Monterey County, California

Income Data

+9% vs. California average
$94,486
Median Household Income
$39,523
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$94,486
+9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$39,523
+0% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
13.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#19 / 58
by median household income

How Monterey County Compares

Monterey County$94,486
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$94,486
Median Household Income
$39,523
Per Capita Income
$723,100
Median Home Value
13.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Monterey County, California

Monterey incomes rank well nationally

Monterey County's median household income of $94,486 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 26%, placing it among the nation's higher-earning counties. This reflects a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, tourism, and professional services.

Above average for California

At $94,486, Monterey's median household income surpasses California's state average of $87,001 by roughly $7,500 per household. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of California counties by income.

Monterey holds strong regional position

Monterey's $94,486 income trails only Placer ($114,678), Orange ($113,702), and Napa ($108,970) among these eight counties, positioning it as a mid-tier earner. The county's agricultural and tourism base supports incomes comparable to many California coastal communities.

Housing costs bite deep in Monterey

Monterey's 25.3% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest across these counties, with median home values of $723,100 consuming a quarter of household income. Families earning the median must carefully budget to afford homeownership in this market.

Leverage income for long-term gains

Monterey's above-average incomes provide a foundation for wealth-building despite high housing costs, especially for households with two earners or professional salaries. Residents should explore down-payment assistance programs and tax-advantaged retirement accounts to accelerate savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Monterey County, California?
The median household income in Monterey County, California is $94,486, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Monterey County?
The per capita income in Monterey County is $39,523, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $94,486.
How does Monterey County compare to the California average?
Monterey County's median household income of $94,486 is higher than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $39,523, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Monterey County, California?
The per capita income in Monterey County, California is $39,523, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Monterey County income higher than the California average?
Monterey County's median household income of $94,486 is higher than the California average of $87,001. This difference of $7,485 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Monterey County rank for income in California?
Monterey County ranks #19 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $94,486 and per capita income of $39,523, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Monterey County

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County median: $94,486 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+9%

vs. National Median

+26%

vs. Monterey County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average9% above
vs. National Median26% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($7,874) vs. median rent ($1,995/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.