U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Skip Header


Income of Families and Persons in the United States: 1947

Report Number P60-05

Families in the United States had an average (median) income of $3,000 i n 1947, according to estimates issued today by J. C. Capt, Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. This represents an increase of about 20 percent over the figure of $2,500 for 1944. In contrast to the increase which was recorded for families, individuals not in families had about the same median income ($1,000) in 1947 and in 1944.

Although 7 million families (about one out of every five) had incomes of $5,000 or more in 1947, there were still many families (4 million) with incomes under $1,000. Ten million families had incomes of less than $2,000.

There were wide differenoea in the income gains of farm and nonfarm families between 1944 and 1947. During this period the median income or urban families increased by about 15 percent and that of rural-nonfarm families increased by about 18 percent. In contrast, the increase in the median income of rural-farm families, (although more difficult to measure accurately) was about 54 percent during this period.

A Note on Language

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.

Page Last Revised - October 8, 2021
Is this page helpful?
Thumbs Up Image Yes Thumbs Down Image No
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum 255 characters maximum reached
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?

Top

Back to Header