While the Commonwealth boasts some of the highest median household incomes in the country (more than $101,000 in 2023), it remains a highly unequal state. In 2023, the richest 20% of households saw their incomes average over $200,000, while the poorest 27% reported incomes under $50,000 a year. This income inequality harms low-income families, as lower earnings are linked to poorer health and shorter lifespans. As such, Horizons supports policies that help families improve their economic stability, increase their long-term financial security, and meet every day needs.
While incomes have increased over time, income inequality in the United States has steadily worsened over recent decades. The same story holds true in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is one of nine states where in recent years the top 1 percent has captured half or more of all income growth: the top 1 percent in Massachusetts received 58 percent of all income growth between 2009 and 2015. Between 1970s and mid-2000s, the richest 5% of households saw their incomes increase by more than 150% between the 1970’s to the mid 2000’s, while the poorest 20% saw no change at all.
Racial disparities define economic inequality in Massachusetts. A 2023 study found that across the Metro Boston area, white households had a median income of $128,886. Black households had a median income of $58,628. This gap only widens when considering wealth in Greater Boston. The median net worth of black families was $8. The median net worth of their white counterparts was $247,500 (3,093,650% greater).
Lower-income Americans are disproportionately burdened by poor health outcomes, driven by limited access to healthcare and stable employment. Many work high-risk jobs with little protection or paid leave, exposing them to chronic stress and dangerous working conditions. These effects contribute to a persistent mortality gap: men and women in the lowest income percentile die on average over a decade earlier than those in the top percentile. Childhood poverty influences every stage of life: children born into low-income families face higher risks of adverse health and reduced life expectancy, even as adults. Inequality is not just a number but a public health crisis affecting millions.
While income determines how people live day to day, wealth inequality cements long-term advantage or disadvantage over generations. Wealth disparities grant certain groups (often along racial boundaries) better access to housing, education, and preventative care, while lower-wealth individuals must deal
with unsafe environments, polluted neighborhoods, and underfunded schools. Wealth isn’t just financial security; it’s a powerful predictor of long-term health and the ability to fashion a thriving life.
Public policies that promote income maintenance and growth are essential for families facing homelessness or housing insecurity. We support a range of policies that enhance low-income families’ ability to secure living wages through employment, build wealth through asset accumulation, and transfer them cash to support day-to-day expenses, among others. In this session, these policies include: