From EPI: The New Gilded Age - Income Inequality by State

Income inequality is on the rise. Even as incomes of the bottom 99 percent improve with a strengthening economy, the gap between the top 1 percent and everyone else continues to grow. EPI is out with a new report, “The new gilded age,” which shows that income inequality is not just a problem in big cities and coastal states. The report breaks down what it takes to be in the top 1 percent in every state, county and metropolitan area—and shows that income inequality is a problem throughout the country.  Click here to share this map on Facebook, which shows the level of inequality in each state.

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From 2009–2015, the incomes of the top 1 percent grew faster than the incomes of the bottom 99 percent in 43 states and the District of Columbia. And in nine states the top 1 percent captured at least half of all income growth. Nationally, in 2015, families in the top 1 percent made 26 times as much as the bottom 99 percent.  Click here to view the state-by-state interactive feature and see how the average income of the bottom 99 percent in your state compares with the average top 1 percent income. These data are also broken down by county and metropolitan area. Since the 1970s, income inequality has risen in every state. But this trend can be reversed if we begin making different policy choices, such as raising the minimum wage, strengthening collective bargaining, and providing paid sick leave. Together we can rebuild the middle class and create an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Thank you, Dan Crawford Media Relations Director, Economic Policy Institute