Annual household spending on gasoline, by income

High gas prices hit low-income households hardest. They spend a greater share of annual income on gasoline.

Note: Annual income is before taxes. Expenditures represent average spending in the "gasoline, other fuels and motor oil" category. *Low earners are less likely to have cars, dragging down average spending. Only 61% of households with incomes less than $15,000 a year and 82% of households with $15,000 to $30,000 of income own or lease a vehicle; the U.S. average is 89%. All other income groups exceed 90%.