The Impact of Income Inequality on Americans’ Experiences

Abstract This analysis of a recent probability based poll analyzes the differences in life experiences between adults living in the top 1% highest income U.S. households compared with middle- and lower-income U.S. adults. We discuss their implications for the future: (1) The top 1% do not share the same serious problems facing middle- and lower-income Americans. (2) In health care, the top 1% often do not experience access- and cost-related problems facing middle- and lower-income Americans. (3) Despite the strong U.S. economy, there are significant levels of financial insecurity and anxiety about the future among many middle-income Americans.