Median family income question

I’m gathering data on median family income in Illinois from 2009 to 2016, using 5-year estimates. Is it appropriate to adjust those numbers for inflation using the consumer price index? The data indicate that incomes have been increasing steadily all that time until I adjust it for inflation to 2016 dollars, at which point it says median family income has been *decreasing* every year. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Parents Reply
  • Hi Gene, after taking some time on the Comparing ACS Data site, it looks like comparing single years (2012 to 2013, 2013 to 2014, etc.) should be used with caution; apparently there is some overlap there, too. I wonder if comparing even-numbered years, and then adjusting for inflation, would work!
Children
No Data