Median family income question

Bill Byrnes over 5 years ago

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!

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Gene Shackman over 5 years ago

Are you just looking at state level trends? Can you use the ACS 1 year estimates? That way you can compare year to year, without any overlaps, as Cliff mentions.
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Bill Byrnes over 5 years ago in reply to Gene Shackman

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!
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Bill Byrnes over 5 years ago in reply to Gene Shackman

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!
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