⬆️ Where Upward Mobility is Possible for Low-Income Americans

What We’re Showing:

This chart compares the real household income of 27-year-olds from different cities across two generations: those born in 1978 and those born in 1992, both raised by low-income parents.

Data is sourced from a study conducted by Opportunity Atlas and the Census Bureau. All figures are in 2023 dollars.

How to Read This Chart

A positive percentage change implies real wage growth and upward mobility.

ℹ️ 27 is the earliest age at which estimates of adult incomes can be measured.

Key Takeaways

Upward mobility in Southern cities in Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina is possible; real wages at 27 improved 5–7% between the '92 and '78 cohort.

However, only 12 of the 50 largest metro areas saw income growth for this social class. And five of them were in Texas.