Cities Where Income Inequality Increased Most – 2025 Study

SmartAsset ranked 96 of the largest U.S. cities based on the percentage increase in income inequality between the highest earners and lowest earners over one year .

Madison , WI , saw income inequality increase by 4.56% in Madison year over year.

New Orleans , LA has the highest income inequality with a $ 7.91 multiple on earnings between the top 20% and bottom 20% of households.

Madison , WI - Percent change in spread of income: 4.56% - Ratio of earnings threshold for top 20% versus bottom 20% , 2024 : $ 4.30 - Median household income: $ 85,189 .

Chesapeake, VA - ratio of earnings thresholds for top.

2023 : $ 77,653 - Median. household income, 2023 , $ 108,971 - - Fremont , CA(Tied with Oakland , CA ) -.

Data is from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps for 2024 at the county level. Data for 96 of the largest cities was based on U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for 2023 was included based on availability. Questions about this study? Contact us at [email protected] Photo credit: iStock.com/halbergman The post Cities Where Income Inequality Increased Most 2025 Study appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset ..