A typical U.S. family requires $145,000 annual income to thrive, study finds

Nearly half of Americans do not earn enough to meet basic needs, with a family needing around $145,000 annually for economic security, according to research from the Urban Institute. The report reveals that approximately 49% of Americans fall below this threshold while the median income for married couples was $128,700 in 2024. Economic security encompasses expenses for essentials like housing, healthcare, and childcare, with single-parent households and renters facing the greatest financial challenges.

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