Monterey County, California
Income Data
At a Glance
How Monterey County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Monterey County median
County median: $94,486 per year
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.