Inequality Trends

Report
Poverty and Inequality

A Guide to Statistics on Historical Trends in Income Inequality

December 11, 2024 - ,  and
Data from a variety of sources contribute to a broad picture of strong growth and shared prosperity during the early postwar period, followed by slower growth and greater inequality since the 1970s. Within these broad trends, however, different data tell slightly different parts of the story, and no single data source is best for all purposes.

More on This Topic

Policy Basics

The gap between rich and poor has been growing for decades, reaching levels not seen since the “Roaring ‘20s.”

We track income trends, and we analyze tax and spending proposals for their effects on income inequality. We promote policies that would help offset rising inequality, and we oppose policies that would make inequality worse.

Subscribe to Inequality Trends