St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund

PolicyLink and PERE 43 An Equity Profile of Orange County 83% 84% 54% 54% 1% 1% 2% 2% 11% 10% 24% 24% 4% 4% 18% 18% 2% 2% Middle-Class Households All Households Middle-Class Households All Households 1979 2016 30% 41% 40% 33% 30% 26% 1979 1989 1999 2016 Lower Middle Upper $49,307 $104,185 $131,310 $62,145 Orange County's middle class is shrinking: since 1979, the share of households with middle-class incomes decreased from 40 to 33 percent. The share of upper-income households also declined, from 30 to 26 percent, while the share of lower-income households grew from 30 to 41 percent. Most of the decline in middle-income households has occurred since 1989. In this analysis, middle-income households are defined as having incomes in the middle 40 percent of household income distribution in 1979. In that year, middle-class household incomes ranged from $49,307 to $104,185. To assess change in the A shrinking middle class The share of middle-class households declined since 1979 Economic vitality 30. Households by Income Level, 1979 to 2016 (all figures in 2016 dollars) middle-class and the other income ranges, we calculated what the income range would be today if incomes had increased at the same rate as average household income growth. Today, about 33 percent of households have middle-class incomes, which range from $62,145 to $131,310. The demographics of the middle class reflect the region's changing demographics. While the share of households with middle- class incomes has declined since 1979, middle-class households have become more racially and ethnically diverse as the population has become more diverse. Source: Integrated Public Use Microdata Series. Universe includes all households (no group quarters). Note: Data for 2016 represent a 2012 through 2016 average. 60% 62% 12% 12% 23% 20% 5% 5% Native American and all other Asian o r Pacific Islander Latino Black White The middle class more closely reflects the region's racial/ethnic composition 31. Racial Composition of Middle-Class Households and All Households, 1979 and 2016 Source: Integrated Public Use Microdata Series. Universe includes all households (no group quarters). Note: Data for 2016 represent a 2012 through 2016 average.

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