High Costs Push Six-Figure Salaries into Low-Income Bracket in Orange County

A salary of $104,200 per year is now considered low-income in Orange County, California, according to the latest income limits released by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. This new threshold, applicable to individuals, marks a significant increase from the previous limit of $94,750.

These limits help determine eligibility for income-restricted housing and related assistance programs. Rising real estate prices in the area have played a key role in setting the low-income threshold above the median individual income.

A 2024 survey by the University of California, Irvine revealed that 51% of residents in Orange County have thought about moving away. Among those considering relocation, over 75% pointed to high housing costs as the main reason.

Home ownership in Orange County appears challenging. The California Association of Realtors reports only 18% of households can afford a median-priced home, priced at approximately $1.44 million. Across California, home ownership remains difficult with only 55.3% owning homes.

High housing and tax costs have led to population declines in major Californian cities. Los Angeles County experienced a loss of 53,421 residents from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Since 2020, its population has decreased from 10 million to 9.7 million.

San Francisco also continues to face a shrinking population, despite an economic boost from the AI industry. The cost of living, homelessness, and crime contribute to the ongoing challenges.

Fox News Digital sought comments from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Joshua Q. Nelson, who joined Fox News Digital in 2019, contributed to this story. He has a background in cultural trends and public policy coverage.