Income and Education Determines Alcohol Consumption, Study Suggests

According to Gallup's annual poll, which sheds light on American consumption habits, your income level and education influence how much you drink, as well as what you drink, The Guardian reported.

The poll included 1,000 people who were randomly selected and were interviewed over the phone. Participants were asked about their demographic factors such as race, gender, education level, income, as well as their consumption habits. The recent poll revealed that overall 64% of Americans admit to consuming alcohol regularly, a figure that has been consistent since the 1930s, the Guardian said.

According to the poll, only half of the Americans with lower-income (and with high school diploma or less) reported drinking alcohol while eight out of 10 people with upper-income (also with college degree or more) said that they are drinkers. The numbers suggest that as the income level and education increases, the consumption of alcohol increases as well.

Although the 42% of Americans said beer is their first choice of alcohol, the poll reveals that Americans with higher income and education prefer wine over beer while Americans with lower income and education prefer beer over wine.

The survey also found that factors like income level and education have greater influence on American drinking habits than other demographic factors such as age, race, religion and gender.

The study also offered an explanation for the differences in drinking habits between higher income and lower income Americans. It was suggested that the existence of such gap could be from the ability to access alcohol. For instance, individuals with higher income and education have more access to activities that involve consumption of alcohol such as vacation and eating out, the study noted, according to Guardian.