IncomeBy County

Sierra County, California

Income Data

-31% vs. California average
$60,000
Median Household Income
$40,612
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$60,000
-31% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$40,612
+3% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
18.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in California
#53 / 58
by median household income

How Sierra County Compares

Sierra County$60,000
California Average$87,001
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$60,000
Median Household Income
$40,612
Per Capita Income
$334,100
Median Home Value
18.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Sierra County, California

Sierra falls short of national earnings

Sierra County's median household income of $60,000 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 20%, indicating below-average earning capacity in this remote mountain region. Per capita income of $40,612 also falls below national norms. This rural county faces significant income-generation challenges.

Lowest-income cohort in California

Sierra's $60,000 median household income runs 31% below California's state average of $87,001, placing it in the state's lowest-earning tier. Per capita income of $40,612 falls nearly $3,000 below the state average of $43,669. The county ranks among California's poorest by income metrics.

Poorest of rural mountain counties

Sierra ($60,000) barely outearns Siskiyou County ($55,499), with both trapped in the state's lowest income tiers. Shasta County ($71,931) to the south earns roughly $12,000 more per household. These remote northern and eastern mountain counties face structural economic challenges limiting income growth.

Low income, modest housing relief

Sierra residents spend 23.6% of their $60,000 income on rent, with median home values of $334,100 providing relative affordability. While housing costs remain manageable, the absolute income of $60,000 leaves limited surplus for savings and wealth-building. Many households here operate on tight margins.

Build resilience with limited resources

Despite earning $60,000 annually, Sierra households benefit from modest housing costs that free roughly 76% of income for other needs. Focus first on emergency savings and employer retirement programs, then systematically invest surplus amounts into low-cost index funds. Even modest, consistent savings compound into meaningful long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Sierra County, California?
The median household income in Sierra County, California is $60,000, 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 Sierra County?
The per capita income in Sierra County is $40,612, 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 $60,000.
How does Sierra County compare to the California average?
Sierra County's median household income of $60,000 is lower than the California state average of $87,001. The per capita income is $40,612, compared to the state average of $43,669.
What is the per capita income in Sierra County, California?
The per capita income in Sierra County, California is $40,612, 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.
Is Sierra County a low-income area in California?
Sierra County's median household income of $60,000 is below the California average of $87,001. The per capita income of $40,612 is also lower than the state average of $43,669. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Sierra County rank for income in California?
Sierra County ranks #53 out of 58 counties in California by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $60,000 and per capita income of $40,612, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Sierra County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Sierra County median

County median: $60,000 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-31%

vs. National Median

-20%

vs. Sierra County MedianAbout equal
vs. California Average▼ 31% below
vs. National Median▼ 20% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.2x

Your monthly income ($5,000) vs. median rent ($1,181/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Sierra County, California? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Red Willow County
Nebraska
$60,000
+0%
Jefferson County
Indiana
$59,987
+0%
Leon County
Texas
$59,975
+0%
Wapello County
Iowa
$60,034
+0%
Webster County
Mississippi
$59,964
+0%
Stokes County
North Carolina
$60,039
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in California

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score