According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, the estimated poverty levels in all but one U.P. county dropped from 1989 to 1999, while the estimated median household income rose in the same period in all 15 U.P. counties. The same trend was apparent during that period in Michigan and in the nation. However, while the state's median household income rose from $31,067 to $44,221 from 1989 to 1999, U.P. counties saw slower income growth.
In addition, according to a Michigan Technological University sociologist, the decrease in poverty level and increase in median income are not likely to continue in the U.P. From 2000 to 2002, indications are that these figures have stabilized. And comparing income in U.P. counties with downstate counties shows that U.P. income is still well below that of downstate counties.
—Rosie Cataldo
