vitrine · US · room 12 of 13
The 2010s room
The composite family. Each room is a statistical composite, assembled from separate distributions with separate sources. The family at the median income did not also have the median house, the median car, and the median diet. No single family described here ever existed; each fact tells you, in its provenance drawer, which real population it was measured from.
Curator's route · 4 sourced exhibits
Comfort under pressure
How can a well-equipped household still carry a strained budget?
An editorial selection, not a synthetic family. Every stop opens the full specimen record.
Internet: 79% (2009) → 90% (2019). Broadband: 63% (2009) → 73% (2019).Internet and broadband, 2010s
A
Housing 33.0%, transportation 18.3%, food 14.0%, insurance/pensions 11.…Expenditure breakdown, 4-person families, 2013
A
221.8% — bottom 20% spends $22,154 against $9,988 incomeBottom quintile expenditure-to-income ratio, 2012
A
2.99 years ($179,900 home vs $60,240 income)Median home value as years of median family income, 2010
C
era-graded wash · absent technology isn't drawn · every glyph opens its record
Docent tours stopping in this room: The work that moved
The complete room
All six ledgers, including the curator's route above and the records around it. Value, tier, measured population, and source on every line.
The home
5 exhibits65.1%A
Homeownership rate, 2010observed record
% of occupied dwelling units (owner-occupied)
Population measuredAll U.S. occupied housing units (decennial census)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2000 · Tier A
Full record
Homeownership Rate by State: 1900 to 2000
U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Bureau. Down from the bubble peak (~69% in 2004-06) due to the foreclosure crisis. The 2010s saw a slow recovery in homeownership.
Source note: Time series of homeownership rates from 1900 to 2000 by state and nationally. 1950 national rate: 55.0%. 1940: 43.6%. 1960: 61.9%. Also see companion table: https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/tables/time-series/census-housing-tables/ownerchar.pdf
Assumption: The composite family
U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Bureau. Down from the bubble peak (~69% in 2004-06) due to the foreclosure crisis. The 2010s saw a slow recovery in homeownership.
Source note: Time series of homeownership rates from 1900 to 2000 by state and nationally. 1950 national rate: 55.0%. 1940: 43.6%. 1960: 61.9%. Also see companion table: https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/tables/time-series/census-housing-tables/ownerchar.pdf
Assumption: The composite family
$179,900A
Median home value, 2010observed record
USD, nominal (owner-occupied)
Population measuredOwner-occupied housing units (ACS 1-year estimates)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
ACS Table B25077: Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: One-time price
Affordability anchors: Production and nonsupervisory employees, total private sector; All US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Denominators measure: hours axis: average hourly earnings; income axis: total money income
Curator note: From ACS Table B25077, 2010 1-year estimates. Post-housing-crash median: down from $240,500 (2019) and $360,600 (2024). The Census Historical Housing Tables (values-unadj.txt) decennial series ends at 2000 ($119,600). Source: censusreporter.org/tables/B25077/.
Source note: Median home value: 2010 $179,900, 2014 $181,200, 2019 $240,500, 2024 $360,600. Retrieved via Census Reporter API.
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Assumption: The affordability axis
Assumption: Why hours, not budget share
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: One-time price
Affordability anchors: Production and nonsupervisory employees, total private sector; All US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Denominators measure: hours axis: average hourly earnings; income axis: total money income
Curator note: From ACS Table B25077, 2010 1-year estimates. Post-housing-crash median: down from $240,500 (2019) and $360,600 (2024). The Census Historical Housing Tables (values-unadj.txt) decennial series ends at 2000 ($119,600). Source: censusreporter.org/tables/B25077/.
Source note: Median home value: 2010 $179,900, 2014 $181,200, 2019 $240,500, 2024 $360,600. Retrieved via Census Reporter API.
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Assumption: The affordability axis
Assumption: Why hours, not budget share
Computed affordability
≈ 9,444 hours of work
≈ 240.7% of annual income
Large ratio: inspect the wage population and anchor years in provenance before reading this as one household's timeline.
$855/monthA
Median gross rent, 2010observed record
USD, nominal (median gross rent, specified renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent)
Population measuredRenter-occupied housing units paying cash rent (ACS 1-year estimates)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
ACS Table B25064: Median Gross Rent
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From ACS Table B25064, 2010 1-year estimates (Census API). Up from $602 in 2000 (decennial census). The decennial gross-rents series ends at 2000; the ACS is its successor. The renter half of the housing story: at 65.1% homeownership, a third of families rented.
Source note: Median gross rent (USD/month): 2010 $855, 2015 $959, 2019 $1,097, 2022 $1,300, 2023 $1,406, 2024 $1,487. Retrieved via Census API (api.census.gov). Successor to the decennial Census of Housing gross rents series, which ends at 2000 ($602) — the long-form census question was replaced by the ACS.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From ACS Table B25064, 2010 1-year estimates (Census API). Up from $602 in 2000 (decennial census). The decennial gross-rents series ends at 2000; the ACS is its successor. The renter half of the housing story: at 65.1% homeownership, a third of families rented.
Source note: Median gross rent (USD/month): 2010 $855, 2015 $959, 2019 $1,097, 2022 $1,300, 2023 $1,406, 2024 $1,487. Retrieved via Census API (api.census.gov). Successor to the decennial Census of Housing gross rents series, which ends at 2000 ($602) — the long-form census question was replaced by the ACS.
Natural gas 51%, electricity 36%, propane 4%, fuel oil 4%, other 5%A
House heating fuel, 2015 (RECS)observed record
% of heated homes using each fuel as main space heating source
Population measuredU.S. housing units (sampled)
Source recordU.S. Energy Information Administration · 2020 · Tier A
Full record
Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)
U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the 2015 RECS. Natural gas remained dominant but was slowly declining (49% in 2009). Electricity continued its rise (34% in 2009 → 36% in 2015), gaining on gas. Fuel oil fell further to ~4% (concentrated in the Northeast at 23%). The long arc: coal dominated in 1940 (55%), gas by 1960 (43%), electricity rising from 2% (1960) to 36% (2015). Source: EIA RECS 2015.
Source note: Started 1978, triennial/quadrennial. Tracks appliance ownership (refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioning) and housing characteristics. AC diffusion: 1993 RECS 68%, 2009 RECS 87%, 2015 RECS 87%. Useful for diffusion and home panels as complement to AHS.
U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the 2015 RECS. Natural gas remained dominant but was slowly declining (49% in 2009). Electricity continued its rise (34% in 2009 → 36% in 2015), gaining on gas. Fuel oil fell further to ~4% (concentrated in the Northeast at 23%). The long arc: coal dominated in 1940 (55%), gas by 1960 (43%), electricity rising from 2% (1960) to 36% (2015). Source: EIA RECS 2015.
Source note: Started 1978, triennial/quadrennial. Tracks appliance ownership (refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioning) and housing characteristics. AC diffusion: 1993 RECS 68%, 2009 RECS 87%, 2015 RECS 87%. Useful for diffusion and home panels as complement to AHS.
2,169 sq ft (new construction)A
Median square footage of new single-family homes, 2010observed record
median square feet of floor area, new single-family houses completed
Population measuredNew single-family houses completed in the United States
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Characteristics of New Single-Family Houses Completed (Census C-25 / Series H-150)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the Census Bureau's Survey of Construction (C-25 annual report). New homes continued growing through the 2010s recovery: 2010 was 2,169, 2015 peaked at 2,467, 2017 was 2,426. The 2020s saw a pullback to 2,150 (2024, JCHS report) — builders shifted to smaller, more affordable homes. Source: c25ann2017.pdf.
Source note: Annual data on median square feet of floor area in new single-family houses completed, from the Census Bureau's Survey of Construction (SOC). Data available 1973-present. The C-25 annual reports (c25ann2003.pdf through c25ann2017.pdf) and H-150 reports (h150-73A.pdf through h150-89.pdf) are archived in vitrine-research/20-census-construction/. They contain the historical table 'Median and Average Square Feet of Floor Area in New Single-Family Houses Completed.' Pre-1999 reports use Series H-150 designation. Note: this measures NEW construction only, not the existing housing stock — the AHS measures the entire stock and yields lower medians because older, smaller homes remain in the inventory.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the Census Bureau's Survey of Construction (C-25 annual report). New homes continued growing through the 2010s recovery: 2010 was 2,169, 2015 peaked at 2,467, 2017 was 2,426. The 2020s saw a pullback to 2,150 (2024, JCHS report) — builders shifted to smaller, more affordable homes. Source: c25ann2017.pdf.
