EDITORIAL: Income and inflation numbers bear watching

New Yorkers are facing a stark contrast between rising incomes and shrinking purchasing power, as inflation erodes gains. A recent state Comptroller report shows real, inflation-adjusted median household income rose statewide by $1,688 from 2019 to 2024, about 2 percent. In Niagara and Orleans counties, real incomes increased roughly 1.9 percent, equal to about $1,300 in Niagara and $1,209 in Orleans, with Erie County posting similar gains. Yet 23 of New York's 62 counties experienced declines in real median income during the period. The figures, drawn from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates, underscore that nominal wage growth does not automatically translate into higher living standards.