Median household incomes in high-union-density states are more than $12,000 higher, on average, than median incomes in low-union-density states: Average median household income in high-, medium-, and low-union-density states, 2023
| Level of Union density | Median Income |
|---|---|
| Low | $75,742 |
| Medium | $80,203 |
| High | $88,035 |
Notes: We use a simple average of median household income within the high-, medium-, and low-union-density state groupings.
We use a simple average of median household income within the high-, medium-, and low-union-density state groupings. Union density is defined as the share of workers in the state who are represented by a union, including union members and other workers who are covered by a union contract, based on the variable “union” from EPI extracts of CPS-ORG microdata. We average union density data across 2022 to 2024 for each state to give a more accurate estimate of states’ typical unionization rates over time. Low-union-density states are the 17 states with the lowest average union densities (with union densities ranging from 3.0% to 8.1%). Medium-union-density states are the 17 states (including D.C.) in the middle of the union density rankings (with union densities ranging from 8.2% to 13.1%). High-union-density states are the 17 states with the highest average union densities (13.4%–25.5%). See Table 1 for more detail about these groupings.
Source: EPI analysis of 2022–2024 Current Population Survey Outgoing Rotation Group (CPS-ORG) microdata for all workers ages 16 and older; U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2024 Annual Social and Economic Supplements (CPS ASEC), Table H-8, Median Household Income by State.