Source note: Annual data on median square feet of floor area in new single-family houses completed, from the Census Bureau's Survey of Construction (SOC). Data available 1973-present. The C-25 annual reports (c25ann2003.pdf through c25ann2017.pdf) and H-150 reports (h150-73A.pdf through h150-89.pdf) are archived in vitrine-research/20-census-construction/. They contain the historical table 'Median and Average Square Feet of Floor Area in New Single-Family Houses Completed.' Pre-1999 reports use Series H-150 designation. Note: this measures NEW construction only, not the existing housing stock — the AHS measures the entire stock and yields lower medians because older, smaller homes remain in the inventory.
The budget
12 exhibits$60,240A
Median family income, all families, 2010observed record
USD per year, nominal
Population measuredAll US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Census Historical Income Table F-8: Families by Size and Median and Mean Income (All Races)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census F-8. All families: 79,560 thousand, median $60,240 ($83,640 in 2024 dollars). The Great Recession had reduced real median income from the 2007 peak. Recovery was slow — by 2019, median family income reached ~$86,000 (nominal).
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census F-8. All families: 79,560 thousand, median $60,240 ($83,640 in 2024 dollars). The Great Recession had reduced real median income from the 2007 peak. Recovery was slow — by 2019, median family income reached ~$86,000 (nominal).
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
$74,750A
Median family income, four-person families, 2010observed record
USD per year, nominal
Population measuredAll US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Census Historical Income Table F-8: Families by Size and Median and Mean Income (All Races)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: Annual figure
Curator note: From Census F-8. 4-person families: median $74,750 ($103,800 in 2024 dollars). Average family size: 3.14.
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Getting to a family of four
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: Annual figure
Curator note: From Census F-8. 4-person families: median $74,750 ($103,800 in 2024 dollars). Average family size: 3.14.
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Getting to a family of four
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
79,560,000A
Number of families in the United States, 2010observed record
families
Population measuredAll US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Census Historical Income Table F-8: Families by Size and Median and Mean Income (All Races)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census F-8. Up from 73,780,000 in 2000.
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census F-8. Up from 73,780,000 in 2000.
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
3.14A
Average family size, 2010observed record
persons per family
Population measuredAll US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Census Historical Income Table F-8: Families by Size and Median and Mean Income (All Races)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census F-8. Flat from 3.14 in 2000.
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census F-8. Flat from 3.14 in 2000.
Source note: Excel file (f08ar = All Races). The 4-person-family section is the primary source for the museum's family-of-four medians. Coverage window starts at 1947 — verify the 4-person column covers the full window. CORRECTION 2026-07-13: this source was registered with the f08a.xlsx URL, which is the ASIAN-families table (sections 'Asian Alone or in Combination'/'Asian Alone', 2002-2020 only); every transcribed value re-verified against the fetched f08ar.xlsx (All Families 2024 row 10: $105,800 median/$144,500 mean; 1950 row 86: $3,319 current/$35,290 in 2024$; Four People 2024 row 259: $139,900). Race variants: f08w (White), f08b (Black), f08h (Hispanic), f08wnh (White not Hispanic), f08a (Asian).
15.1% (46.2 million people in poverty)A
Official poverty rate, 2010observed record
% of all people below official poverty level
Population measuredAll U.S. population (official poverty measure, CPS ASEC)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Historical Poverty Tables (Census API: histpov2)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Historical Poverty Tables (API: histpov2). Official poverty rate: 15.1%. Family poverty: 13.2%. Highest poverty rate since 1993 — the Great Recession's impact. Recovery was slow: by 2015 still 13.5%, by 2019: 10.5% (pre-COVID). By 2024: 10.6%.
Source note: Official poverty rate from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC), accessed via Census API endpoint histpov2. Covers 1959-present. PCTPOV = percentage of all people below poverty level. PCTFAMPOV = percentage of people in families below poverty level. The official poverty measure uses pre-tax money income vs. poverty thresholds by family size and age. Data starts 1959 (first year of official poverty measure).
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Historical Poverty Tables (API: histpov2). Official poverty rate: 15.1%. Family poverty: 13.2%. Highest poverty rate since 1993 — the Great Recession's impact. Recovery was slow: by 2015 still 13.5%, by 2019: 10.5% (pre-COVID). By 2024: 10.6%.
Source note: Official poverty rate from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC), accessed via Census API endpoint histpov2. Covers 1959-present. PCTPOV = percentage of all people below poverty level. PCTFAMPOV = percentage of people in families below poverty level. The official poverty measure uses pre-tax money income vs. poverty thresholds by family size and age. Data starts 1959 (first year of official poverty measure).
$51,442A
Average annual household expenditures, 2012observed record
USD per consumer unit, nominal
Population measuredConsumer units (households) in the civilian noninstitutionalized population
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS CEX multi-year table (cu-all-multi-year-2006-2012.xlsx). All consumer units. Income before taxes: $65,596. Expenditure/income ratio: 78.4%. 124,416 thousand consumer units; 64% homeowners.
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS CEX multi-year table (cu-all-multi-year-2006-2012.xlsx). All consumer units. Income before taxes: $65,596. Expenditure/income ratio: 78.4%. 124,416 thousand consumer units; 64% homeowners.
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
78.4% — expenditures $51,442 vs income $65,596A
Expenditure-to-income ratio, 2012observed record
% (total expenditures ÷ income before taxes)
Population measuredConsumer units (households) in the civilian noninstitutionalized population
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS CEX multi-year table (cu-all-multi-year-2006-2012.xlsx). All consumer units. Total expenditures: $51,442. Income before taxes: $65,596. Ratio: 78.4%. The ratio fell below 80% as income growth outpaced spending growth.
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS CEX multi-year table (cu-all-multi-year-2006-2012.xlsx). All consumer units. Total expenditures: $51,442. Income before taxes: $65,596. Ratio: 78.4%. The ratio fell below 80% as income growth outpaced spending growth.
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
221.8% — bottom 20% spends $22,154 against $9,988 incomeA
Bottom quintile expenditure-to-income ratio, 2012observed record
% (expenditures ÷ income before taxes)
Population measuredConsumer units (households) in the civilian noninstitutionalized population
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS CEX Table 1101 (cu-income-quintiles-before-taxes-2012.xlsx). Q1 mean income: $9,988. Q1 mean expenditures: $22,154. Ratio exceeds 100% because spending is financed by savings, borrowing, transfers, and underreported income. Food share for Q1: 15.8% vs 11.4% for Q5. Housing share for Q1: 39.9% vs 29.9% for Q5.
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS CEX Table 1101 (cu-income-quintiles-before-taxes-2012.xlsx). Q1 mean income: $9,988. Q1 mean expenditures: $22,154. Ratio exceeds 100% because spending is financed by savings, borrowing, transfers, and underreported income. Food share for Q1: 15.8% vs 11.4% for Q5. Housing share for Q1: 39.9% vs 29.9% for Q5.
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
The table
12 exhibits$2,588.7 billion (17.2% of GDP)A
Healthcare spending, 2010observed record
USD billions, nominal; NHE as % of GDP
Population measuredUS resident population and total national health spending (all payers)
Source recordCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 01. NHE: $2,588.7B. GDP: $15,049.0B. Per capita: $8,377. Healthcare's GDP share jumped from 13.3% to 17.2% in the 2000s — the largest decade increase. Medicare Part D (prescription drug benefit, 2006) added spending.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 01. NHE: $2,588.7B. GDP: $15,049.0B. Per capita: $8,377. Healthcare's GDP share jumped from 13.3% to 17.2% in the 2000s — the largest decade increase. Medicare Part D (prescription drug benefit, 2006) added spending.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
$8,377 per capita ($7,054 for personal health care)A
National health spending per person, 2010observed record
USD per person, nominal
Population measuredUS resident population and total national health spending (all payers)
Source recordCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 01 (NHE24_Summary.csv). NHE per capita: $8,377. Personal Health Care per capita: $7,054. Population: 309M.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 01 (NHE24_Summary.csv). NHE per capita: $8,377. Personal Health Care per capita: $7,054. Population: 309M.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
$519,534 million (20.1% of NHE)A
Medicare spending, 2010observed record
USD millions, nominal
Population measuredUS resident population and total national health spending (all payers)
Source recordCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 02 (NHE2024.csv). Medicare: $519,534M of $2,588,734M total.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 02 (NHE2024.csv). Medicare: $519,534M of $2,588,734M total.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
$397,425 million (15.4% of NHE)A
Medicaid spending, 2010observed record
USD millions, nominal
Population measuredUS resident population and total national health spending (all payers)
Source recordCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 02 (NHE2024.csv). Medicaid: $397,425M of $2,588,734M total.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 02 (NHE2024.csv). Medicaid: $397,425M of $2,588,734M total.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
$253,371 million (9.8% of NHE)A
Prescription drug spending, 2010observed record
USD millions, nominal
Population measuredUS resident population and total national health spending (all payers)
Source recordCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 02 (NHE2024.csv). Prescription drugs: $253,371M of $2,588,734M total.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CMS NHE Table 02 (NHE2024.csv). Prescription drugs: $253,371M of $2,588,734M total.
