Study reveals extreme wealth gap in Silicon Valley, half own under 1% of assets

The Human Rights Institute at San Jose State University published its latest Silicon Valley Pain Index, documenting a stark concentration of wealth in the tech hub. According to the study, the richest tenth of residents command 75% of the region's total wealth, whereas the lower half collectively hold less than one percent. The index tracks hardship across housing, food, childcare, employment, health and education, revealing that a household now needs more than $460,000 a year to afford a standard home in San Jose.

Lead researcher Anji Buckner-Capone said the data show an expanding gap in income, school closures, and deteriorating physical and mental health among residents. Dr. Tony Iton, CEO of The Health Trust, emphasized that while food, healthcare and childcare are available, policy decisions are not adequately investing in the population. The findings underscore the growing economic strain in one of America’s most affluent regions.