Well, is there a psychological factor that makes people disregard observable reality and seek fake safety in numbers?

The census data don't show anything of the kind of "doubling" for the average american.

The table is "per capita". And even at that, it doesn't take into account the cost of college, house, services, etc. relative to 1970s.

https://www.conradbastable.com/essays/the-bermuda-triangle-o...

https://www.conradbastable.com/essays/the-uncharity-of-colle...