Source note: CMS NHE tables cover calendar years 1960-2024. Table 01: aggregate amounts, per capita, percent of GDP. Table 02: by type of service and source of funds. Dollar amounts in current (nominal) dollars. Updated annually. Source files: NHE24_Summary.csv, NHE2024.csv. URL CORRECTION 2026-07-28: CMS changed the page slug from statistics-trends-reports to statistics-trends-and-reports (old URL 404s); content re-verified as the NHE data page.
179.1 per 100,000A
Heart disease age-adjusted death rate, 2010observed record
age-adjusted deaths per 100,000 population
Population measuredU.S. resident population (death certificates, all causes)
Source recordNational Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · 2020 · Tier A
Full record
Age-adjusted Death Rates for Selected Major Causes of Death, 1900-2018
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC NCHS. Down 70% from the 1950 peak. Heart disease remained the #1 cause of death despite the dramatic decline. The rate of improvement slowed mid-decade.
Source note: Covers 1900-2018 for 5 causes: Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Accidents, Influenza/Pneumonia. Rates for 1900-1998 from NCHS Historical Data; 1999-2018 calculated using 2000 U.S. standard population. Citation: Bastian B, Tejada Vera B, Arias E, et al. Mortality trends in the United States, 1900-2018. NCHS. 2020.
Assumption: The composite family
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC NCHS. Down 70% from the 1950 peak. Heart disease remained the #1 cause of death despite the dramatic decline. The rate of improvement slowed mid-decade.
Source note: Covers 1900-2018 for 5 causes: Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Accidents, Influenza/Pneumonia. Rates for 1900-1998 from NCHS Historical Data; 1999-2018 calculated using 2000 U.S. standard population. Citation: Bastian B, Tejada Vera B, Arias E, et al. Mortality trends in the United States, 1900-2018. NCHS. 2020.
Assumption: The composite family
172.8 per 100,000A
Cancer age-adjusted death rate, 2010observed record
age-adjusted deaths per 100,000 population
Population measuredU.S. resident population (death certificates, all causes)
Source recordNational Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · 2020 · Tier A
Full record
Age-adjusted Death Rates for Selected Major Causes of Death, 1900-2018
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC NCHS. Down 20% from the 1990 peak. Targeted therapies (imatinib/Gleevec 2001, trastuzumab/Herceptin 1998) were changing the treatment paradigm.
Source note: Covers 1900-2018 for 5 causes: Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Accidents, Influenza/Pneumonia. Rates for 1900-1998 from NCHS Historical Data; 1999-2018 calculated using 2000 U.S. standard population. Citation: Bastian B, Tejada Vera B, Arias E, et al. Mortality trends in the United States, 1900-2018. NCHS. 2020.
Assumption: The composite family
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC NCHS. Down 20% from the 1990 peak. Targeted therapies (imatinib/Gleevec 2001, trastuzumab/Herceptin 1998) were changing the treatment paradigm.
Source note: Covers 1900-2018 for 5 causes: Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Accidents, Influenza/Pneumonia. Rates for 1900-1998 from NCHS Historical Data; 1999-2018 calculated using 2000 U.S. standard population. Citation: Bastian B, Tejada Vera B, Arias E, et al. Mortality trends in the United States, 1900-2018. NCHS. 2020.
Assumption: The composite family
69.7%A
Cancer 5-year relative survival rate, 2011observed record
% surviving 5 years after diagnosis (relative survival, SEER 9)
Population measuredPatients diagnosed with cancer in SEER 9 registry areas (San Francisco, Connecticut, Detroit, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Seattle, Utah, Atlanta), all races, both sexes
Source recordNational Cancer Institute (NIH), Surveillance Research Program · 2020 · Tier A
Full record
SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2017, Table 2.9: All Cancer Sites — Relative Survival by Year of Diagnosis
National Cancer Institute (NIH), Surveillance Research Program, 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From NCI SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2017, Table 2.9. Immunotherapy era: ipilimumab (2011), pembrolizumab/nivolumab (2014) for melanoma and lung cancer. Survival crossed 69% — up from 49% in the mid-1970s.
Source note: 5-year relative survival rates by year of diagnosis, 1975-2016. SEER 9 registries cover ~10% of US population. Ederer II method.
Assumption: The composite family
National Cancer Institute (NIH), Surveillance Research Program, 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From NCI SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2017, Table 2.9. Immunotherapy era: ipilimumab (2011), pembrolizumab/nivolumab (2014) for melanoma and lung cancer. Survival crossed 69% — up from 49% in the mid-1970s.
Source note: 5-year relative survival rates by year of diagnosis, 1975-2016. SEER 9 registries cover ~10% of US population. Ederer II method.
Assumption: The composite family
Food $9,588/yr (14.0% of expenditure). Food at home $5,794 (60% of food), food away from home $3,794 (40%). Key items: meats/poultry/fish/eggs $1,237, fruits/vegetables $1,066, cereals/bakery $822, dairy $615, beef $318. Total expenditure: $68,299.A
Food basket and expenditure breakdown, 2013 (CEX)observed record
USD per family per year, nominal
Population measuredConsumer units (households) in the civilian noninstitutionalized population
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the 2013 CEX, Table 1400. 16,226 thousand 4-person CUs. Food at home share: 60%, food away: 40%. Source: BLS CEX Table 1400, 2013 (cu-size-2013.xlsx from bls.gov/cex/tables.htm).
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Income vs consumption
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the 2013 CEX, Table 1400. 16,226 thousand 4-person CUs. Food at home share: 60%, food away: 40%. Source: BLS CEX Table 1400, 2013 (cu-size-2013.xlsx from bls.gov/cex/tables.htm).
Source note: Continuous since 1980 (Interview + Diary surveys). Earlier surveys: 1960-61, 1972-73. Historical predecessors date to Commissioner of Labor surveys. FRASER has 1980-81 and 1982-83 reports. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Income vs consumption
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Bread $1.39/lb, ground beef $2.93/lb, bacon $4.16/lb, eggs $1.79/doz, lettuce $0.99/lbA
Retail food prices, December 2010observed record
USD, retail prices (December 2010, BLS API)
Population measuredDepends on series (CPI: all urban consumers; food prices: urban consumers)
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
BLS Public Data API v2
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS API: APU0000702111 (bread, white, pan, per lb), APU0000703111 (ground chuck, per lb), APU0000704111 (bacon, per lb), APU0000708111 (eggs, per doz), APU0000712211 (lettuce, per lb). Values are December 2010 monthly averages. CORRECTION 2026-07-08: previous version had mismatched labels. Bread up 40% from 2000 ($0.99→$1.39), ground beef up 48% ($1.98→$2.93), bacon up 37% ($3.03→$4.16). The 2007-08 and 2010-11 global food price crises drove significant increases. By December 2024: bread $1.91/lb, ground beef $5.58/lb, bacon $6.92/lb — food prices continued rising sharply in the 2020s.
Source note: Direct API access to BLS time series. Used for: average food prices (APU series), CPI-U (CUUR0000SA0), wage and hours data. API key registered. Food price series (APU) available from ~1970s onward — no 1950 data. Rate limit: 100 queries/day for registered users.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS API: APU0000702111 (bread, white, pan, per lb), APU0000703111 (ground chuck, per lb), APU0000704111 (bacon, per lb), APU0000708111 (eggs, per doz), APU0000712211 (lettuce, per lb). Values are December 2010 monthly averages. CORRECTION 2026-07-08: previous version had mismatched labels. Bread up 40% from 2000 ($0.99→$1.39), ground beef up 48% ($1.98→$2.93), bacon up 37% ($3.03→$4.16). The 2007-08 and 2010-11 global food price crises drove significant increases. By December 2024: bread $1.91/lb, ground beef $5.58/lb, bacon $6.92/lb — food prices continued rising sharply in the 2020s.
Source note: Direct API access to BLS time series. Used for: average food prices (APU series), CPI-U (CUUR0000SA0), wage and hours data. API key registered. Food price series (APU) available from ~1970s onward — no 1950 data. Rate limit: 100 queries/day for registered users.
