Orange County, California

Income Data

+31% vs. California average
$113,702
Median Household Income
$52,816
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$113,702
+31% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$52,816
+34% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
12.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#8 / 58
by median household income

How Orange County Compares

Orange County$113,702
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$113,702
Median Household Income
$52,816
Per Capita Income
$915,500
Median Home Value
12.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Orange County, California

Orange County ranks among nation's richest

Orange County's median household income of $113,702 soars 52% above the U.S. median of $74,755, establishing it among America's highest-earning counties. The county's defense, aerospace, and technology sectors drive exceptional income levels.

California's second-highest county income

Orange County's median household income of $113,702 exceeds California's state average of $87,001 by $26,701, ranking it second among the state's most affluent counties. Only a handful of California counties match Orange's wealth concentration.

Orange County leads peer group

Orange's $113,702 median income ranks second among these eight counties, trailing only Placer ($114,678) by less than $1,000. The county's size and economic diversity establish it as a regional income powerhouse.

Even high earners face housing pressure

Orange County's 24.8% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of $915,500 reveal that even top-tier incomes struggle with housing affordability. Families must dedicate nearly a quarter of gross income to housing in this competitive market.

Orange County's wealth-building potential

With median per capita income of $52,816 and dual-earner households common, Orange County residents enjoy strong capacity for investment beyond housing. Affluent households should prioritize diversified portfolios, educational savings plans, and tax-efficient investment strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Orange County, California?
The median household income in Orange County, California is $113,702, 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 Orange County?
The per capita income in Orange County is $52,816, 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 $113,702.
How does Orange County compare to the California average?
Orange County's median household income of $113,702 is higher than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $52,816, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Orange County, California?
The per capita income in Orange County, California is $52,816, 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 Orange County income higher than the California average?
Orange County's median household income of $113,702 is higher than the California average of $87,001. This difference of $26,701 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 Orange County rank for income in California?
Orange County ranks #8 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $113,702 and per capita income of $52,816, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Orange County

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County median: $113,702 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+31%

vs. National Median

+52%

vs. Orange County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average31% above
vs. National Median52% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($9,475) vs. median rent ($2,352/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.