A study released by Californias Legislative Analysts Office this month looks at geographical distribution of wealth across the state.
Wealthiest states[hhmc]
Californians net worth totals over $6 trillion or about $160,000 per resident. The state holds 17% of national net worth, while making up only 12% of the U.S. population.
The net worth of about $160,000 would put California at No. 23 on the list of the countries according to worldsrichestcountries.com. California would be just behind Hong Kong ($173,685) and ahead of the following nations:
- Qatar: $156,986
- Israel: $155,982
- Finland: $149,917
- UAE: $144,377
- Kuwait: $113,419
The Legislative Analysts Office study is based on 2014-2016 data and states that income and wealth are similar but distinct concepts.
Income is money an individual earns or receives over a set period of time. Wealth is all of the valuable assets — such as stocks, bonds and real estate — an individual owns. Net worth, relatedly, is an individuals wealth minus debts.
Median household income[hhmc]
According to the Kaiser Family Foundations analysis of median household income, California is ranked 10th in the U.S in 2019. The LAOs study expands beyond household income and looks at investments.
Rank/Median Household Income (U.S. overall is $60,336)
- Maryland / $78,916
- D.C. / $77,649
- New Jersey / $76,475
- Alaska / $76,114
- Hawaii / $74,923
- Massachusetts / $74,167
- Connecticut / $73,781
- New Hampshire / $71,305
- Virginia / $68,766
- California / $67,169
Share by population[hhmc]
California has about 1,650 ZIP codes. A minority of these 1,650 ZIP codes (300 wealthy ZIP codes) make up more than two-thirds of the states net worth.
Wealth across regions[hhmc]
Each dot represents one of the 1,650 ZIP code. The placement of the dot shows the net worth per person in that ZIP code. Counties with more wealth have more dots to the right.
