State of Working Washington
Welcome to the State of Working Washington. Here, you will find interactive graphs that will inform you about how Washingtonians are faring – from the cost of education to income inequality to pay.
Spoiler: it’s not always getting better…
Note: The graphs will not be interactive on mobile phones.
Income Inequality in Washington
The Wealthy Are Getting Wealthier and Everyone Else Isn’t
After the Second World War, Washington saw a record high level of income equality – the bottom 90 percent of the population captured 79 percent of the income in 1945.
By 2012, the bottom 90 percent of households only received 50 percent of total state income.
The other 50 percent went to the top 10 percent of households.
Living Wage Metrics by County
Rural Washingtonians are having a harder time getting by
Wages vs. Productivity
For most Washington workers, wages haven't budged in 40 years, despite productivity gains
The Pay Gap by Industry in Washington
No matter the job, women are earning less than men
Washington State’s Race Gaps
It's not just money - gaps in opportunity span multiple areas
Unemployment and Underemployment
The unemployment rate doesn't include many people who work, but still can't get by.
Income Inequality in Washington
The Wealthy Are Getting Wealthier and Everyone Else Isn't
Pay Disparities by Race and Sex in Washington and Seattle
The wage gap can't be explained without discrimination
Taxable Sales as Percent of Income
Even though the sales tax rate is increasing, it's bringing in less money