Profile: Wage & Income Trends
The average salary in the Rural Capital Area (RCA) is $66,000/year, about 90% of the U.S. average. From 2013-2023 the RCA average salary grew 51%, versus 45% for the U.S.
Figure 1: Average Salary by Industry, 2023
Salaries in the Rural Capital Area are below U.S. levels in all industries except Manufacturing and Trade, Transportation and Utilities. Salaries in eight sectors grew faster than the national rate from 2013-2023:
- Information – 110%
- Professional and Business Services – 99%
- Construction – 60%
- Leisure and Hospitality – 59%
- Financial Activities – 50%
- Manufacturing – 45%
- Health Services & Private Education – 42%
- Natural Resources & Mining – 29%
Other sectors experienced double-digit salary growth, but grew slightly slower than the US:
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities – 31%
- Government – 40%
Per capita income in the Rural Capital Area has remained below the U.S. average for the past 10 years, reaching 96% of U.S. per Capita income in 2023. As with salary levels, per capita income has increased every year from 2013-2023 matching U.S. growth trends.
Figure 2: Per Capita Income, 2013-2023
However, the median household income in the Rural Capital Area is higher than U.S. level, reflecting the prevalence of families (and lots of children). The RCA median household income reached $97,000 in 2023, reaching 126% of U.S. Median Household Income. The RCA median household income has grown every year from 2013-2023.
Figure 3: Median Household Income, 2013-2023
The Rural Capital Area has much lower poverty levels than the U.S. as a whole. Between 2013 and 2023, poverty levels have decreased overall with only one year of slight increase in 2021.
The regional percentage of children in poverty followed a similar pattern, generally falling from 2013 to 2023 with a slight rise in 2021 before continuing to fall.
Figure 4: Percent in Poverty, 2013-2023