1,278 cigarettes per adult per yearA
Adult per capita cigarette consumption, 2010observed record
cigarettes per adult (≥18 years) per year
Population measuredU.S. adults ≥18 years (per capita consumption based on taxable removals)
Source recordCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Adult Tobacco Consumption in the U.S., 2000-Present
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC Adult Tobacco Consumption dataset (data.cdc.gov). Consumption nearly halved from 2000's 2,076. E-cigarettes were emerging as an alternative but are not counted in cigarette consumption.
Source note: Dataset on data.cdc.gov. Annual per capita cigarette consumption 2000-2023 based on Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) taxable removals data and Census adult population estimates. Downloads as CSV via Socrata API.
Assumption: The composite family
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC Adult Tobacco Consumption dataset (data.cdc.gov). Consumption nearly halved from 2000's 2,076. E-cigarettes were emerging as an alternative but are not counted in cigarette consumption.
Source note: Dataset on data.cdc.gov. Annual per capita cigarette consumption 2000-2023 based on Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) taxable removals data and Census adult population estimates. Downloads as CSV via Socrata API.
Assumption: The composite family
19.3% of adults smoked (21.5% of men, 17.3% of women)A
Adult cigarette smoking prevalence, 2010observed record
% of adults ≥18 who currently smoke (NHIS)
Population measuredU.S. civilian noninstitutionalized adults ≥18 years (NHIS household interview survey)
Source recordNational Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Health Interview Survey: Adult Cigarette Smoking Prevalence, 1965-2022
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC NHIS (compiled by American Lung Association). Smoking fell below 20% for the first time. The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products.
Source note: NHIS data 1965-2022. Pre-1997 from published NCHS Series 10 reports; 1997-2022 from ALA analysis of NHIS public-use files using SPSS. Current smoker defined as smoked ≥100 cigarettes and currently smoking every day or some days. 2025 preliminary: 9.1% (CDC FastStats). Survey redesign in 1997 means pre/post may not be directly comparable.
Assumption: The composite family
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From CDC NHIS (compiled by American Lung Association). Smoking fell below 20% for the first time. The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products.
Source note: NHIS data 1965-2022. Pre-1997 from published NCHS Series 10 reports; 1997-2022 from ALA analysis of NHIS public-use files using SPSS. Current smoker defined as smoked ≥100 cigarettes and currently smoking every day or some days. 2025 preliminary: 9.1% (CDC FastStats). Survey redesign in 1997 means pre/post may not be directly comparable.
Assumption: The composite family
The day
10 exhibits76.2 male, 81.0 female (78.7 total, all races)A
Life expectancy at birth, 2010observed record
years
Population measuredU.S. resident population (death certificates)
Source recordNational Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Vital Statistics System: Life Tables and Infant Mortality
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From NCHS National Vital Statistics System (NVSR Vol 63 No 7). Up from 74.3/79.7 in 2000. Life expectancy peaked at 78.9 in 2014, then declined through 2017 due to the opioid crisis (drug overdose deaths) and suicide. By 2019: 78.8 (pre-COVID). COVID-19 would drop it to 77.0 in 2020 and 76.1 in 2021.
Source note: NCHS publishes annual life tables via the National Vital Statistics Reports series. Life expectancy at birth (all races): 1960: 69.7 total / 66.6M / 73.1F; 1970: 70.8 / 67.1M / 74.8F; 1980: 73.7 / 70.0M / 77.5F; 1990: 75.4 / 71.8M / 78.8F; 2000: 77.0 / 74.3M / 79.7F; 2010: 78.7 / 76.2M / 81.0F; 2023: 78.4 / 75.8M / 81.1F (Data Brief No. 521). 2024 provisional: 79.0 / 76.5M / 81.4F. Infant mortality rates (all races, per 1,000 live births) from Health, United States, 2016, Table 11: 1950: 29.2; 1960: 26.0; 1970: 20.0; 1980: 12.6; 1990: 9.2; 2000: 6.9; 2010: 6.1; 2015: 5.9. URL for infant mortality table: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2016/011.pdf
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From NCHS National Vital Statistics System (NVSR Vol 63 No 7). Up from 74.3/79.7 in 2000. Life expectancy peaked at 78.9 in 2014, then declined through 2017 due to the opioid crisis (drug overdose deaths) and suicide. By 2019: 78.8 (pre-COVID). COVID-19 would drop it to 77.0 in 2020 and 76.1 in 2021.
Source note: NCHS publishes annual life tables via the National Vital Statistics Reports series. Life expectancy at birth (all races): 1960: 69.7 total / 66.6M / 73.1F; 1970: 70.8 / 67.1M / 74.8F; 1980: 73.7 / 70.0M / 77.5F; 1990: 75.4 / 71.8M / 78.8F; 2000: 77.0 / 74.3M / 79.7F; 2010: 78.7 / 76.2M / 81.0F; 2023: 78.4 / 75.8M / 81.1F (Data Brief No. 521). 2024 provisional: 79.0 / 76.5M / 81.4F. Infant mortality rates (all races, per 1,000 live births) from Health, United States, 2016, Table 11: 1950: 29.2; 1960: 26.0; 1970: 20.0; 1980: 12.6; 1990: 9.2; 2000: 6.9; 2010: 6.1; 2015: 5.9. URL for infant mortality table: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2016/011.pdf
$19.05/hr, 33.4 hrs/week (total private). Manufacturing: $18.61/hr, 41.1 hrs/week.A
Average hourly earnings and weekly hours, 2010observed record
USD/hour and hours/week, nominal
Population measuredProduction and nonsupervisory employees, total private sector
Source recordFederal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (source: BLS Current Employment Statistics) · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Average Hourly Earnings of Production and Nonsupervisory Employees, Total Private (AHETPI)
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (source: BLS Current Employment Statistics), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: Hourly rate
Curator note: Production and nonsupervisory employees, seasonally adjusted: FRED AHETPI + AWHNONAG (total private), CES3000000008 + AWHMAN (manufacturing). Annual average of 12 monthly observations, re-verified against FRED 2026-07-08. By 2024: $30.12/hr.
Source note: Average (not median) hourly earnings. Coverage: 1964-present, monthly. BLS source code: CES0500000008. Useful for work-buys panel as proxy for median worker purchasing power.
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (source: BLS Current Employment Statistics), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: Hourly rate
Curator note: Production and nonsupervisory employees, seasonally adjusted: FRED AHETPI + AWHNONAG (total private), CES3000000008 + AWHMAN (manufacturing). Annual average of 12 monthly observations, re-verified against FRED 2026-07-08. By 2024: $30.12/hr.
Source note: Average (not median) hourly earnings. Coverage: 1964-present, monthly. BLS source code: CES0500000008. Useful for work-buys panel as proxy for median worker purchasing power.
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Sleeping 8.67 hrs, working 3.50 hrs, watching TV 2.73 hrsA
How Americans spend their day, 2010 (ATUS)observed record
hours per day, civilian population ages 15+ (annual average)
Population measuredCivilian noninstitutionalized population age 15+
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
American Time Use Survey (ATUS)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS American Time Use Survey, Table A-1 (2010 annual averages). TV watching peaked at 2.82 hrs in 2009; by 2024 it declined to 2.60. Sleeping rose from 8.57 (2003) to 8.67 (2010) to 9.04 (2024). Working fell from 3.69 (2003) to 3.50 (2010), reflecting Great Recession effects.
Source note: Started 2003, annual. Covers work hours, commute time, daily activities. Primary source for the 'day' panel from 2000s onward. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Tables used: 2010 annual averages (a1_2010.pdf, a2_2010.pdf) for the 2010s room; 2024 annual averages (a1-2024.pdf) for the 2020s room. The survey year in fact labels identifies which annual average is cited.
Assumption: The composite family
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS American Time Use Survey, Table A-1 (2010 annual averages). TV watching peaked at 2.82 hrs in 2009; by 2024 it declined to 2.60. Sleeping rose from 8.57 (2003) to 8.67 (2010) to 9.04 (2024). Working fell from 3.69 (2003) to 3.50 (2010), reflecting Great Recession effects.
Source note: Started 2003, annual. Covers work hours, commute time, daily activities. Primary source for the 'day' panel from 2000s onward. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Tables used: 2010 annual averages (a1_2010.pdf, a2_2010.pdf) for the 2010s room; 2024 annual averages (a1-2024.pdf) for the 2020s room. The survey year in fact labels identifies which annual average is cited.
