 to 44 years old, at $116,817. Here are the key highlights for income distribution by age:

  • In terms of income distribution across age cohorts, in Washington, householders within the 25 to 44 years age group have the highest median household income at $116,817, followed by those in the 45 to 64 years age group with an income of $115,765. Meanwhile householders within the 65 years and over age group report the second lowest median household income of $55,975. Notably, householders within the under 25 years age group, had the lowest median household income at $54,733.
  • Notably, household income for individuals within the 45 to 64 years age group demonstrated a remarkable increase of $32,046(38.28%), escalating from a median of $83,719 in 2012 to $115,765 in 2022.
  • 17,727(5.42%) households where the householder is under 25 years old.
  • 157,312(48.11%) households with a householder aged between 25 and 44 years.
  • 88,939(27.20%) households with a householder aged between 45 and 64 years.
  • 62,992(19.27%) households where the householder is over 65 years old.
The bar chart shows Washington, DC median household income by age of householder.
Washington, DC median household income by age of householder: It offers a clear illustration of the differences in median household incomes in Washington, based on the age of householders divided into four cohorts : Under 25 years, 25 - 44 years, 45 to 64 years and 65 years and over. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

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Gender

In Washington, the population consists of 325,490 males (47.65%) and 357,664 females (52.35%). Here are the primary highlights from the gender-based income distribution analysis:

  • In Washington, the median income for all workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, was $74,531 for males and $61,102 for females.
  • However, when specifically considering full-time, year-round workers within the same age group, the median income was $105,561 for males and $87,028 for females.
  • In Washington, the median income for all workers aged 15 years and older, regardless of work hours, was $74,531 for males and $61,102 for females.
  • In Washington, among full-time, year-round workers aged 15 years and older, males earned a median income of $105,561, while females earned $87,028, leading to a 18% gender pay gap among full-time workers. This illustrates that women earn 82 cents for each dollar earned by men in full-time roles. This analysis indicates a widening gender pay gap, showing a substantial income disparity where women, despite working full-time, face a more significant wage discrepancy compared to men in the same roles.
Line chart showing the annual median income trends in Washington, DC for males and females across four employment categories: (1) Males in full-time year-round positions, (2) Males in non-full-time roles (part-time and other employment types), (3) Females in full-time year-round positions, and (4) Females in non-full-time roles (part-time and other employment types).
Washington, DC gender based income disparity: Gain insights into gender-based pay disparity trends and explore the variations in income for male and female individuals, in 2022 inflation adjusted dollars. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

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Race

In Washington, the population is predominantly Black or African American, constituting 44.66% of the total residents. Here are the key highlights from the analysis of income distribution by race:

  • The median household income for Black or African American households is $60,891.
  • In Washington, despite the Black or African American population being the most populous, it is worth noting that White households actually reports the highest median household income, with a median income of $149,358. This reveals that, while Black or African Americans may be the most numerous in Washington, White households experience greater economic prosperity in terms of median household income.
  • In Washington, the median household income for the households where the householder is White increased by $10,137(7.28%), between 2012 and 2022. The median household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars, was $139,221 in 2012 and $149,358 in 2022.
  • In Washington, the median household income for the households where the householder is Black or African American increased by $10,762(21.47%), between 2012 and 2022. The median household income, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars, was $50,129 in 2012 and $60,891 in 2022.
The bar chart shows Washington, DC median household income across all racial categories identified by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Washington, DC median household income diversity across racial categories: Gain insights into economic disparities and trends and explore the variations in median houshold income for diverse racial categories. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

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Year by year

Washington, DC median household income trends by year, family type and household size (2010-2021):

  • From 2010 to 2021, the median household income for Washington increased by $22,148 (28.05%), as per the American Community Survey estimates.
  • Between 2010 and 2021, median household income, adjusted for 2022 inflation, experienced growth year by year for 10 years and declined for 1 years.
  • The most significant year-by-year growth occured from 2016 to 2017, when the median household income increased by 3,788 (from $89,205 to $92,993). Similarly the most substantial year-by-year decline occured from 2020 to 2021, when the median household income decreased by 1,821 (from $102,937 to $101,116).
  • It then further increased to $181,646 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.
  • With a Gini coefficient of 0.5111, it is evident that income distribution in Washington, DC exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .
  • For the family households, the median income (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $146,477. For the non-family households, the median income (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $82,505.
The line chart shows Washington, DC median household income from 2010 to 2021. The orange line represents Census Bureau data for median household income (without adjusting for any inflation), while the blue line shows inflation-adjusted median household income for 2022.
Washington, DC median household income trends: 2010 to 2021. The chart illustrates income fluctuations over the years, highlighting the impact of inflation on economic trends. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

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References

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Washington, DC Demographics

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Median household income of places that contain Washington (in 2022 dollars)
Median household income of nearby cities (in 2022 dollars)

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Neilsberg Research team are data scientists with expertise in processing, analysis and visualization of big data helping small businesses make right decisions.

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