San Luis Obispo County, California

Income Data

+7% vs. California average
$93,398
Median Household Income
$49,581
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$93,398
+7% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$49,581
+26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
12.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#20 / 58
by median household income

How San Luis Obispo County Compares

San Luis Obispo County$93,398
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$93,398
Median Household Income
$49,581
Per Capita Income
$777,200
Median Home Value
12.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in San Luis Obispo County, California

San Luis Obispo earns 25% above nation

San Luis Obispo County's median household income of $93,398 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by nearly $19,000. The county's strong earnings reflect its appeal as both a tourist destination and a growing tech hub with Cal Poly influence.

Above California's average income

At $93,398, San Luis Obispo's median household income outpaces California's $87,001 state average. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier among California's 58 counties, driven by education, tourism, wine production, and increasingly by remote tech workers.

Solid performer among Central Coast

San Luis Obispo's $93,398 income exceeds San Joaquin County ($88,531) and Sacramento County ($88,724). The county ranks second in this survey only to San Francisco, San Benito, and San Diego, reflecting its desirable Central Coast location.

Housing costs consume significant share

San Luis Obispo's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% is above the typical 20% threshold, with a median home value of $777,200. The county's desirability drives housing costs, requiring households to allocate more than typical to secure stable housing.

Invest in quality-of-life wealth building

San Luis Obispo's $93,398 median income and strong local economy create opportunities for thoughtful wealth building. Residents should combine retirement savings with investments in the county's appreciating real estate and local business growth tied to tourism and education sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in San Luis Obispo County, California?
The median household income in San Luis Obispo County, California is $93,398, 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 Luis Obispo County?
The per capita income in San Luis Obispo County is $49,581, 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 $93,398.
How does San Luis Obispo County compare to the California average?
San Luis Obispo County's median household income of $93,398 is higher than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $49,581, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in San Luis Obispo County, California?
The per capita income in San Luis Obispo County, California is $49,581, 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 Luis Obispo County income higher than the California average?
San Luis Obispo County's median household income of $93,398 is higher than the California average of $87,001. This difference of $6,397 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 Luis Obispo County rank for income in California?
San Luis Obispo County ranks #20 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $93,398 and per capita income of $49,581, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in San Luis Obispo County

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County median: $93,398 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

+25%

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vs. California Average7% above
vs. National Median25% above

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($7,783) vs. median rent ($1,899/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.