Many New Yorkers’ Incomes Failing To Keep Pace with Inflation: Report

Many New Yorkers’ Incomes Failing
To Keep Pace with Inflation: Report

Many New Yorkers’ Incomes Failing To Keep Pace with Inflation: Report

ALBANY—Despite median household incomes increasing in every county from 2019-2024, incomes did not keep pace with the cost of living when adjusting for the 23.1% inflation during that time period, according to a report released on May 8 by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Statewide, the inflation adjusted (“real”) median household income increased by $1,688, or 2%, from 2019 to 2024. However, in 23 of the state’s 62 counties, real median household income decreased. Tioga County had the largest decrease both by dollar amount (-$4,794), and percentage (-6.2%). Rockland County had the second largest decrease by dollar amount (-$4,526), while Chemung County had the second largest decrease by percent (-5.8%).

Greene and Ulster counties had the largest gains in real median household income with Greene County increasing the most both by dollar amount ($11,978) and by percent (18.2%). Ulster County had a $7,132 increase (9%).

Mr. DiNapoli’s analysis also found that among the five boroughs that comprise New York City, results were mixed. The real median household income increased in Brooklyn by $6,136 (8.3%) and in Queens by $1,628 (1.9%). Median incomes decreased in Staten Island by $3,549 (-3.5%), in Manhattan by $2,590 (-2.4%), and in the Bronx by $661 (-1.3%) between 2019 and 2024.

Here are the results for all the lower Hudson Valley counties:

Sullivan County—2024 median income $72,382, 2.4% increase.
Orange County—2024 median income $97,178, 1.2% decrease.
Ulster County—2024 median income $86,271, 9% increase.
Dutchess County—2024 median income $99,478, 0.5% decrease.
Putnam County—2024 median income $126,257, 1.8% decrease.
Rockland County—2024 median income $109,959, 4% decrease.
Westchester County—2024 median income $118,976, 0.1% increase.

“Household incomes for too many New Yorkers have not kept pace with the stubborn inflation we continue to feel today,” Mr. DiNapoli said. “When real incomes decline, people struggle to maintain the same quality of life. Continued focus on addressing the state’s affordability challenges—as well as efforts to increase the growth of well-paying jobs across the state—are needed to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive.”

Published: May 13, 2026.