This interactive document presents data derived from the Wikipedia article on California locations by income. View Source (opens in new tab)

California's Economic Tapestry

An analytical exploration of income distribution across the Golden State, examining data for counties and significant population centers.

Explore Data 📊 County Insights 🏛️

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

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.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "List Of California Locations By Income" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about list_of_california_locations_by_income while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

  1.  U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S0101. U.S. Census website.
  2.  U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1902. U.S. Census website.
  3.  U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1901. U.S. Census website.
  4.  U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B01003. U.S. Census website.
  5.  U.S. Census Bureau. 2014 U.S. Gazetteer. 2014 U.S. Gazetteer Files.
  6.  U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19013. U.S. Census website.
  7.  U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19113. U.S. Census website.
A full list of references for this article are available at the List of California locations by income Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

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.