What’s the difference between GDP Per Capita & Median Income?

Question

More specifically I’m referring to the US: The Median income is $31,000 but the GDP per capita is $65,000. These are 2 measures of how wealthy an average citizen is, yet they are drastically different numbers. Could someone explain?

In: Economics

Answer 1

GDP is economic output. Per capita is divided by number of citizens. It’s a measure of productivity/value created.

Median income is the income at which 50% earn more, 50% earn less.

So why are they so different? Much of the output goes to those at the top—CEO and other top executives, shareholders.