Assumption: The composite family
2.14 hrs/dayA
Women's household-activity hours, 2010 (ATUS)observed record
hours per day, all women 15+ (ATUS; concept splice from Ramey)
Population measuredCivilian noninstitutionalized population age 15+
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
American Time Use Survey (ATUS)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From ATUS Table A-1 (2010 annual averages), a1_2010.pdf. 'Household activities' = 2.14 hrs/day for women (includes housework, food prep/cleanup, lawn/garden, household management). Cross-verified against Table A-2 (a2_2010.pdf): weekday 2.05 + weekend 2.38, weighted (5×2.05+2×2.38)/7 = 2.144 ≈ 2.14. Concept splice (Plan 004 Measure guard): Ramey measures 'home production' (broader: includes childcare, purchasing) for prime-age women 18-64 in hrs/week; ATUS measures 'household activities' (narrower) for all women 15+ in hrs/day. The quantity is hrs/day (the source's own unit); the arc chart plots it alongside Ramey's hrs/week values — the visual discontinuity reflects the concept splice, flagged by the arc caveat. The 2020s room carries the 2024 ATUS endpoint (us-2020s-home-production-splice).
Source note: Started 2003, annual. Covers work hours, commute time, daily activities. Primary source for the 'day' panel from 2000s onward. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Tables used: 2010 annual averages (a1_2010.pdf, a2_2010.pdf) for the 2010s room; 2024 annual averages (a1-2024.pdf) for the 2020s room. The survey year in fact labels identifies which annual average is cited.
Assumption: The composite family
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From ATUS Table A-1 (2010 annual averages), a1_2010.pdf. 'Household activities' = 2.14 hrs/day for women (includes housework, food prep/cleanup, lawn/garden, household management). Cross-verified against Table A-2 (a2_2010.pdf): weekday 2.05 + weekend 2.38, weighted (5×2.05+2×2.38)/7 = 2.144 ≈ 2.14. Concept splice (Plan 004 Measure guard): Ramey measures 'home production' (broader: includes childcare, purchasing) for prime-age women 18-64 in hrs/week; ATUS measures 'household activities' (narrower) for all women 15+ in hrs/day. The quantity is hrs/day (the source's own unit); the arc chart plots it alongside Ramey's hrs/week values — the visual discontinuity reflects the concept splice, flagged by the arc caveat. The 2020s room carries the 2024 ATUS endpoint (us-2020s-home-production-splice).
Source note: Started 2003, annual. Covers work hours, commute time, daily activities. Primary source for the 'day' panel from 2000s onward. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Tables used: 2010 annual averages (a1_2010.pdf, a2_2010.pdf) for the 2010s room; 2024 annual averages (a1-2024.pdf) for the 2020s room. The survey year in fact labels identifies which annual average is cited.
Assumption: The composite family
1.42 hrs/dayA
Men's household-activity hours, 2010 (ATUS)observed record
hours per day, all men 15+ (ATUS; concept splice from Ramey)
Population measuredCivilian noninstitutionalized population age 15+
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
American Time Use Survey (ATUS)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From ATUS Table A-1 (2010 annual averages), a1_2010.pdf. 'Household activities' = 1.42 hrs/day for men. Cross-verified against Table A-2 (a2_2010.pdf): weekday 1.30 + weekend 1.72, weighted (5×1.30+2×1.72)/7 = 1.420 = 1.42. Concept splice: see us-2010s-home-production-women notes. Ramey's 2005 endpoint: men 16.8 hrs/week; ATUS measures a narrower activity set for all men 15+ in hrs/day. The quantity is hrs/day (the source's own unit); the arc caveat flags the discontinuity. The 2020s room carries the 2024 ATUS endpoint (us-2020s-home-production-splice).
Source note: Started 2003, annual. Covers work hours, commute time, daily activities. Primary source for the 'day' panel from 2000s onward. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Tables used: 2010 annual averages (a1_2010.pdf, a2_2010.pdf) for the 2010s room; 2024 annual averages (a1-2024.pdf) for the 2020s room. The survey year in fact labels identifies which annual average is cited.
Assumption: The composite family
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From ATUS Table A-1 (2010 annual averages), a1_2010.pdf. 'Household activities' = 1.42 hrs/day for men. Cross-verified against Table A-2 (a2_2010.pdf): weekday 1.30 + weekend 1.72, weighted (5×1.30+2×1.72)/7 = 1.420 = 1.42. Concept splice: see us-2010s-home-production-women notes. Ramey's 2005 endpoint: men 16.8 hrs/week; ATUS measures a narrower activity set for all men 15+ in hrs/day. The quantity is hrs/day (the source's own unit); the arc caveat flags the discontinuity. The 2020s room carries the 2024 ATUS endpoint (us-2020s-home-production-splice).
Source note: Started 2003, annual. Covers work hours, commute time, daily activities. Primary source for the 'day' panel from 2000s onward. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Tables used: 2010 annual averages (a1_2010.pdf, a2_2010.pdf) for the 2010s room; 2024 annual averages (a1-2024.pdf) for the 2020s room. The survey year in fact labels identifies which annual average is cited.
Assumption: The composite family
6.1 per 1,000 live birthsA
Infant mortality rate, 2010observed record
deaths under age 1 per 1,000 live births
Population measuredU.S. resident population (death certificates)
Source recordNational Center for Health Statistics (CDC) · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
National Vital Statistics System: Life Tables and Infant Mortality
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From NCHS, Health, United States, 2016, Table 11. All races. Neonatal: 4.0; postneonatal: 2.1. By 2015: 5.9. The decline continued but racial disparities persisted — black infant mortality remained more than twice the white rate.
Source note: NCHS publishes annual life tables via the National Vital Statistics Reports series. Life expectancy at birth (all races): 1960: 69.7 total / 66.6M / 73.1F; 1970: 70.8 / 67.1M / 74.8F; 1980: 73.7 / 70.0M / 77.5F; 1990: 75.4 / 71.8M / 78.8F; 2000: 77.0 / 74.3M / 79.7F; 2010: 78.7 / 76.2M / 81.0F; 2023: 78.4 / 75.8M / 81.1F (Data Brief No. 521). 2024 provisional: 79.0 / 76.5M / 81.4F. Infant mortality rates (all races, per 1,000 live births) from Health, United States, 2016, Table 11: 1950: 29.2; 1960: 26.0; 1970: 20.0; 1980: 12.6; 1990: 9.2; 2000: 6.9; 2010: 6.1; 2015: 5.9. URL for infant mortality table: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2016/011.pdf
Assumption: The composite family
National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From NCHS, Health, United States, 2016, Table 11. All races. Neonatal: 4.0; postneonatal: 2.1. By 2015: 5.9. The decline continued but racial disparities persisted — black infant mortality remained more than twice the white rate.
Source note: NCHS publishes annual life tables via the National Vital Statistics Reports series. Life expectancy at birth (all races): 1960: 69.7 total / 66.6M / 73.1F; 1970: 70.8 / 67.1M / 74.8F; 1980: 73.7 / 70.0M / 77.5F; 1990: 75.4 / 71.8M / 78.8F; 2000: 77.0 / 74.3M / 79.7F; 2010: 78.7 / 76.2M / 81.0F; 2023: 78.4 / 75.8M / 81.1F (Data Brief No. 521). 2024 provisional: 79.0 / 76.5M / 81.4F. Infant mortality rates (all races, per 1,000 live births) from Health, United States, 2016, Table 11: 1950: 29.2; 1960: 26.0; 1970: 20.0; 1980: 12.6; 1990: 9.2; 2000: 6.9; 2010: 6.1; 2015: 5.9. URL for infant mortality table: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2016/011.pdf
Assumption: The composite family
Men: 28.2, Women: 26.1A
Median age at first marriage, 2010observed record
years (median age at first marriage)
Population measuredU.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population (CPS/decennial census)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2023 · Tier A
Full record
Census Historical Table MS-2: Median Age at First Marriage
U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Table MS-2. CPS ASEC. Men crossed 28, women crossed 26 — both at historic highs. The composite four-person family now forms 5-6 years later than in the 1950s. By 2023: 30.2/28.4. Same-sex marriages included starting 2019.
Source note: Table MS-2: Median age at first marriage by sex, 1890 to present. Decennial census data 1890-2000; CPS data for intervening years and 2010+. File: ms2-median-age-first-marriage.xls. The median age at first marriage declined from ~26 (men) / ~22 (women) in 1890 to a mid-century low of ~22.5 / 20.3 in 1956, then rose steadily to ~30+ / ~28+ by 2023.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Table MS-2. CPS ASEC. Men crossed 28, women crossed 26 — both at historic highs. The composite four-person family now forms 5-6 years later than in the 1950s. By 2023: 30.2/28.4. Same-sex marriages included starting 2019.
