What Sources of Income Do People Rely On?

New interactive data tool shows sources of personal income for hundreds of economic and demographic combinations. Learn more in this story.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

Close up photo of an American treasury check, U.S. $100 dollar bills, and a social security card.

What Sources of Income Do People Rely On?

What share of older adults’ income comes from social insurance programs, such as Social Security? How does the share of income from earnings differ between men and women with similar levels of education? How do income sources change with age for adults with disabilities?

A new U.S. Census Bureau data tool breaks down the source of personal income for different population groups and socioeconomic characteristics.

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For example, income from government transfer programs on average accounted for only 2% of total income among U.S. adults ages 18 and older in 2022.

Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the tool provides information on the average share of personal income in 2021 and 2022 from earnings, asset income, social insurance income, government transfer income, and other income.

Continue reading to learn more about:

How sources of income varied in 2022
Improving the accessibility of economic well-being data