The Income indicator provides information about our community’s ability to afford basic needs. The conventional public policy indicator of housing affordability in the United States is the percent of income spent on housing. Sufficient income to cover basic living costs has a positive influence on the overall financial health and well-being of the community. High housing costs are associated with poor health outcomes, especially in children.

Housing expenditures that exceed 30 percent of household income have historically been viewed as an indicator of a housing affordability problem. 

View research, best practices, and examples of the collective impact logic model related to Income.

Call to Action: What We Can Do to Improve the Income Indicator?

Poor financial health can often lead to diminished physical health, including higher blood pressure and depression. In addition, the average high-school graduate lacks the basic skills to manage their personal finances, including balancing a checkbook and understanding a budget. Together, we can help change these statistics and improve the financial health of our communities.

Per Capita Income

In 2023, the per capita income in San Diego County was $49,891.

Definition: Per capita income in U.S. dollars.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2023. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03.

Median Household Income

In 2023, the median household income in San Diego County was $102,285.

Definition: Median household income in U.S. dollars.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2023. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table DP03.

Checking Account

In 2025, 71.9% of the population had a checking account.

Definition: Percent of the population with a checking account, either interest or non-interest checking accounts.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2025. Source: ESRI Community Analyst, Vintage 2025.

Savings Account

In 2025, 72.4% of the population had a savings account.

Definition: Percent of the population with a savings account.

Data Source(s)

• Data year: 2025. Source: ESRI Community Analyst, Vintage 2025.

Retirement Savings

*Pending Update*

Definition: Update coming soon

Data Source(s)

• Update coming soon

The reports below show the trend in Income-related expanded indicators over time in San Diego County. Tracking these expanded indicators across multiple years helps us understand long-term patterns and progress toward improving population health.