Source note: Table MS-2: Median age at first marriage by sex, 1890 to present. Decennial census data 1890-2000; CPS data for intervening years and 2010+. File: ms2-median-age-first-marriage.xls. The median age at first marriage declined from ~26 (men) / ~22 (women) in 1890 to a mid-century low of ~22.5 / 20.3 in 1956, then rose steadily to ~30+ / ~28+ by 2023.
57.9%A
Married women's labor force participation, 2016observed record
% of married women (spouse present) in the civilian labor force
Population measuredU.S. civilian noninstitutional population 16+, by sex and marital status (CPS annual averages)
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2022 · Tier A
Full record
Women in the Labor Force: A Databook
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2017 edition, Report 1063), covering 2016 annual averages. CPS annual averages. Down from the 2000 peak of 61.1% — married women's LFPR declined in the 2010s after a century of growth. The 2015 figure was 57.9% (BLS Women's Databook 2017). The decline reflects demographic shifts (aging population, more retirees) and the lingering effects of the Great Recession.
Source note: BLS periodic report compiling CPS labor force data for women by marital status, age, race, parental status, and occupation. The databook's Table 4/5 series show 'married women, spouse present' labor force participation rates. Editions: 2017 (Report 1063, covers 2016 data), 2022 (Report 1080, covers 2021 data). The underlying data is from the CPS (same as statab-lfpr-marital), but the databook is the primary publication for post-2009 marital-status LFPR figures.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BLS Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2017 edition, Report 1063), covering 2016 annual averages. CPS annual averages. Down from the 2000 peak of 61.1% — married women's LFPR declined in the 2010s after a century of growth. The 2015 figure was 57.9% (BLS Women's Databook 2017). The decline reflects demographic shifts (aging population, more retirees) and the lingering effects of the Great Recession.
Source note: BLS periodic report compiling CPS labor force data for women by marital status, age, race, parental status, and occupation. The databook's Table 4/5 series show 'married women, spouse present' labor force participation rates. Editions: 2017 (Report 1063, covers 2016 data), 2022 (Report 1080, covers 2021 data). The underlying data is from the CPS (same as statab-lfpr-marital), but the databook is the primary publication for post-2009 marital-status LFPR figures.
HS grad or more: 87.1%, Bachelor's or more: 29.9%, Less than 9th grade: 5.2%A
Educational attainment, 2010observed record
% of population 25+ (all races, both sexes)
Population measuredU.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 25 and over (CPS/ACS)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Census Historical Tables: Educational Attainment (Table A-1/A-2)
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Table A-1. CPS ASEC (2001+). HS graduation approaching 87%. Less-than-9th-grade at 5% — down from 60% in 1940. Bachelor's or more approaching 30%. Note: methodology switched from decennial census to CPS ASEC after 2000.
Source note: Table A-1: Years of school completed by age and sex (1940-present). Table A-2: Percent of population 25+ with specified years of school completed (high school graduate or more, bachelor's degree or more). 1940-2000 data from decennial census; 2001+ from CPS ASEC. Data series updated annually. Files: taba-1-educational-attainment.xlsx, taba-2-pct-high-school.xlsx. URL CORRECTION 2026-08-14: the old /data/tables/time-series/demo/educational-attainment.html deep link now redirects to the generic /data/tables.html landing (caught by the redirect advisory); repointed at the Educational Attainment topic page, which links the A-1/A-2 time-series tables.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Census Table A-1. CPS ASEC (2001+). HS graduation approaching 87%. Less-than-9th-grade at 5% — down from 60% in 1940. Bachelor's or more approaching 30%. Note: methodology switched from decennial census to CPS ASEC after 2000.
Source note: Table A-1: Years of school completed by age and sex (1940-present). Table A-2: Percent of population 25+ with specified years of school completed (high school graduate or more, bachelor's degree or more). 1940-2000 data from decennial census; 2001+ from CPS ASEC. Data series updated annually. Files: taba-1-educational-attainment.xlsx, taba-2-pct-high-school.xlsx. URL CORRECTION 2026-08-14: the old /data/tables/time-series/demo/educational-attainment.html deep link now redirects to the generic /data/tables.html landing (caught by the redirect advisory); repointed at the Educational Attainment topic page, which links the A-1/A-2 time-series tables.
$97,300 (97.3 thousand, 2016 dollars)A
Median family net worth, 2016observed record
median net worth, all families (SCF)
Population measuredU.S. families (survey sample, ~6,500 families per wave)
Source recordBoard of Governors of the Federal Reserve System · 2022 · Tier A
Full record
Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2022 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From SCF Chartbook (bulletincharts.pdf). 2016 survey, in 2016 dollars. Down from $139,700 peak in 2007 — the Great Recession destroyed a decade of wealth accumulation for the median family. By 2016, median net worth had recovered from the 2010 trough ($85,400) but remained 30% below the 2007 peak.
Source note: Triennial survey of U.S. family finances. Provides median and mean net worth by income quintile, age, family structure. Full asset/liability composition: home equity, vehicles, financial assets (deposits, stocks, retirement accounts), business equity, and debt (mortgage, credit cards, installment loans). Survey years: 1983, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022. Interactive tables at federalreserve.gov/econres/scf/dataviz/scf/table/. Tier A (official survey).
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 2022 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From SCF Chartbook (bulletincharts.pdf). 2016 survey, in 2016 dollars. Down from $139,700 peak in 2007 — the Great Recession destroyed a decade of wealth accumulation for the median family. By 2016, median net worth had recovered from the 2010 trough ($85,400) but remained 30% below the 2007 peak.
Source note: Triennial survey of U.S. family finances. Provides median and mean net worth by income quintile, age, family structure. Full asset/liability composition: home equity, vehicles, financial assets (deposits, stocks, retirement accounts), business equity, and debt (mortgage, credit cards, installment loans). Survey years: 1983, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2022. Interactive tables at federalreserve.gov/econres/scf/dataviz/scf/table/. Tier A (official survey).
What had arrived
6 exhibits~35% (2011) → 81% (2019)A
Smartphone ownership, 2010sobserved record
% of adults who own a smartphone
Population measuredU.S. adults (survey samples)
Source recordPew Research Center · 2025 · Tier A
Full record
Pew Research Center: Internet & Broadband Fact Sheet
Pew Research Center, 2025 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Pew Research Center. The smartphone was the defining technology of the 2010s. iPhone launched 2007, Android 2008. By 2011, ~35% of adults had a smartphone. By 2019, 81%. Smartphone ownership crossed 50% around 2013.
Source note: Pew's Internet & Technology program tracks internet, broadband, and smartphone adoption via periodic surveys. Compiles time-series adoption percentages. Coverage: ~2000-present. Pew 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Pew Research Center, 2025 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Pew Research Center. The smartphone was the defining technology of the 2010s. iPhone launched 2007, Android 2008. By 2011, ~35% of adults had a smartphone. By 2019, 81%. Smartphone ownership crossed 50% around 2013.
Source note: Pew's Internet & Technology program tracks internet, broadband, and smartphone adoption via periodic surveys. Compiles time-series adoption percentages. Coverage: ~2000-present. Pew 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Internet: 79% (2009) → 90% (2019). Broadband: 63% (2009) → 73% (2019).A
Internet and broadband, 2010sobserved record
% of adults
Population measuredU.S. adults (survey samples)
Source recordPew Research Center · 2025 · Tier A
Full record
Pew Research Center: Internet & Broadband Fact Sheet
Pew Research Center, 2025 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Pew Research Center. Internet adoption plateaued in the 2010s (~90% saturation). Home broadband growth slowed — many low-income households adopted smartphones instead of home broadband, creating a 'smartphone-only' digital divide.
Source note: Pew's Internet & Technology program tracks internet, broadband, and smartphone adoption via periodic surveys. Compiles time-series adoption percentages. Coverage: ~2000-present. Pew 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
Pew Research Center, 2025 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From Pew Research Center. Internet adoption plateaued in the 2010s (~90% saturation). Home broadband growth slowed — many low-income households adopted smartphones instead of home broadband, creating a 'smartphone-only' digital divide.
Source note: Pew's Internet & Technology program tracks internet, broadband, and smartphone adoption via periodic surveys. Compiles time-series adoption percentages. Coverage: ~2000-present. Pew 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser.
