Personal income growth in Louisiana rose by 1.7% from the end of 2010 to the first quarter of this year. That’s slightly below the 1.8% growth experienced nationwide during that same period. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the value of all income obtained by Louisiana residents, which includes salaries, wages and dividend income, was a seasonally adjusted $179 billion in the first quarter. Earnings derived from mining, which includes oil and natural gas exploration, was up 21% in the first quarter; and durable goods manufacturing was up 12% statewide. But retail sales earnings were down 6%. The BEA says every state saw personal income rise in the quarter, thanks to the 2-point reduction in Social Security payroll taxes. North Dakota, where personal income rose 6.9%, was the biggest gainer. See the full report here.
Today’s question: Has your household income increased since the start of 2011?
