Average (median) family income in the United States was estimated at $5,000 in 1957, or about 4 percent higher than in 1956, according to estimates, released today by the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. However, this $200 gain in money income between 1956 and 1957 probably represented no significant change in purchasing power for the average family, since prices also rose substantially during this period.1
The average income of nonfarm families rose by about 3 percent over the year, largely because of further increases in wage rates in most industries. In the case of the farm population, other evidence indicates that a rise in income over the year was due partly to increased earnings from nonfarm work. A growing number of farm families derive at least part of their income from employment off the farm.
Of the Nation's 44 million families, about 4 million, or one-tenth, received incomes of $10,000 or more, and an additional 18 million, or two-fifths, had incomes ranging between $5,000 and $10,000. At the other end of the income scale, 6 1/2 million, or 15 percent, had incomes under $2,000. The remaining 15 1/2 million were in the $2,000-to-$5,000 bracket. The distribution of families (groups of two or more related persons) by their income in 1957 is shown in table A.
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1 The Consumer Price Index of the Department of Labor averaged 116.2 in 1956 and 120.2 in 1957.
Census statistics date back to 1790 and reflect the growth and change of the United States. Past census reports contain some terms that today’s readers may consider obsolete and inappropriate. As part of our goal to be open and transparent with the public, we are improving access to all Census Bureau original publications and statistics, which serve as a guide to the nation's history.
Average Income Rose Slightly in 1957 (Advance data)
Advance March 1958 data showing distribution of persons 14 years of age and over by total money income, by sex, for the United States, farm and nonfarm.
Family Income Up 4 Percent in 1957 (Advance data)
Advance data from the March 1958 sample survey showing distribution of families by total money income, for the United States, farm and nonfarm, 1952 to 1957.
Personal Income Unchanged in 1958 (Advance data)
Advance data from the March 1959 sample survey showing percent distribution of persons 14 years of age and over by total money income, for the United States.