California's per capita income tops $85K, landing in second-highest national tier
New federal data shows California’s per capita personal income has soared to over $85,000 in 2024, keeping the Golden State in the upper tier of earners nationwide—even as economic pressures mount for residents.
California’s per capita personal income reached a new high in 2024, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The figures, released through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, confirm a continuing upward trend that reflects the state’s strong wage growth across key industries.
Pat Sharyon
Here’s what the data shows—and how California compares to other states.
Long-Term Growth Reflects Structural Shifts
An interactive chart showing data from 1930 through 2024 illustrates a long-term pattern of economic growth in California. The state’s per capita income remained relatively flat for much of the early 20th century but began to rise significantly in the 1980s. The increase continued through several periods of economic expansion, including the early 2000s and post-2008 recovery.
Explore the data:
Track nearly a century of income growth in California with the interactive graph above.
Latest Revisions Show 2024 Estimate Holding Steady
Recent estimates published in February and March 2025 provide a closer look at California’s income levels between 2020 and 2024. While the two data vintages contain minor revisions to earlier years, both confirm that per capita income for 2024 exceeds $85,000. This level aligns with high-income sectors such as technology, media, and finance, which continue to play a central role in the state’s economy.
Compare the revisions:
See how annual estimates have been updated with this interactive data tool.
California Among Top States for Income in 2024
A national map of 2024 per capita personal income places California in the second-highest income bracket—between $82,705 and $108,233. This grouping includes states like New York, Washington, and New Jersey. Only a handful of states, such as Connecticut and Massachusetts, fall into the highest category.
States in the South and parts of the Midwest continue to report lower per capita incomes, often below $67,500, highlighting regional differences in income distribution and economic development.
Explore the map:
Compare California’s income with the rest of the U.S. with the interactive map above.
Context for Residents and Policymakers
While rising per capita income reflects economic strength at the state level, it doesn’t always translate to improved financial conditions for individuals—especially in a state where housing costs and other expenses remain high. Policymakers and researchers often use these figures in combination with affordability metrics to evaluate economic health more holistically.
As California continues to report some of the highest income levels in the country, the latest data provides a useful benchmark for ongoing conversations about wages, cost of living, and economic opportunity.
All interactive visualizations above are sourced from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and will update as new data is released.
