Median Household Income(w/ benefits)

The economic focus in the above map is displaying the median household income (plus benefits w/ 2010 inflation) for New York State and all of its counties.  The map above is broken up into sections by the counties of New York State.  The colors that appear are arranged from lowest to highest median income.  From smallest to largest, ascending order (red, yellow, green, blue, purple).  The largest household incomes appear to be “down-state” in the New York City suburbs and Long Island.  Other urban areas that display higher median income wages are Saratoga/Albany Capital District region and also the Syracuse/Rochester region.  The counties that display the lowest median income levels are in the more rural counties, such as the Southern Tier, Catskill Mountain region, and the Thousand Island/North Country regions. 

            The colors seem to be appropriate for the data and the map seems to support the urban-rural concept of urban areas cater to higher income levels due to the economic activity generated in those areas, especially New York City.  However, it’s easy to point out the inner city communites that are shown in red in the New York City region as well, including for example the Bronx area.  The reason rural areas support lower income levels are based on the amount of decent jobs in the region and also the population density.  Population has a lot to do with the MEDIAN income statistics.  Simply, the more people in an area means the more jobs supported in that area, ranging from white collar to blue color, but in an abundance.  Citites simply have more people, more jobs, and of course more money.

This data was received from the United States Census Bureau.  The data is extremely accurate and relative to the topic of economic focus in New York State.  The data is useful because it displays which counties of the state have better wages and income, which tells us what areas have a wealthier economy and population, as well as the economic status of the region on average.  The data is MEDIAN household incomes, so generalization is necessary.  The data makes it easy for a geographer to get a better detailed understanding to show where the money resides in New York State.