America's struggle belt: High prices squeeze Southern households
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Americans in parts of the South and Southeast are having an especially hard time paying for everyday expenses compared to those elsewhere, according to the latest census data.
Why it matters: Consumers nationwide have been dealing with rising prices — but those in some areas are having a harder time making ends meet than others.
The big picture: About 37% of American adults are in households that found it somewhat or very difficult to pay for typical expenses between late June and late July, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey.
- That's an online survey meant to collect key socioeconomic data in near real-time.
Zoom in: Mississippi (49.5%), Alabama (45.5%) and West Virginia (43.5%) have the highest percentage of adults who say they're having trouble affording their basic needs.
- Standouts in other regions include New York (40%), Hawai'i (39.9%) and Arizona (39.4%).
The other side: Washington, D.C. (19.3%); Vermont (26.4%) and Minnesota (27.4%) have the fewest residents reporting such difficulties.
The bottom line: Economic pain is everywhere — but it's not evenly distributed.
