Household income is the combined income of the people counted as one household under a particular definition. In U.S. Census statistics, a household generally includes everyone occupying a housing unit, whether related or not. The income measure may be narrower than all money coming into the home: Census money income is generally pre-tax and excludes certain receipts and noncash benefits. If you are filling out an application, use that form’s definition rather than assuming the Census rules apply.
Who counts as a household?
The Census Bureau defines a household as the people who occupy a housing unit. A person living alone is a household, and unrelated people sharing a home can be members of the same household. Group quarters are excluded from the household count. See the Census Bureau’s CPS subject definitions.
This is why household income can include a roommate’s income in a statistical measure: the unit is based on who occupies the home, not just on family relationships. A specific survey can add rules about which members’ income is counted or what time period is covered.
Household income is not the same as family income
A Census family is at least two related people living together, with one of them the householder. A household can include those family members plus unrelated occupants, or consist entirely of unrelated people. Consequently, household income and family income can have different membership and totals. The Census Bureau explains the distinction in its income FAQs.
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What income does the Census count?
Census money income is income received regularly before personal income taxes and specified deductions. It is not take-home pay. The Census Bureau also excludes certain receipts, including capital gains, and does not count the value of noncash benefits such as food assistance, health benefits, or subsidized housing as money income. Its overview, About Income, describes these boundaries.
Some Census measures have additional rules. For example, the American Housing Survey defines household income as the sum of income for household members aged 16 and older, including lodgers, roommates, employees, and other unrelated members. That age rule applies to the AHS measure; it should not be assumed for every survey. Details appear in the 2021 American Housing Survey definitions appendix.
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Median versus mean household income
The median is the midpoint: half of households fall below it and half above it. The mean is total income divided by the number of households. Because unusually high incomes can pull the mean upward, median income is often more representative of a typical household’s position in the distribution, while the mean describes the arithmetic average. When quoting or comparing a figure, identify which statistic it is. See the Census Bureau’s income FAQs.
How household income differs from poverty income
The Census official poverty measure uses pre-tax money income and thresholds that vary with family size and composition. It excludes capital gains and noncash benefits such as Medicaid, public housing, and food stamps. These are rules for the official Census poverty measure, not universal rules for tax, insurance, benefit, or lending applications. The Census Bureau explains the measure in How the Census Bureau Measures Poverty.
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How to interpret or compare an income figure
Two figures labeled “household income” may not describe the same thing. Before comparing them, check the unit, income definition, survey and reference period, statistic, and geography. Also note whether dollar amounts are inflation-adjusted. Census household survey respondents tend to underreport income; wage and salary income is reported more accurately than several other income sources, so a small difference between estimates is not necessarily meaningful. See the Census Bureau’s income overview.
- Unit: Is the figure for households, families, or another group? Are unrelated occupants included?
- Income concept: Is it pre-tax money income, after-tax income, or a broader measure that includes noncash benefits?
- Survey and period: Which survey produced it, and what income reference year does it cover?
- Statistic: Is it a median or a mean?
- Geography and dollars: Which area does it describe, and are values adjusted for inflation?
What to enter on a form
Do not assume that a Census definition determines who belongs in a household for every application. Tax, health insurance, food assistance, lending, and other programs may define the relevant people, income sources, and time period differently. Follow the instructions for the specific form, especially if it asks for gross income, adjusted gross income, take-home income, or income of particular household members.
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- Effective Budget Planning - Take control of your finances with the budget account book. This comprehensive planner allows you to plan and track your income, expenses, savings, and financial goals in one convenient place. With its intuitive layout and easy-to-use sections, you can stay organized and make informed decisions to achieve financial success.
- User-Friendly Layout - The budget planner features a user-friendly layout designed for easy navigation and organization. Each month, you'll find dedicated budget pages where you can set financial goals, track your income, and plan your expenses. Additional sections include debt trackers, savings goals, bill payment trackers, and more, making it simple to stay on top of your finances.
- Undated Monthly Calendar & Bonus Stickers - Featuring undated calendar each month, you'll have ample space to mark paydays, bills due, appointments, and important dates. Say goodbye to difficult writing spaces. Plus, we've included 3 cute sticker sheets that allow you to personalize your financial organizer and make budgeting more fun. Dates are not pre-printed and are completed by the user.
- Reliable and Convenient Design - Our monthly budget planner is designed for your convenience and built to last. The elastic band keeps everything securely in place, and the dual-sided pocket provides extra storage. Experience a budget planner that combines practicality and durability.
- Master Budgeting with Ease - Our financial planner includes a complete guidebook that provides valuable insights and instructions for optimal usage. From setting financial goals to tracking expenses, this guidebook offers step-by-step guidance and practical tips. Whether you're new to budgeting or an experienced user, this resource will help you make the most of your budget planner, empowering you to achieve financial success.
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