Average income in Kent County jumped almost 10% last year. (Grand Rapids: 2015, job market)

[mjlo]

Michigan's median income is up and poverty is down, new Census data shows | MLive.com

Long one of the negative arguments associated with Grand Rapids has been that it's average income statistic performs poorly against peer metros. Census released the 2016 income numbers showing average income in Kent County going from $54k in 2015 to almost 60k in 2016. Ottawa County average income grew to 61k.

I have long said that the metro wide average income has been diluted by the rural counties added to the MSA. When you look at the 2 core counties of Kent and Ottawa which together comprise more than 900k people you have a median income of $60k. Income in the area grew faster than the national average(expected). I'm looking for data to show how W. Mich is doing compared to peer metros. The historically lagging wages are representative of the union anemic, manufacturing heavy economy that's been legacy to the area. The lions share of job growth over the past 10 years has been in STEM/Professional sectors, which have salaries at the wage threshold you typically want to see in an area. I expect the area to continue to see it's average income catch up to other metros in the coming years. Especially if the job market stays in it's current pattern.

[Indentured Servant]

Originally Posted by mjlo

Michigan's median income is up and poverty is down, new Census data shows | MLive.com

Long one of the negative arguments associated with Grand Rapids has been that it's average income statistic performs poorly against peer metros. Census released the 2016 income numbers showing average income in Kent County going from $54k in 2015 to almost 60k in 2016. Ottawa County average income grew to 61k.

I have long said that the metro wide average income has been diluted by the rural counties added to the MSA. When you look at the 2 core counties of Kent and Ottawa which together comprise more than 900k people you have a median income of $60k. Income in the area grew faster than the national average(expected). I'm looking for data to show how W. Mich is doing compared to peer metros. The historically lagging wages are representative of the union anemic, manufacturing heavy economy that's been legacy to the area. The lions share of job growth over the past 10 years has been in STEM/Professional sectors, which have salaries at the wage threshold you typically want to see in an area. I expect the area to continue to see it's average income catch up to other metros in the coming years. Especially if the job market stays in it's current pattern.

Is that median income or median household income? I assume the latter. Good news if it's not just more adult age children living at home.

[mjlo]

Originally Posted by Indentured Servant

Is that median income or median household income? I assume the latter. Good news if it's not just more adult age children living at home.

I don't think it's just more adult age children living at home. I think it has to do with demand for workers driving wages up, combined with the work force that's moving into the area being more educated and entering higher wage positions. The below article suggests actual wage increases, and not just "household consolidation".

Wages in West Michigan are going up, employment group says | MLive.com

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Indentured Servant

Is that median income or median household income? I assume the latter. Good news if it's not just more adult age children living at home.

Median income. It was a survey of over 300 local businesses.