New Census data show economic progress in Md., opportunity to do better

September 15, 2016

While more Marylanders are now working and seeing their wages go up, there are still too many people in our state who are being left behind during this economic recovery. About 570,776 Marylanders are still struggling to get by on very low incomes – less than $24,250 a year for a family of four – according to data the U.S. Census Bureau released today.

“Maryland’s success depends on ensuring economic opportunity for everyone,” said Benjamin Orr, Executive Director of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy. “Things are improving for many Marylanders, but to continue this progress we must focus on policies that put more Maryland families on the road to economic stability, such as expanding the state Earned Income Tax Credit for workers not raising children and ensuring that all workers can earn paid sick days.”

Today’s data show that Maryland continues to be the wealthiest state in the country, with a median income of $75,847 in 2015, a 2.4 percent increase over the previous year. The state poverty rate declined as well, to 9.7 percent.

“While this is welcome news, a closer look at the data shows that the economic story is not the same for all Marylanders,” Orr said.

For example, Baltimore City and Allegany County have poverty rates more than twice the state average, with several jurisdictions on the Eastern Shore close behind. And black Marylanders were twice as likely as whites in 2015 to have incomes below the poverty line.

MDCEP staff can assist with pulling county-specific Census data upon request. View the Census press release at http://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-159.html.

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Media Contact

Kali Schumitz, Director of Communications and Partner Engagement

410-412-9105, ext. 701

kschumitz@mdeconomy.org

 

About Maryland Center on Economic Policy

The Maryland Center on Economic Policy advances innovative policy ideas to foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. We engage in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face together.