Census Data Highlights Economic Changes Under Trump and Biden

The latest census data on income and poverty indicates that demographic revenues increased during President Donald Trump’s term more significantly than under President Joe Biden. Trump’s administration also appears to have been more effective in reducing poverty among Americans.

According to the 2024 Census Survey, the information released recently paints a broader picture of changes in inflation-adjusted income and poverty levels during both presidencies. When looking at Trump’s results, Biden’s figures seem relatively low.

From 2020, Trump’s final year, to 2024, which marks the end of Biden’s current term, median income for all demographics increased by $2,150 (2.6%). In contrast, during Trump’s last year, the median income had already risen by $6,200 (8.2%) compared to President Barack Obama’s final year.

Moreover, the median income for women decreased by 6% or $3,660 when comparing the end of Trump’s first term to the conclusion of Biden’s current term. In contrast, women’s average income increased by $8,130 (15.3%) from Obama’s last year to Trump’s final year.

For Black Americans, the income growth under Biden has been quite slow. From 2020 to 2024, the median income for this demographic increased by just 1.5% or $810, whereas it saw a significant rise of $4,790 (9.5%) during Trump’s administration.

Furthermore, Hispanic and Asian Americans experienced a decrease in median income growth from previous years. While under Biden, their increases dropped to 6.7% and 6.6%, respectively, compared to the higher increases of 9.2% and 9.8% from Obama’s last year to Trump’s final year.

Data also suggests that Trump lifted more Americans out of poverty during his first term than Biden has managed. Under Trump, approximately 3,070,000 Americans escaped poverty, whereas Biden’s administration has seen 1,670,000 Americans rise above the poverty line. Additionally, while 263,000 Asian Americans were helped above the poverty line under Trump, Biden’s term saw 108,000 Asian Americans fall into poverty.

In general, Trump presided over a 1.2% reduction in poverty rates, compared to a 0.9% decrease attributed to Biden.

According to Taylor Rogers of the White House, “The U.S. economy was thriving during President Trump’s term, but Biden’s policies have led to a crisis characterized by rising inflation and increased living costs for families.” She added that Trump’s proactive economic agenda has allowed more Americans to rise out of poverty, despite the rhetoric from Democratic leadership.