As seen in the recently (September 16) released “Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States, 2009” (pdf) from the U.S. Census Bureau, Real Median Household Income was $49,777 in 2009, as seen on page 6. On page 14, the Poverty Rate is seen at 14.3%, encompassing 43.6 million people.
As seen on the chart on page 6, Real Median Household Income has experienced anemic growth for decades. In 1967 it was roughly $40,000 in real terms.
As for the Poverty figures, this measure has been widely criticized. However, even if one uses the as-stated figures, it is obviously substantial.
A Special Note concerning our economic situation is found here
SPX at 1125.59 as this post is written