Defining middle class income in California involves considering various factors like location, household size, and age, all of which can significantly influence what it means to be middle class in California.
According to the 2022 ACS-5 data from the U.S. Census, middle class income range in California generally falls between $61,269 to $183,810. However, these numbers can vary based on individual circumstances. To obtain a more accurate estimate that reflects your specific situation, it’s advisable to use an income calculator.
California Income Statistics:
- The median household income in California was $91,905 in 2022, a 49.68% increase from $61,400 in 2012,
- To be in the top 5% of earners in California, you need an annual income of at least $454,829.
- 38.8% of households in California earn more than $100,000 annually, showcasing the state’s high earning potential.
- The bottom 20% of earners in California have an average annual income of just $13,949.
Source: (WalletHub, US Census)
Middle Class Income by Family Size in California
While the general middle-class income range in California is between $61,269 and $183,810, this range can vary greatly depending on the size of your family. Below is a breakdown of middle-class income ranges based on different family sizes:
| Family Size | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 2-person | $61,854 to $185,562 |
| 3-person | $70,087 to $210,260 |
| 4-person | $82,301 to $246,902 |
| 5-person | $73,127 to $219,382 |
| 6-person | $73,357 to $220,072 |
| 7-person | $83,339 to $250,018 |
These figures illustrate that the larger the family, the higher the income needed to maintain a middle-class lifestyle in California.
Source: (US Census)
Income Tier Calculator
Middle Class Income by Age
Age also plays a critical role in determining middle-class income. As people progress through different stages of life, their income potential changes. Here’s a look at the middle-class income range by age group in California:
| Age Group | Income Range |
|---|---|
| 15 to 24 years | $33,021 to $99,064 |
| 25 to 44 years | $67,080 to $201,240 |
| 45 to 64 years | $71,491 to $214,472 |
| 65 years and over | $43,752 to $131,256 |
This data shows that income generally increases with age, peaking in the 45 to 64 age brackets, and then often decreases upon retirement.
FAQs:
How Many People Make Over $100k in California?
In California, a significant portion of the population earns a six-figure income. According to the World Population Review, 38.8% of households in California earn over $100,000 annually. Furthermore, 13.3% of Californians make over $200,000, demonstrating the state’s relatively high earning potential compared to national averages.
Top 5 Percent Income in California
To be in the top 5% of earners in California, you would need to earn at least $454,829 annually, according to WalletHub. This high threshold underscores the wealth disparity in the state, where a small percentage of households command a large share of the income.
How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in California?
Living comfortably in California requires a substantial income due to the high cost of living. According to Kron4, a single working adult in California needs to earn $54.64 per hour, equating to an annual salary of $113,652, to live comfortably. For a family with two working adults raising two children, the necessary income jumps to $276,724.
Comparison with Other States
California ranks third in terms of the income needed to live comfortably, trailing only Massachusetts and Hawaii. Here’s a comparison:
- Massachusetts:
- Hourly wage needed for a single working adult: $55.78
- Salary needed for a single working adult: $116,022
- Salary needed across two working adults raising two children: $301,184
- Hawaii:
- Hourly wage needed for a single working adult: $54.66
- Salary needed for a single working adult: $113,692
- Salary needed across two working adults raising two children: $294,612
- California:
- Hourly wage needed for a single working adult: $54.64
- Salary needed for a single working adult: $113,652
- Salary needed across two working adults raising two children: $276,724
In summary, while California offers high-income potential, the cost of living remains one of the highest in the nation, necessitating a significant income to achieve a comfortable lifestyle.
