California's Economic Tapestry
An analytical exploration of income distribution across the Golden State, examining data for counties and significant population centers.
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Statewide Economic Snapshot
Income Metrics
During the period of 2010-2014, California's per capita income was approximately $29,906. More recent data (ACS 2016-2020) indicates a significant increase, with the statewide per capita income reaching $48,013. The median household income for the same period was $95,521, with median family income at $109,349.
Geographic Distribution
Analysis reveals a distinct pattern in income distribution. Locations with per capita incomes exceeding the state average are often concentrated in the technologically advanced and high-cost San Francisco Bay Area. Conversely, areas with the lowest per capita incomes are predominantly situated in the Central Valley, where agriculture plays a significant economic role.
Income Disparity
The data suggests a notable disparity between regions. Counties and places with higher per capita incomes tend to be more densely populated and located in the northern part of the state, particularly around the Bay Area. This contrasts with the lower-income, often less densely populated, agricultural regions of the Central Valley.
California State Data
Key Statistics
The following table provides essential demographic and income statistics for the entire state of California, based on recent estimates.
Population | 39,242,141 |
---|---|
Population Density | 253.7 persons per square mile |
Per Capita Income (ACS 2016-2020) | $48,013 |
Median Household Income (ACS 2016-2020) | $95,521 |
Median Family Income (ACS 2016-2020) | $109,349 |
County-Level Income Analysis
The following table details income metrics for California counties. Note that population density and income levels often correlate with geographic location, with higher incomes typically found in more urbanized and coastal areas, while lower incomes are prevalent in the Central Valley.
County | Population | Population Density (per sq mile) | Per Capita Income | Median Household Income | Median Family Income |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alameda | 1,559,308 | 2,109.8 | $36,439 | $73,775 | $90,822 |
Alpine | 1,202 | 1.6 | $24,375 | $61,343 | $71,932 |
Amador | 37,159 | 62.5 | $27,373 | $52,964 | $68,765 |
Butte | 221,578 | 135.4 | $24,430 | $43,165 | $56,934 |
Calaveras | 44,921 | 44.0 | $29,296 | $54,936 | $67,100 |
Colusa | 21,424 | 18.6 | $22,211 | $50,503 | $56,472 |
Contra Costa | 1,081,232 | 1496.0 | $38,770 | $79,799 | $95,087 |
Del Norte | 28,066 | 27.9 | $19,424 | $39,302 | $52,452 |
El Dorado | 181,465 | 106.3 | $35,128 | $68,507 | $84,690 |
Fresno | 948,844 | 159.2 | $20,231 | $45,201 | $50,046 |
Glenn | 28,019 | 21.3 | $21,698 | $40,106 | $51,940 |
Humboldt | 134,876 | 37.8 | $23,516 | $42,153 | $53,532 |
Imperial | 177,026 | 42.4 | $16,409 | $41,772 | $46,555 |
Inyo | 18,439 | 1.8 | $27,028 | $45,625 | $69,041 |
Kern | 857,730 | 105.5 | $20,467 | $48,574 | $52,541 |
Kings | 151,390 | 109.0 | $18,518 | $47,341 | $50,202 |
Lake | 64,209 | 51.1 | $21,310 | $35,997 | $47,773 |
Lassen | 33,356 | 7.3 | $19,847 | $53,351 | $66,717 |
Los Angeles | 9,974,203 | 2,457.9 | $27,987 | $55,870 | $62,289 |
Madera | 152,452 | 71.3 | $17,797 | $45,490 | $49,964 |
Marin | 256,802 | 493.4 | $58,004 | $91,529 | $120,030 |
Mariposa | 17,946 | 12.4 | $28,327 | $50,560 | $63,520 |
Mendocino | 87,612 | 25.0 | $23,712 | $43,290 | $53,996 |
Merced | 261,609 | 135.2 | $18,464 | $43,066 | $47,729 |
Modoc | 9,335 | 2.4 | $21,830 | $38,560 | $46,536 |
Mono | 14,193 | 4.7 | $29,578 | $61,814 | $73,494 |
Monterey | 424,927 | 129.5 | $25,048 | $58,582 | $62,370 |
Napa | 139,253 | 186.1 | $35,092 | $70,925 | $81,275 |
Nevada | 98,606 | 103.0 | $32,117 | $56,949 | $69,649 |
Orange | 3,086,331 | 3,903.6 | $34,416 | $75,998 | $85,472 |
Placer | 361,518 | 256.9 | $35,711 | $73,747 | $88,615 |
Plumas | 19,286 | 7.6 | $29,167 | $48,032 | $60,709 |
Riverside | 2,266,899 | 314.6 | $23,660 | $56,592 | $63,523 |
Sacramento | 1,450,277 | 1,503.0 | $27,071 | $55,615 | $64,496 |
San Benito | 56,888 | 41.0 | $26,317 | $67,874 | $71,124 |
San Bernardino | 2,078,586 | 103.6 | $21,384 | $54,100 | $59,626 |
San Diego | 3,183,143 | 756.7 | $31,043 | $63,996 | $74,569 |
San Francisco | 829,072 | 17,680.1 | $49,986 | $78,378 | $93,391 |
San Joaquin | 701,050 | 503.9 | $22,642 | $53,253 | $59,614 |
San Luis Obispo | 274,184 | 83.1 | $30,392 | $59,454 | $75,828 |
San Mateo | 739,837 | 1,649.7 | $47,198 | $91,421 | $108,088 |
