Close the Gap – Causes of Wealth Inequality in New York City

From the 1970s onwards, wealth inequality has impacted the people of New York City by shaping their social, political, and economic landscapes. The unequal allocation of resources throughout the decades has translated into the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor. Our website focuses on the causes and effects of wealth inequality in New York City and some of the many forms that it takes on. While exploring our website, you can find topics such as minimum wage, public education, and Occupy Wall Street.

Statistics on Wealth Inequality

These statistics show that as time goes on, the top 1% is only acquiring more and more of the national income, while the rest of the population is getting a smaller share. (Source: Heather Long, U.S. Inequality Keeps Getting Uglier)

This shows that in 2012, in NYC the income inequality is even greater than the national average. This means that the top 1% held more of the cities income than the rest of the population. (Source: New York City Comptroller, John C. Liu, Income Inequality in New York City)

In New York County, the gap between the lowest quintile and the top 5% is greatest, with New York City following. (Source: Tanvi Misra, Manhattan’s Towering Income Inequality, in 2 Charts)