Average (median) family income in the UnitedStates was estimated at $4,200 in 1954, according to estimates released today by Robert W. Burgess, Director, Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. This figure was about the same as in 1953 but $300 higher than in 1952. The increase since 1952 probably represented a significant gain in purchasing power for the average family, since prices rose only slightly during the same period, according to the Consumer's Price Index.

Of the Nation's 42 million families, about 16 million, or two-fifths, received incomes of $5,000 or more in 1954 while 8 million, or one-fifth, had incomes under $2,000. The remaining 18 million families were in the $2,000-to-$5,000 bracket. The distribution of families (groups of two or more related persons) by their income in 1954 ls shown below:

Table A.–NUMBER OF FAMILIES, BY FAMILY INCOME, FOR THE UNITED STATES: 1954

The 7-percent gain in family income since 1952 largely reflects the continued rise in wage rates for workers in most major industries. The survey data indicate that the median wage or salary income rose between 7 and 8 percent from 1952 to 1954. During this period, average income from farm self-employment decreased substantially while receipts from other sources of income remained stable.