San Francisco currently holds the distinction for the city with the highest median household income.
According to recent data, San Francisco leads U.S. cities in household income, with at least half of its households earning $146,872 annually. This figure, based on 2022 U.S. Census household income data adjusted to 2024 dollars, positions San Francisco at the top among major U.S. cities.
The city's robust economy, driven by the technology sector, high-paying jobs, and a competitive job market, contributes significantly to its elevated income levels. The high cost of living in the Bay Area often correlates with higher wages to compensate residents.
To provide context, here's a comparison of San Francisco's median household income with another leading city from the same dataset:
Top U.S. Cities by Median Household Income
| City | Median Household Income (2024 Adjusted) |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $146,872 |
| San Jose, California | $146,143 |
Note: Data is based on 2022 U.S. Census household income data, adjusted to 2024 dollars.
The slight difference between San Francisco and San Jose highlights the overall affluence of the Bay Area region. While San Jose also boasts a very high median income, San Francisco's figure of $146,872 remains the highest reported among U.S. cities in this analysis. This reflects a broader trend of high-income urban centers, particularly on the West Coast, where innovation and specialized industries thrive.
For more information on median salaries across U.S. cities, you can explore resources that compile U.S. Census data and economic reports. For example, insights into various city incomes are often reported by financial news outlets here.
