US household income top pre-pandemic levels for the 1st time as Americans struggle with inflation

Last year, median U.S. household income increased by 2.6%, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The milestone reflects a prolonged struggle against rising prices that has constrained American earnings and purchasing power over the past five years.

The data highlights the complex economic reality for U.S. households, which have seen nominal gains offset by years of persistent inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic.