San Diego County, California

Income Data

+18% vs. California average
$102,285
Median Household Income
$49,891
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$102,285
+18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$49,891
+26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
12.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#16 / 58
by median household income

How San Diego County Compares

San Diego County$102,285
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$102,285
Median Household Income
$49,891
Per Capita Income
$791,600
Median Home Value
12.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in San Diego County, California

San Diego earns 37% above nation

San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755—a 37% premium. The county's diverse economy spanning biotech, aerospace, military presence, and tourism drives strong household earnings.

San Diego ranks among state's top earners

At $102,285, San Diego's median household income substantially exceeds California's $87,001 state average. The county ranks in the upper tier among California's 58 counties, reflecting its status as a major economic hub in Southern California.

Competing with wealthy Bay Area region

San Diego's $102,285 trails San Francisco County ($141,446) but exceeds San Luis Obispo ($93,398) and San Benito ($108,289) in a tight range. The county anchors Southern California's income profile, second only to San Francisco statewide.

Highest housing costs strain even high earners

Despite strong income, San Diego's rent-to-income ratio of 25.3% is the highest in this survey, with a median home value of $791,600. The county's desirable location and limited housing supply push costs above the typical 20% affordability threshold.

High income demands sophisticated planning

San Diego's $102,285 median income creates substantial wealth-building potential, but high housing costs require strategic financial planning. Residents should explore tax-efficient investing, diversification across asset classes, and long-term real estate strategy to maximize their economic advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in San Diego County, California?
The median household income in San Diego County, California is $102,285, 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 San Diego County?
The per capita income in San Diego County is $49,891, 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 $102,285.
How does San Diego County compare to the California average?
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 is higher than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $49,891, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in San Diego County, California?
The per capita income in San Diego County, California is $49,891, 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 San Diego County income higher than the California average?
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 is higher than the California average of $87,001. This difference of $15,284 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 San Diego County rank for income in California?
San Diego County ranks #16 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $102,285 and per capita income of $49,891, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in San Diego County

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Your income is above the San Diego County median

County median: $102,285 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+18%

vs. National Median

+37%

vs. San Diego County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average18% above
vs. National Median37% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.0x

Your monthly income ($8,524) vs. median rent ($2,154/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.