Santa Barbara | 431,555 | 157.8 | $30,526 | $63,409 | $73,636 |
Santa Clara | 1,841,569 | 1,427.3 | $42,666 | $93,854 | $106,401 |
Santa Cruz | 267,203 | 600.2 | $33,050 | $66,923 | $81,495 |
Shasta | 178,520 | 47.3 | $23,763 | $44,556 | $55,028 |
Sierra | 3,019 | 3.2 | $28,030 | $43,107 | $57,708 |
Siskiyou | 44,261 | 7.1 | $22,482 | $37,495 | $46,079 |
Solano | 421,624 | 513.1 | $29,132 | $67,341 | $77,634 |
Sonoma | 491,790 | 312.1 | $33,361 | $63,799 | $76,614 |
Stanislaus | 522,794 | 349.8 | $21,729 | $49,573 | $55,357 |
Sutter | 95,067 | 157.8 | $23,828 | $51,527 | $58,434 |
Tehama | 63,284 | 21.5 | $21,002 | $42,369 | $49,731 |
Trinity | 13,515 | 4.3 | $23,145 | $36,862 | $49,221 |
Tulare | 451,108 | 93.5 | $17,888 | $42,863 | $45,296 |
Tuolumne | 54,347 | 24.5 | $26,063 | $48,493 | $58,355 |
Ventura | 835,790 | 453.5 | $33,308 | $77,335 | $86,890 |
Yolo | 204,162 | 201.2 | $28,080 | $55,508 | $75,225 |
Yuba | 73,059 | 115.6 | $19,586 | $45,470 | $49,560 |
Place-Based Income Insights
Urban vs. Rural Patterns
Similar to counties, places with higher per capita incomes are often found within the San Francisco Bay Area, such as San Francisco itself, which boasts the highest per capita income ($49,986) among California places with populations over 100,000. Other high-income places in this category include Sunnyvale and San Mateo.
Central Valley Concentrations
Conversely, many places with the lowest per capita incomes are located in the Central Valley. For instance, places like Firebaugh ($12,436 per capita) and Allensworth ($7,465 per capita) exemplify the lower income levels observed in this region. Several communities within Los Angeles County also appear among the lowest-income places for larger population centers.
Population Density Correlation
The source data indicates that places with higher per capita incomes often exhibit significantly higher population densities, particularly in the Bay Area. This suggests a complex interplay between urbanization, economic activity, and income levels across California's diverse geography.
Comparative Analysis
High-Income Hubs
The San Francisco Bay Area consistently emerges as the region with the highest income levels. Counties like Marin ($58,004 per capita) and San Francisco ($49,986 per capita) lead the state. This economic strength is often attributed to the concentration of technology and finance industries, alongside a high cost of living.
Low-Income Regions
The Central Valley, characterized by its agricultural economy, shows lower average incomes. Counties such as Tulare ($17,888 per capita), Kings ($18,518 per capita), and Kern ($20,467 per capita) represent areas where income levels are significantly below the state average. This economic profile is closely tied to the agricultural sector's employment and wage structures.
Population vs. Income
While not a perfect correlation, there is a tendency for higher population density to align with higher income levels, particularly in the coastal and Bay Area regions. Conversely, lower population densities are more common in the lower-income Central Valley and some rural northern counties. This highlights the diverse economic drivers across California.
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References
References
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S0101. U.S. Census website.
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1902. U.S. Census website.
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1901. U.S. Census website.
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B01003. U.S. Census website.
- U.S. Census Bureau. 2014 U.S. Gazetteer. 2014 U.S. Gazetteer Files.
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19013. U.S. Census website.
- U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19113. U.S. Census website.
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Important Disclaimers
Data Accuracy and Scope
This content has been generated by an AI model based on data sourced from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the information is presented 'as is' and may not reflect the most current data or nuances. The data primarily reflects estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS) 2016-2020 period, with some references to earlier periods (2010-2014).
This is not financial or investment advice. The income data presented is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, investment strategies, or economic analysis. Consult with qualified financial advisors and refer to official government data sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.