Spending by Race and Hispanic Origin: 2012

Black household spending climbed by a substantial 3.3 percent between 2011 and 2012, after adjusting for inflation. This gain outpaced that of every other race and Hispanic origin group. In contrast, Hispanic spending fell 1.6 percent between 2011 and 2012, Asians saw no change in spending, and the gain for non-Hispanic whites was just 1.7 percent.

The average household spent $51,442 in 2012. This was 6.7 percent less than the $55,119 spending peak of 2006, after adjusting for inflation. Black households spent only 1.9 percent less in 2012 than in 2006. In contrast, Hispanic household spending fell 13.8 percent during those years. Non-Hispanic white spending was 6.3 percent lower in 2012 than in 2006, and Asian household spending was 5.8 percent lower.

Household spending by race and Hispanic origin of householder, 2012 
(and percent change since peak year of 2006; in 2012 dollars)
Average household: $51,442 (-6.7%)
Asian households: $61,399 (-6.3%)
Black households: $38,627 (-1.9%)
Hispanic households: $42,268 (-13.8%)
Non-Hispanic white households: $55,097 (-5.8%)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 Consumer Expenditure Survey