California metros rank among top U.S. cities for fastest income growth
A SmartAsset analysis shows several large California cities posted some of the biggest median household income gains in the nation over the past year.
SmartAsset evaluated median household incomes in 94 U.S. communities of 250,000 people or more, focusing on changes over the most recent two-year span. Enterprise, Nevada topped the ranking with an 18% rise, and Anaheim followed with a near-16% increase, reaching $101,145. Southern California cities Irvine (7th), Long Beach (10th) and Santa Ana (14th) all posted double-digit gains, cushioning residents against inflation.
In the northern part of the state, San Francisco (16th), Fresno (17th) and San Jose (20th) also recorded notable growth, though at more modest rates. Conversely, several California cities fell near the bottom, including Chula Vista, Riverside and Los Angeles, where income growth was flat or negative.
Why it matters
Rising incomes in key metros indicate where households can better absorb inflation, shaping regional economic health.
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