The definition of a “top-10% earner” can vary significantly based on how you measure it. Some sources use the total amount of income coming into a home, typically defined as “household income,” to make that determination, but others look at individual income, or what each distinct person earns or reports. Those are very different yardsticks, and they produce very different thresholds. Here’s how “the top 10%” breaks down using the most recent nationwide data available as of January 2026. The Headline Nu ...

Core Insights - Household income and wealth significantly shift with age, with families typically seeing earnings and assets rise through midlife, particularly for those aged 35-44, which is a crucial stage for building financial strength [2][4][5] - Understanding how household income and net worth compare to others in the same age group can provide valuable perspective on financial health and improvement opportunities [2][3] Income and Wealth Analysis - The median household income for the 35-44 age group was $86,473 in 2022, which is higher than nearly all other age groups, with only the 45-54 age group earning slightly more at $91,878 [4][5] - Households aged 75 and older reported a median income of $49,073, primarily from retirement sources such as pensions and Social Security [4] - Income varies significantly across different demographics, with homeowners and college graduates generally earning more than renters and those without a degree [3][5] Financial Stability Factors - Income is only one aspect of financial health; tracking net worth provides a clearer picture of long-term stability [5] - The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances defines a family as the economically dominant individual or couple and includes various income sources such as wages, self-employment, government support, and retirement withdrawals [6]

Education & Income - College degrees correlate with higher household income compared to high school diplomas [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Chinese consumer market** and its dynamics in Q2 2025, particularly regarding household income, spending, and consumer confidence. Key Points 1. Household Income and Spending - Household disposable income growth slowed to **5.1% year-over-year** in Q2 from **5.5%** in Q1, indicating a deceleration in income growth [4][5] - Nominal consumption growth remained flat at **5.2% year-over-year** in Q2, with per capita consumption growth decelerating to **4.3% quarter-over-quarter annualized** from **8.3%** in Q1 [4][5] - The decline in consumption growth was attributed to weaker spending in categories such as food, education, culture and entertainment, and transport and telecommunications [4] 2. Labor Market Conditions - Signs of softening in the labor market were observed, with the weighted average of employment sub-indexes under various PMI surveys declining in Q2 compared to Q1 [18][21] - Year-over-year growth in official wage income and migrant workers' average monthly income decreased to **4.7%** and **3.0%**, respectively, from **5.2%** and **3.3%** in Q1 [4][24] - Urban wage growth moderated to **3.9% year-over-year** in Q2 from **4.2%** in Q1 [27] 3. Household Savings and Deposits - The household savings rate fell below pre-COVID trend levels in Q2, with an estimated **RMB 55 trillion** in "excess deposits" compared to pre-COVID trends [37][40] - Household bank deposits continued to increase, indicating a shift towards saving rather than spending [37][40] 4. Consumer Confidence - The NBS consumer confidence index remained depressed in the first two months of Q2, with reports of nationwide childbirth subsidies being rolled out, though their impact is yet to be determined [4][46] - The number of marriage registrations has shown a structural downward trend for over a decade, complicating efforts to boost consumer confidence [47] 5. Retail Sales and Auto Sales - Retail sales growth accelerated in Q2, driven by stronger goods sales, although new property sales declined sequentially [8][13] - Auto sales volume was above last year's level in Q2, with a **16.2% year-over-year** increase in June [12] 6. Other Notable Trends - The labor cost sub-index in the CKGSB Business Condition Index survey showed slower growth in Q2, reflecting broader economic challenges [4][24] - The year-over-year increase in the migrant worker population has slowed in recent quarters, indicating potential labor market constraints [31][32] Conclusion - The Chinese consumer market is experiencing a slowdown in income growth and consumption, alongside signs of labor market softening. Despite some positive trends in retail and auto sales, overall consumer confidence remains low, influenced by structural demographic trends and economic uncertainties.