Some Interesting Stats

Statistics on Firewood Use and Income

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• Household Income: The RECS indicates that households with an income below $20,000 are more likely to use firewood compared to higher-income households. Specifically, approximately 6% of households with incomes below $20,000 use wood as their primary heating source, while only about 1% of households with incomes above $50,000 do the same.

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• Energy Expenditure: Lower-income households spend a higher proportion of their income on energy, making cost-effective heating solutions like firewood more attractive. The average expenditure on heating fuels is significantly lower for households using wood, highlighting its economic advantage.

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Regional Differences

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• Appalachian Region: In areas like the Appalachian region, where forest resources are abundant and economic challenges are more pronounced, the use of firewood is even more prevalent. This region's reliance on wood for heating reflects both economic necessity and cultural traditions.

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• Northeast and Midwest: The EIA's data also show higher usage of wood heating in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S., where colder winters and rural populations contribute to greater dependence on firewood.