87% of homes had AC (64% central AC)A
Air conditioning, 2015 (RECS)observed record
% of occupied housing units with air conditioning
Population measuredU.S. housing units (sampled)
Source recordU.S. Energy Information Administration · 2020 · Tier A
Full record
Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)
U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the 2015 RECS. 87% of US homes used AC — flat from 2009 (87%). Central AC rose to 64% (76M households, up from 59%/66M in 2005). The AC diffusion curve had plateaued: from 18.8% (1960) → 68% (1993) → 87% (2009/2015) → 88% (2020). AC was now a standard feature of American housing. Source: EIA RECS 2015 overview.
Source note: Started 1978, triennial/quadrennial. Tracks appliance ownership (refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioning) and housing characteristics. AC diffusion: 1993 RECS 68%, 2009 RECS 87%, 2015 RECS 87%. Useful for diffusion and home panels as complement to AHS.
U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From the 2015 RECS. 87% of US homes used AC — flat from 2009 (87%). Central AC rose to 64% (76M households, up from 59%/66M in 2005). The AC diffusion curve had plateaued: from 18.8% (1960) → 68% (1993) → 87% (2009/2015) → 88% (2020). AC was now a standard feature of American housing. Source: EIA RECS 2015 overview.
Source note: Started 1978, triennial/quadrennial. Tracks appliance ownership (refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioning) and housing characteristics. AC diffusion: 1993 RECS 68%, 2009 RECS 87%, 2015 RECS 87%. Useful for diffusion and home panels as complement to AHS.
53.2 million cable subscribers (declining). Total MVPD: 99.4 million. Cord-cutting began 2013.A
Cable TV, 2015 (FCC)observed record
subscribers (cable MVPD, year-end 2015)
Population measuredU.S. households subscribing to multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) services
Source recordFederal Communications Commission · 2017 · Tier A
Full record
Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming (FCC Reports, 1994–2017)
Federal Communications Commission, 2017 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From FCC 19th Video Competition Report (DA 17-71, data as of year-end 2015, SNL Kagan subscriber data). Cable MVPDs: 53.2M (53.1% of all MVPD). DBS: 33.1M. Telco: 13.0M. Total MVPD: 99.4M. MVPDs lost 1.1M subscribers in 2015 — cord-cutting accelerating. Cable's share of MVPD declined from 89% (1997, 64.2M subscribers) to 53.1% (2015) as satellite (DIRECTV/DISH) and then streaming (Netflix: 46M subscribers by 2016) grew. Over-the-air only: 12.4M TV households.
Source note: FCC's annual report on video competition. Subscriber data from SNL Kagan (industry analyst). Key data: 1992: 59.3% of TV households (55.2M subscribers, FCC 97-423 Table B-1, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/fcc97423.pdf). 1997: 64.2M cable, 73.6M total MVPD, 75.9% of TV households (FCC 1997 report). 2006: 65.3M basic cable, 95.8M total MVPD, 87% of TV households (FCC 07-206, 13th Report, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/FCC-07-206A1.txt). 2015: 53.2M cable (53.1% of MVPD), 33.1M DBS, 13.0M telco, 99.4M total MVPD (FCC DA 17-71, 2017, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/DA-17-71A1.pdf). MVPD subscriber losses began 2013 — cord-cutting era. Cable's share of MVPD declined from 89% (1997) to 68.2% (2006) to 53.1% (2015). The landing page at fcc.gov/general/media-bureau-reports-industry links to all annual reports; individual report years cited in fact notes.
Federal Communications Commission, 2017 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From FCC 19th Video Competition Report (DA 17-71, data as of year-end 2015, SNL Kagan subscriber data). Cable MVPDs: 53.2M (53.1% of all MVPD). DBS: 33.1M. Telco: 13.0M. Total MVPD: 99.4M. MVPDs lost 1.1M subscribers in 2015 — cord-cutting accelerating. Cable's share of MVPD declined from 89% (1997, 64.2M subscribers) to 53.1% (2015) as satellite (DIRECTV/DISH) and then streaming (Netflix: 46M subscribers by 2016) grew. Over-the-air only: 12.4M TV households.
Source note: FCC's annual report on video competition. Subscriber data from SNL Kagan (industry analyst). Key data: 1992: 59.3% of TV households (55.2M subscribers, FCC 97-423 Table B-1, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/fcc97423.pdf). 1997: 64.2M cable, 73.6M total MVPD, 75.9% of TV households (FCC 1997 report). 2006: 65.3M basic cable, 95.8M total MVPD, 87% of TV households (FCC 07-206, 13th Report, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/FCC-07-206A1.txt). 2015: 53.2M cable (53.1% of MVPD), 33.1M DBS, 13.0M telco, 99.4M total MVPD (FCC DA 17-71, 2017, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/DA-17-71A1.pdf). MVPD subscriber losses began 2013 — cord-cutting era. Cable's share of MVPD declined from 89% (1997) to 68.2% (2006) to 53.1% (2015). The landing page at fcc.gov/general/media-bureau-reports-industry links to all annual reports; individual report years cited in fact notes.
90.9% (9.1% with no vehicle); avg 2.0 vehicles per householdA
Households with at least one vehicle, 2010observed record
% of occupied housing units with 1+ vehicles
Population measuredAll U.S. occupied housing units
Source recordU.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Share of Households by Vehicles Available: 1960-2023 (BTS Figure 2-7)
U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BTS Figure 2-7 (Census Bureau ACS, 2010). 9.1% had no vehicle, 33.8% had one, 37.6% had two, 19.5% had three or more. Households with 3+ vehicles (19.5%) now exceeded car-free households (9.1%) two-to-one. By 2023: 91.6%. Population: all occupied housing units.
Source note: Data compiled by BTS from U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census (1960-2000) and American Community Survey (2010-2023). Table B08201 (Household Size by Vehicles Available). Excel file: F2-7 Share of Household by Vehicle Available.xlsx. Figures verified against the Census Bureau source data. The 1960-2000 data are from the decennial census long form; 2010+ from ACS. The concept is consistent across the span: '% of occupied housing units with N vehicles available.'
U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: From BTS Figure 2-7 (Census Bureau ACS, 2010). 9.1% had no vehicle, 33.8% had one, 37.6% had two, 19.5% had three or more. Households with 3+ vehicles (19.5%) now exceeded car-free households (9.1%) two-to-one. By 2023: 91.6%. Population: all occupied housing units.
Source note: Data compiled by BTS from U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census (1960-2000) and American Community Survey (2010-2023). Table B08201 (Household Size by Vehicles Available). Excel file: F2-7 Share of Household by Vehicle Available.xlsx. Figures verified against the Census Bureau source data. The 1960-2000 data are from the decennial census long form; 2010+ from ACS. The concept is consistent across the span: '% of occupied housing units with N vehicles available.'
70% of North American Internet traffic (peak evening, December 2015)B
Streaming video share of Internet traffic, 2015observed record
% of wireline Internet traffic (Sandvine)
Population measuredU.S. households subscribing to multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) services
Source recordFederal Communications Commission · 2017 · Tier B
Full record
Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming (FCC Reports, 1994–2017)
Federal Communications Commission, 2017 · source
Confidence: B — Official microdata (computed)
Curator note: From FCC 19th Video Competition Report (DA 17-71), citing Sandvine. Streaming video dominated peak evening traffic. MVPD video margins fell from 20% (2013) to ~10% (2015) as programming costs rose 8.1% annually. Total MVPD subscribers declined ~1.1 million in 2015 — cord-cutting was accelerating.
Source note: FCC's annual report on video competition. Subscriber data from SNL Kagan (industry analyst). Key data: 1992: 59.3% of TV households (55.2M subscribers, FCC 97-423 Table B-1, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/fcc97423.pdf). 1997: 64.2M cable, 73.6M total MVPD, 75.9% of TV households (FCC 1997 report). 2006: 65.3M basic cable, 95.8M total MVPD, 87% of TV households (FCC 07-206, 13th Report, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/FCC-07-206A1.txt). 2015: 53.2M cable (53.1% of MVPD), 33.1M DBS, 13.0M telco, 99.4M total MVPD (FCC DA 17-71, 2017, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/DA-17-71A1.pdf). MVPD subscriber losses began 2013 — cord-cutting era. Cable's share of MVPD declined from 89% (1997) to 68.2% (2006) to 53.1% (2015). The landing page at fcc.gov/general/media-bureau-reports-industry links to all annual reports; individual report years cited in fact notes.
Assumption: The composite family
Federal Communications Commission, 2017 · source
Confidence: B — Official microdata (computed)
Curator note: From FCC 19th Video Competition Report (DA 17-71), citing Sandvine. Streaming video dominated peak evening traffic. MVPD video margins fell from 20% (2013) to ~10% (2015) as programming costs rose 8.1% annually. Total MVPD subscribers declined ~1.1 million in 2015 — cord-cutting was accelerating.
Source note: FCC's annual report on video competition. Subscriber data from SNL Kagan (industry analyst). Key data: 1992: 59.3% of TV households (55.2M subscribers, FCC 97-423 Table B-1, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/fcc97423.pdf). 1997: 64.2M cable, 73.6M total MVPD, 75.9% of TV households (FCC 1997 report). 2006: 65.3M basic cable, 95.8M total MVPD, 87% of TV households (FCC 07-206, 13th Report, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/FCC-07-206A1.txt). 2015: 53.2M cable (53.1% of MVPD), 33.1M DBS, 13.0M telco, 99.4M total MVPD (FCC DA 17-71, 2017, local archive ~/vitrine-research/09-fcc/DA-17-71A1.pdf). MVPD subscriber losses began 2013 — cord-cutting era. Cable's share of MVPD declined from 89% (1997) to 68.2% (2006) to 53.1% (2015). The landing page at fcc.gov/general/media-bureau-reports-industry links to all annual reports; individual report years cited in fact notes.
Assumption: The composite family
A day's work buys
4 exhibits2.99 years ($179,900 home vs $60,240 income)C
Median home value as years of median family income, 2010observed record
years of median family income (nominal)
Population measuredOwner-occupied housing units (ACS 1-year estimates)
Source recordU.S. Census Bureau · 2024 · Tier C
Full record
ACS Table B25077: Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: C — Reconstructed from period surveys
Curator note: Computed: 2010 ACS median home value ($179,900) / 2010 Census F-8 median family income ($60,240). Post-crash: home values had dropped but incomes stagnated, making housing less affordable than the 1990s ratio (~2.3). By 2024: $360,600 / ~$104,000 = ~3.5 years.
Source note: Median home value: 2010 $179,900, 2014 $181,200, 2019 $240,500, 2024 $360,600. Retrieved via Census Reporter API.
Assumption: The affordability axis
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 · source
Confidence: C — Reconstructed from period surveys
Curator note: Computed: 2010 ACS median home value ($179,900) / 2010 Census F-8 median family income ($60,240). Post-crash: home values had dropped but incomes stagnated, making housing less affordable than the 1990s ratio (~2.3). By 2024: $360,600 / ~$104,000 = ~3.5 years.
Source note: Median home value: 2010 $179,900, 2014 $181,200, 2019 $240,500, 2024 $360,600. Retrieved via Census Reporter API.
Assumption: The affordability axis
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
CPI 218.1 (2010) → 313.7 (2024) = 1.4x. $1 in 2010 = $1.44 in 2024. Real median family income grew 1.22x.A
Consumer Price Index and purchasing power, 2010observed record
CPI-U (1982-84=100), annual average
Population measuredAll Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
Source recordU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: CPI from BLS series CUUR0000SA0 (confirmed via BLS API). 2010: 218.1. 2024: 313.7. Ratio: 1.44x. Nominal median family income: $60,240 (2010) → $105,800 (2024) = 1.76x. Real growth: 1.76/1.44 = 1.22x. Recovery from the Great Recession was slow — real income growth was modest but stronger than the 2000s (1.14x).
Source note: BLS CPI homepage. Historical data and supplemental files at https://www.bls.gov/cpi/tables/supplemental-files/. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Historical article: https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2014/article/one-hundred-years-of-price-change-the-consumer-price-index-and-the-american-inflation-experience.htm
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Assumption: The affordability axis
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: CPI from BLS series CUUR0000SA0 (confirmed via BLS API). 2010: 218.1. 2024: 313.7. Ratio: 1.44x. Nominal median family income: $60,240 (2010) → $105,800 (2024) = 1.76x. Real growth: 1.76/1.44 = 1.22x. Recovery from the Great Recession was slow — real income growth was modest but stronger than the 2000s (1.14x).
Source note: BLS CPI homepage. Historical data and supplemental files at https://www.bls.gov/cpi/tables/supplemental-files/. BLS 403-blocks automated requests — URL valid, access via browser. Historical article: https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2014/article/one-hundred-years-of-price-change-the-consumer-price-index-and-the-american-inflation-experience.htm
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Assumption: The affordability axis
$636.27/week — a full year of it (×52) ≈ 55% of median family incomeA
What a week of work bought, 2010observed record
weekly earnings vs annual median family income
Population measuredProduction and nonsupervisory employees, total private sector
Source recordFederal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (source: BLS Current Employment Statistics) · 2024 · Tier A
Full record
Average Hourly Earnings of Production and Nonsupervisory Employees, Total Private (AHETPI)
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (source: BLS Current Employment Statistics), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: Computed: hourly earnings ($19.05) × weekly hours (33.4) = $636.27/week (total private production/nonsupervisory, FRED AHETPI + AWHNONAG). × 52 = $33,086, which is 54.9% of the all-family median income ($60,240, Census F-8). A modest recovery from the 2000s trough, but still well below the single-earner era. Compare 2000: 49%, 2024: 60%.
Source note: Average (not median) hourly earnings. Coverage: 1964-present, monthly. BLS source code: CES0500000008. Useful for work-buys panel as proxy for median worker purchasing power.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (source: BLS Current Employment Statistics), 2024 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Curator note: Computed: hourly earnings ($19.05) × weekly hours (33.4) = $636.27/week (total private production/nonsupervisory, FRED AHETPI + AWHNONAG). × 52 = $33,086, which is 54.9% of the all-family median income ($60,240, Census F-8). A modest recovery from the 2000s trough, but still well below the single-earner era. Compare 2000: 49%, 2024: 60%.
Source note: Average (not median) hourly earnings. Coverage: 1964-present, monthly. BLS source code: CES0500000008. Useful for work-buys panel as proxy for median worker purchasing power.
Assumption: The composite family
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
$24,907A
Average new car transaction price, 2010observed record
USD, nominal (average transaction price, domestic + import)
Population measuredAll new passenger cars sold in the United States (domestic and import), excluding pickups, vans, and SUVs
Source recordU.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2021 · Tier A
Full record
Average Transaction Price per New Car (Domestic and Import), 1970-2020
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2021 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: One-time price
Affordability anchors: Production and nonsupervisory employees, total private sector; All US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Denominators measure: hours axis: average hourly earnings; income axis: total money income
Curator note: From BEA Average Transaction Price per New Car (ORNL TEDB Table 11.13). Post-recession, prices continued their steady climb. The BEA series ended in 2020 (last data year of TEDB Edition 40); the 2020 figure ($27,366) is used for the 2020s room. Population: all new passenger cars sold in the US.
Source note: Compiled in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Transportation Energy Data Book, Edition 40, Table 11.13. Data are based on an average car and do not include prices for pickups, vans, or sport utility vehicles. Annual average transaction prices in current dollars. Total (domestic + import) current-dollar prices: 1970 $3,543, 1980 $7,557, 1990 $15,033, 2000 $21,030, 2010 $24,907, 2020 $27,366.
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2021 · source
Confidence: A — Official series
Basis: One-time price
Affordability anchors: Production and nonsupervisory employees, total private sector; All US families by family size (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7+ persons), CPS money income
Denominators measure: hours axis: average hourly earnings; income axis: total money income
Curator note: From BEA Average Transaction Price per New Car (ORNL TEDB Table 11.13). Post-recession, prices continued their steady climb. The BEA series ended in 2020 (last data year of TEDB Edition 40); the 2020 figure ($27,366) is used for the 2020s room. Population: all new passenger cars sold in the US.
Source note: Compiled in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Transportation Energy Data Book, Edition 40, Table 11.13. Data are based on an average car and do not include prices for pickups, vans, or sport utility vehicles. Annual average transaction prices in current dollars. Total (domestic + import) current-dollar prices: 1970 $3,543, 1980 $7,557, 1990 $15,033, 2000 $21,030, 2010 $24,907, 2020 $27,366.
Assumption: Values are shown in period money
Computed affordability
≈ 1,307 hours of work
≈ 33.3% of annual income
Confidence & flags
A — official statistical series
B — official microdata, computed by this project
C — reconstructed from period surveys
D — scholarly estimate
Gap — no reliable record; shown as the gap it is
Reading the atlas
Provenance is in the scan-line: every exhibit's row names its value, confidence tier, the population actually measured, and the source record. Chart points and stage glyphs open the same record.
Rising series draw in petrol, falling in ember. Absent technology isn't drawn — a bare house says more than ghosts.