Physical ownership data show the bottom 20% are materially much better off than in 1980: in 1980, 27% of those in the bottom income quintile had central air, versus 67% in 2009 (nearly triple), with similar gains in dishwasher, washer, and dryer ownership; structural housing problems like roof leaks and plumbing problems have nearly disappeared.
factualpending
Speaker
Bruce MeyerEvidence Quote
“27 percent of those in the bottom 20 percent of the distribution had central air whereas in 2009 it was 67 percent almost three times the share”
Created: 6/15/2026, 9:20:26 AM
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