Investor Glossary-per capita incomeInsightful stock market charts - Click here

 # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z     
Term of the Day Email this Definition Link to this Definition

Per Capita Income


Per capita income is the average income for each person in a particular group. Most commonly, per capita income is computed for various geographic entities, extending from individual ZIP codes to entire nations. The Bureau of Economic Analysis computes per capital income based on total personal income, which includes items like wages, interest, dividends, and government transfers. Per capita income is an important tool for marketers, who can target their advertising campaigns based on the per capita income of individuals in different localities. Per capita income is also commonly used to compare economic conditions among different nations. While useful as a broad gauge of wealth, per capita income statistics have substantial limitations. First, methods for computing economic statistics vary widely by country, and per capita income numbers reflect those differences. Second, per capita income excludes the informal economy, which can be a sizeable portion of overall economic activity. Third, per capita income is measured in exchange rates that often fluctuate substantially. Finally, per capita income numbers do not indicate the level of income equality among a nation's citizenry.

Rate this per capita income definition...

               


Where is the market headed? The answer may surprise you. Find out
right now with the exclusive & Barron's recommended charts of Chart of the Day.


Popular Terms: EBITDA, liquidity ratio, 401a, deferred tax, command economy, 144a, per diem, margin rate, deferred revenue, required rate of return, cancelled check, open position, stock split, ex-dividend, implied volatility, in escrow, irrevocable trust, limit order, quality assurance, risk management, 1035 exchange, Key Rate Duration, class C shares, current ratio, Zero Cost Collar, 1031 exchange, wholly-owned subsidiary, VIX, reverse mortgage, retained earnings, phantom income, option premium, minority interest, labor relations, ex-dividend date, covered put, real GDP, LIBOR, inflation, dividends payable, diluted share, debt service coverage, balance sheet, APR, equities, average price per share, FICO score, FTSE, stock market close


Home | Term of the Day | Tell a Friend | Suggest a Term | Edit Subscriber Detail
Accounting | Banking | Bonds | Brokers | Economy | Futures | Mutual Funds | Options | Real Estate | Retirement | Stocks | Taxes | Technical Analysis
©2004-2009 Investor Glossary - All rights reserved - Terms of Use