Share of working-age individuals experiencing a 50% or greater drop in family income over two years, 1971–2004

Note: Data after 1996 are every two years. Shaded areas denote recessions.

Source: Authors' analysis of Hacker and Jacobs (2008, Figure C)

Documentation and methodology

Data are from Hacker and Jacobs (2008), Figure C, “Prevalence of a 50% or Greater Drop in Family Income.” The line traces the share of individuals age 25 to 61 who experience a 50 percent or greater drop in before-tax total family income (adjusted for family size) from one year to two years later. Data after 1996 are only available every two years.