Jan 30, 2026 - News
Ohio’s household income growth trails most states
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Household incomes in Ohio grew nearly 17% over the past 50 years, well below the national average of around 32%, per a new report.
By the numbers: Ohio had the sixth lowest percentage increase among all states from 1970 to 2023, the Urban Institute finds.
- The median household income in the Buckeye State went from $58,139 to $67,769 during that period.
Zoom out: Median household incomes rose the most in Utah (78%), Colorado (67%) and New Hampshire (62%).
- Michigan had the lowest increase at at 2.9%, while West Virginia fell -0.4%.
- That's after adjusting for inflation.
What they're saying: "Income alone does not determine a family's prosperity," said the D.C.-based think tank, "but it does offer a snapshot of economic growth."
Between the lines: The most important factor tied to income change, per the report, is educational attainment.
- Another contributor: Immigrants.
- "This could be because immigration leads to economic growth, immigrants seek out growing areas, or both."