What's happening: With growing inflation and skyrocketing housing market prices, it's hard to imagine $7.25 per hour going very far in this economy. However, that is still the reality for some residents in Utah.
The data: Utah is among 20 states throughout the U.S. that still match the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25, and it's been that way since 2009, when it increased from $6.55 an hour. In comparison, in 30 states and the District of Columbia, minimum wage thresholds exceed the federal minimum.
"For context, that $7.25 rate is now over a dollar an hour below the federal poverty rate of $8.38 for a family of two or more with a single wage earner," our colleague Art Raymond writes.
Looking ahead: On Friday, 20 states enacted minimum wage increases to account for rising inflation. Among the states are Nevada, Oregon and some cities in California.
Read more about Utah's minimum wage history and its possible future.
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