Here's an interesting document from the US Census Bureau: http://www2.census.gov/prod2/popscan/p60-097.pdf http://www2.census.gov/prod2/popscan/p60-097.pdf In

Here's an interesting document from the US Census Bureau: http://www2.census.gov/prod2/popscan/p60-097.pdf http://www2.census.gov/prod2/popscan/p60-097.pdf In 1973, 628,000 families made less than $1000.00 per year. That's $.48 per hour for a 40-hour week. 8.1 million (14.1%) families made less that $5000 that year. In 2011, annual unemployment benefits for an individual can reach about $20,000. In 1973, that amount would rank in the upper 18% of all family incomes. Making $50,000+ in 1973 would rank in the top 1%.