[BTinSF]

Odd the article doesn't mention that Alameda, another Bay Area county, was 5th at $79,257 for joint returns so all of the top 5 counties border the Bay. SF, by the way, ranks 10th for all returns ($39,187) and 17th for joint returns ($65, 751). And in case you're wondering, Orange County is 8th ($71,624) and San Diego is 18th ($64,614). The full report is at http://www.ftb.ca.gov/aboutFTB/press/2007/07_17attach.pdf

Bay Area tops median income report
San Francisco Business Times - 2:44 PM PDT Friday, April 6, 2007

The statewide median income for all personal income tax returns rose 2.7 percent in 2005, and 4.1 percent for joint returns, according to statistics released by the Franchise Tax Board.

Four Bay Area counties again top California's 2005 median income report, according to the FTB. For the past 34 years, the counties of Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, and Santa Clara have consistently reported the highest median incomes.

"This income growth is welcome news," said State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang.

"Median income" is the point where one half of the tax returns are above and one half are below the midpoint of the range of values. Median income represents the income reported by a typical California individual or couple.

California taxpayers filed 14.8 million 2005 state income tax returns with the FTB reporting slightly more than $1 trillion of adjusted gross income. Adjusted gross income is a tax term that means gross income minus specific tax deductions, but before Federal Schedule A itemized deductions. This is an increase of 4.2 percent over 2004 figures.

Marin County still has the highest median income for joint returns, reporting $107,856 -- an increase of eight percent from 2004. San Mateo County ranked second with $89,672, while Santa Clara County ranked third with $89,618 and Contra Costa County ranked fourth with $83,605.

Los Angeles County taxpayers filed 25.6 percent of all 2005 income tax returns in California. They reported median incomes of $29,551 for all returns, and $54,583 for joint returns, ranking 39th and 32nd, respectively.

The largest percentage gain in median income for all counties was 9.4 percent, reported in Yuba County. For joint filed returns the largest increase was also in Yuba County, with an 11.3 percent increase. Last year's leader, Alpine County, ranked seventh this year.

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2007/04/02/daily51.html?t=printable

[Reminiscence]

Bay Area on top as usual I guess, although it seems like good news. Although I have to admit, an 8 percent growth in Marin is something I was not expecting.

I have some relatives that are looking for a new home, and they searched the area around Yuba City and Marysville. They told me the area was booming and that soon it would be the next Elk Grove. My guess is that we'll continue to see growth in that area as it continues to expand.

[BTinSF]

^^^Marysville! My cat's from Marysville. She recommends it. ;)

[Reminiscence]

Heh. I myself was not too familiar with Marysville until I drove by it on the way to Vancouver (I had already driven on the 5 and the 99 and decided to take a new route). At that time, there was not too much development around and it didnt look too lively to me. Now, however, judging by pictures my relatives took, it looks quite different and housing construction is everywhere along with the arrival of major restaurant and grocery store chains. Looks like a promising area to me. :)

[BTinSF]

^^^When I drove over to pick up the kitty, I think I ate in a major restaurant chain called "Dairy Queen".

[Reminiscence]

Is that right. Good thing I've never been to this "Dairy Queen" then. ;)

[dimondpark]

Odd the article doesn't mention that Alameda, another Bay Area county, was 5th at $79,257 for joint returns so all of the top 5 counties border the bay.

Alameda County is quite affluent but it isnt seen as such by most cause historically, its been seen more as a working class kind of place.

[Frisco_Zig]

Bay Area on top as usual I guess, although it seems like good news. Although I have to admit, an 8 percent growth in Marin is something I was not expecting.

I have some relatives that are looking for a new home, and they searched the area around Yuba City and Marysville. They told me the area was booming and that soon it would be the next Elk Grove. My guess is that we'll continue to see growth in that area as it continues to expand.

Aren't homes prices depressed in these areas? Even in the Bay there was an article today about how Eastern Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara countires aren't doing so hot. Builders are stopping the new houses. I would guess we are in for a 5 year lull. Not boomming in my book

[Frisco_Zig]

Heh. I myself was not too familiar with Marysville until I drove by it on the way to Vancouver (I had already driven on the 5 and the 99 and decided to take a new route). At that time, there was not too much development around and it didnt look too lively to me. Now, however, judging by pictures my relatives took, it looks quite different and housing construction is everywhere along with the arrival of major restaurant and grocery store chains. Looks like a promising area to me. :)


Oddly there is a big Sikh community up there

Curiously for your relatives where do they work if they move there? This is the problem with areas like this.

The one guy I know who lives there works at Genentech in Vacaville but this is more than an hour commute to get to a job that to me is way out in the sticks.

[Reminiscence]

Aren't homes prices depressed in these areas? Even in the Bay there was an article today about how Eastern Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara countires aren't doing so hot. Builders are stopping the new houses. I would guess we are in for a 5 year lull. Not boomming in my book

Home prices have been historcally depressed in these area, but mostly due to location and the fact that not much was around. Prices for homes are definetly going up in this area though, the list of prices I saw for homes ranged from low 200,000's to upper 500,000's, the latter approaching Bay Area levels. I believe that people at this point are not buying as much as a few years ago due to the interest rate, a cycle that seems to last around 10 years or so. Its these type of areas that have expanded recently and have seen more attention from people from SF and Sacramento who seek lower home prices.

[Reminiscence]

Oddly there is a big Sikh community up there

Curiously for your relatives where do they work if they move there? This is the problem with areas like this.

The one guy I know who lives there works at Genentech in Vacaville but this is more than an hour commute to get to a job that to me is way out in the sticks.

There is a significant Sikh community there, as well as a fairly diverse population. The city is actually a lot bigger than I though, and it seems the population has also grown quite significantly.

I totally agree with you on the work situation though, not much to offer up there yet. But thats not a problem though, they're looking to retire from work, which means work should'nt be an issue for them. :) I also told them about another area that has potential, Ukiah, a place I have some relatives and friends. Its not all that far from SF (~110 miles) and its the same freeway that will take you to SF and back.