So rising incomes mean more purchases at the mall, maybe an extra trip to the movies or a fast-food place. For the truly fastidious among us, it even could mean a little bigger cushion in our savings account.

But it doesn’t mean we’re on Easy Street. The increase in incomes amounts to a little less than $35 a week for every man, woman and child living in Erie and Niagara counties.

Here’s a closer look at how our incomes are changing.

Where income comes from

As the Buffalo Niagara population ages, earnings are a smaller source of our overall income. Instead, the strengthening local housing market is pushing up rental income, while dividend payments also are up.