Texas leads U.S. in uninsured percentage

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Texas had the highest percentage of people without health insurance in 2008 while Massachusetts had the lowest uninsured rate, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

The agency Monday released its 2008 American Community Survey, calling it a snapshot of the U.S. population's characteristics. The survey found 24.1 percent of people in Texas lacked health insurance last year, while 4.1 percent of those in Massachusetts lacked coverage.

The survey of an estimated 3 million people is conducted on an ongoing basis every year, covering more than 40 topics including income, education levels and housing. The survey helps determine how federal funds are to be distributed to state and local governments.

The 2008 survey found the median household income ranged from $70,545 in Maryland to $37,989 in Mississippi.

Kansas, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Texas had an increase in real median household income between 2007 and 2008, down from 33 states that saw an increase in real median household income from 2006 to 2007, the bureau said.

Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana and Michigan experienced declines in real median household income between 2007 and 2008. Only one state had such a decline the previous year.

The survey found a decrease in the percentage of Americans who drive to work alone and an increase in the percentage of commuters using public transportation.