Where our numbers come from
Living Rights IQ is built on public, peer-reviewed, and government datasets. We never invent figures. Every regional estimate cites a primary source so researchers, journalists, and policymakers can audit it.
County-level living wage and basic needs budgets.
Inflation indices and household expenditure baselines.
Regional housing cost estimates by ZIP / metro area.
Healthcare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket norms.
Family food cost benchmarks (Thrifty / Low / Moderate plans).
Median income, household composition, regional demographics.
Eligibility thresholds for federal assistance programs.
Source data is refreshed periodically. Figures reflect the most recently published release available at the time of analysis. See our methodology for how these inputs combine into affordability scores.