GMA does not know what they are talking about. The average American is in the top 8% in annual earnings on the PLANET with annual earnings of $28,567 (all Americans above age 15 in 2006 ).
And being considered "ranked" in some respects is no indication how one might be ranked in other respects. Consider the following:
Among some favorable statistics I found are that KY is well ahead of the national average for home ownership with 70.8% versus 66.2% in 2000. Also, folks in KY are somewhat more independent apparently with fewer persons per houshold than the average in the USA with 2.47 versus 2.59 in 2000.
Other curious 2006 comparisons. California employed 8.9x the number of people (legally) while our unemployed ranks were equal to 45.7% of the total number employed in KY. While Kentucky employed more than 3x the number of people compared to Hawaii. And KY employed significantly more then 3x the number employed in Alaska, Deleware, D.C., Montana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont. In Kentucky's #1 employment sector - manufacturing they ranked 21st in the nation employing 261,400 persons.
And not to neglect a sensitive issue of personal income. Although it is not within the first quintiel - Kentucky ranks greater or within 1% of of the per capita personal income levels of 8 states. IE, KY personal income is $28,317 and 8 states had 101% of this level = 28,600 or less. And if we were to consider how many states are within 110% ($31,148) or less of Kentuckys' PCIncome level as being similar in standing then the number grows to 20. And if were to consider how many states had 120% or less of Kentuckys' income (33,900) then the number grows to 29.
Remember, the national average income is only $28,567 which is only $250 more then the average in Kentucky... so to say Kentuckians are in the most depressed state is a rediculous and insensitive statement... IMO. Rather, I would consider folks in HIGH COST states who earn average incomes to be really struggling. The disparity between average incomes and that which is necessary to achieve nominal lifestyles is more extreme. I see folks really struggling and fustrated in some parts of California - while for example in Hawaii there is more happiness in general. Maybe this is itself a rediculous SUBJECTIVE observation... and yeah ... it is. But it is still a noteworthy observation.
So 54% of the states are within 20% or less of Kentucky's income level. And 40% are within 10% or less of Kentucky's income level. I could easily consider a state with 20% or 10% greater income as being about the same to slightly varying degrees. And 16% of the states have the exact same or less income levels of Kentucky (101% or less). AND ... the final consideration - restated here because it rings so true... the average person in Kentucky (or anywhere in the USA) ranks in the top 8% in global income. AND ... if you happen to earn $47,500 then you would rank precisely at the top 1% of the world! And at $100,000 you're at the top 0.66% of the world. And... $150,000 puts you at the top 0.33% of the world.
AND FINALLY... if you earn $198,936 then you are right at the top 0.01% of the world. Or the top earner on average among 10,000 on the planet. I know, that does not seem like much but it is if you pause to consider. And even among the average Americans - a working couple sits at the top among 25 on average in the global population.
Anyone wanna guess how many of my statements are made up or drawn in error? Well... the global income calculator was drawn from
However, the US census data is considered reliable.
Am I so strange to find this sort of information to be of interest?
I thought I moved away from that?
are already flowing.
