IncomeBy County

District of Columbia, District of Columbia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+0% vs. District of Columbia average
$109,870
Median Household Income
$77,348
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$109,870
+0% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$77,348
+96% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
14.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in District of Columbia
#1 / 1
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How District of Columbia Compares

District of Columbia$109,870
District of Columbia Average$109,870
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$109,870
Median Household Income
$77,348
Per Capita Income
$737,100
Median Home Value
14.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: District of Columbia

Income Verdict

District of Columbia has a median household income of $106,287 and per capita income of $75,253 — a gap of $31,034, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,900/month and a median household income of $106,287, rent consumes approximately 21.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

The median household income of $106,287 places District of Columbia in a high-earning tier, supporting strong purchasing power and above-average consumer spending. Per capita income of $75,253 reflects a relatively affluent population with substantial individual earning capacity.

Neighbor Context

District of Columbia earns approximately 0% above the District of Columbia state median household income of $106,287, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in District of Columbia, District of Columbia

D.C. earns 42% above the nation

The District's median household income of $106,287 towers 42% above the national median of $74,755, ranking D.C. among the wealthiest jurisdictions in the country. This disparity reflects D.C.'s concentration of federal workers, educated professionals, and high-earning service sectors that draw talent from across America.

The only county in its class

As the sole jurisdiction in the District of Columbia, D.C.'s median household income of $106,287 sets the state average by definition, making direct county-level comparisons within D.C. impossible. This unique status underscores D.C.'s position as an outlier in regional and national income rankings.

Outearning the Beltway region

D.C.'s $106,287 median household income significantly outpaces neighboring Maryland and Virginia counties, reflecting its role as the economic engine of the Mid-Atlantic region. The concentration of federal employment, lobbying firms, and multinational headquarters in the District creates an income premium unmatched by surrounding suburban areas.

Housing eats 21% of income

Despite strong household incomes, D.C. residents spend 21.4% of their income on rent—within the recommended 30% threshold but rising as the city's median home value reaches $724,600. The gap between high incomes and soaring housing costs means even well-paid workers face affordability pressures in competitive neighborhoods.

D.C. earners: invest your edge

With median household income running $31,532 ahead of the national average, D.C. residents have a unique opportunity to accelerate wealth-building through strategic investing and retirement savings. Financial advisors recommend D.C.'s high-earning households prioritize diversified portfolios and tax-advantaged accounts to protect gains against the District's rising cost of living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in District of Columbia, District of Columbia?
The median household income in District of Columbia, District of Columbia is $109,870, 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 District of Columbia?
The per capita income in District of Columbia is $77,348, 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 $109,870.
How does District of Columbia compare to the District of Columbia average?
District of Columbia's median household income of $109,870 is equal to the District of Columbia state average of $109,870. The per capita income is $77,348, compared to the state average of $77,348.
What is the per capita income in District of Columbia, District of Columbia?
The per capita income in District of Columbia, District of Columbia is $77,348, 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 District of Columbia a low-income area in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia's median household income of $109,870 is below the District of Columbia average of $109,870. The per capita income of $77,348 is also comparable to the state average of $77,348. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does District of Columbia rank for income in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia ranks #1 out of 1 counties in District of Columbia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $109,870 and per capita income of $77,348, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in District of Columbia

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Your income is above the District of Columbia median

County median: $109,870 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

+47%

vs. District of Columbia MedianAbout equal
vs. District of Columbia AverageAbout equal
vs. National Median▲ 47% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($9,156) vs. median rent ($1,954/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

St. Johns County
Florida
$109,839
+0%
Chambers County
Texas
$109,804
+0%
Ventura County
California
$109,797
+0%
York County
Virginia
$109,956
+0%
Rockland County
New York
$109,959
+0%
Summit County
Colorado
$109,773
+0%
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By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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

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