No one is living like kings on $15 per hour anywhere in the US. Unless your definition of kings includes lack of retirement security, income security, health security, and working back breaking shift work at odd hours. They will especially be vulnerable in their 50 to 65 years, when they will become unemployable for manual labor work.

They'll be able to put a roof over their head, and not worry about their kids' next meal or maybe even their kid breaking their arm. But they're not going to advance to the next rung of the socioeconomic ladder.

Not everywhere in the US is SF or NYC. 15$ an hour is a very good wage (especially for non skilled work) in a majority of the US

Two parents working at Amazon almost hit median household income in the US. Houses in that part of AL cost <$100k, so ownership is within reach. Retirement is provided by social security (pays better than Canada’s public pension does). And they get great health insurance from Amazon.

You’re painting way too bleak of a picture based on zero data.

My best friend growing up in the 80's - his dad made around $20/hour, working at a GM factory in the union. Mom was a stay-at-home mom. House was paid for, everything they bought they paid cash, pension, the works.

This was basically the norm from 40s to late 80s after reganomics started widdling away workers' rights.

This is the way it should be - 1 parent at home, 1 bringing home $$.

Else, the government should cover child care, or pay stay-at-home parents a salary for providing their own child care.

Above the median income in a small town doesn't mean you've got a great absolute standard of living, it just means you're better off than others in your town.

If a company can sell its products two towns over for 2x the price Bessemer can afford, it's not going to slash prices in Bessemer just because everyone there is poor.