The median household income across Northwest Arkansas rose 2.9% between 2019 and 2022, per new U.S. Census Bureau data.

• Median income for the NWA metro area was $73,364 in 2022, compared with $71,294 in 2019, adjusted for inflation.

By the numbers: The share of NWA households making $50,000 to $75,000 annually decreased from 19% to 18% between 2019 and 2022, while the share making more than $100,000 jumped from 27% to 35%.

• The share of households with income of $75,000 to $99,000 also increased, from 13% to 14%.

Yes, but: The median income statewide decreased by 2.04% — from $56,587 in 2019 to $55,432 in 2022 — meaning NWA's median household income is about 32% higher than the state overall.

Details: The new data comes by way of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) one-year estimates, released Thursday.

• The survey is a very valuable resource, providing a regularly published, quantified look at myriad facets of American life — down to a remarkably local level.

The big picture: Nationally, median household income fell 1.6% between 2019 and 2022, adjusted for inflation.

• That trend "explains why Americans have felt so 'meh' about the strong economy over the past couple years," Axios Markets' Emily Peck writes based on similar yet slightly different data released last week.

The intrigue: The COVID-19 pandemic "changed the geography of where money is made in the United States," Axios Macro's Neil Irwin reports, as many higher-income Americans decamped from cities like New York and San Francisco to "rural and exurban places and popular vacation destinations."

Of note: Because the latest ACS release is based on 2022 data, it's capturing what some call the "late-pandemic era," when many elements of normality returned but the pandemic still loomed in the background, affecting many aspects of life.

Go deeper: Where America stands

👋 Alex here. I love some family-style Indian food.

What happened: I stopped for dinner for two at Punjabi Kitchen in Centerton and ordered the tikka masala (curry with a tomato-and-onion base) with chicken, the chili garlic curry with chicken, cheese naan and an appetizer of paneer pakora. Paneer is a soft cheese common in Indian food — this version was fried in seasoned chickpea batter.

The verdict: This is a spot for anyone who enjoys a traditional, sit-down Indian restaurant. The curries were creamy but not too thick and the flavors were on point. And the cheese naan is a must.

• Don't fret over spice level here, and maybe even go a step up from your norm if you get the tikka masala.

By the numbers: Punjabi is pretty good bang for your buck. Including tax and tip, the bill for two hungry diners was about $67 with enough leftovers for lunch for both of us the next day.

Of note: The menu has several vegetarian and vegan options, so add it to your list if you or others in your life like a meatless or plant-based meal.

When and where: 1411 E. Centerton Blvd. in Centerton. Hours are 3-9pm Monday-Thursday, noon-10pm Friday-Saturday, and noon-9pm Sunday.

• 2576 W. Sunset Ave., Suite C, in Springdale. Hours are 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday, and noon-8pm Sunday.
• 832 W. Cypress St. in Rogers. Hours are 11am-9pm Monday-Saturday; they are closed Sunday.

🧗‍♂️Springdale's Lewis & Clark Outfitters is permanently shuttered after 23 years, but the owners of Onyx Coffee Lab and Clubhaus Fitness have plans for a business at the location. (Fayetteville Flyer)

☀️ A former state legislator and a lawyer are forming a group to get an amendment on the ballot that would enshrine the state's sunshine law in the Arkansas Constitution. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

🛶 WOKA Whitewater Park, a 1,200-foot channel off the Illinois River, is now open in Watts, Oklahoma. (KFSM-TV)

Getting out isn't just for the weekend. Here are some weeknight ideas:

🤣 See a comedy show — It's open mic night Wednesday at New Province Brewing in Rogers. Plus, Shaun Jones performs at 7:30pm Thursday at Walton Arts Center's Starr Theater (get tickets ranging $21-$31) and Scott James takes the stage at 8pm Thursday at Black Apple Hard Cider in Springdale.

🇺🇸 Go see an art exhibit before it's gone — "Flagged for Discussion" at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art features work focusing on the American flag from more than 20 artists. It's a free exhibit on display during regular museum hours until Sept. 25.

✋ Join friends for a trivia night — Try Tuesday night at Marley's Pizzeria in Fayetteville, Harry Potter trivia Wednesday at The Botanical at 8th and A streets in Bentonville or Thursday night at Pedal Park in Farmington.

Auren Haynie recently spent about 20 hours painting a utility box at the intersection of Stephen Carr Memorial Boulevard and I-49 in Fayetteville.

• Each year, the city accepts applications for concepts to refresh some of the utility boxes at prominent intersections.
• This year's theme — "Follow the Flow" — is meant to educate the public on the importance of keeping area waterways clean.

Other artists will paint their concept of the theme at these intersections:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South College Avenue
• South Happy Hollow and East Huntsville roads
• 15th Street and South School Avenue