Understanding median income by zip code helps with business planning, real estate investing, and economic research. This guide explains where to find the most accurate data and how to interpret it.
What Is Median Household Income?
Median income represents the middle point where half of households earn more and half earn less. It’s more reliable than averages (which can be skewed by extreme highs/lows).
Best Sources for Zip Code Income Data
1. U.S. Census Bureau (Most Authoritative)
- American Community Survey (ACS) – Updated annually
- Data Explorer Tool: census.gov/data-tools
- Census Reporter: censusreporter.org
2. IRS Tax Statistics
- SOI Zip Code Data: Based on tax returns
- IRS.gov/ZIP-Code-Data](https://www.irs.gov/statistics/soi-tax-stats-individual-income-tax-statistics-zip-code-data-soi)
3. HUD & Federal Programs
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Data
- FFIEC Geocoding System (Banking income stats)
4. Real Estate Platforms
- Zillow Research: zillow.com/research
- Redfin Data Center: redfin.com/news/data-center
How to Look Up Your Zip Code
- Visit data.census.gov
- Search “Median Household Income” + your zip code
- Filter by 1-year or 5-year ACS estimates
2024 Median Income Trends
| Zip Code (Example) | Median Income |
|---|---|
| 90210 (Beverly Hills) | $150,000+ |
| 60609 (Chicago) | $45,000 |
| 10001 (NYC) | $85,000 |
Note: Verify current data—numbers shift yearly.
Why Zip Code Income Matters
✅ Businesses: Pricing strategies, store locations
✅ Real Estate: Home value correlations
✅ Investors: Identifying growth areas
✅ Policy Makers: Allocating resources
Limitations to Consider
- Small Zip Codes: May lack precise data
- Time Lags: ACS data runs 1-2 years behind
- Sample Sizes: Some estimates have high margins of error
Pro Tip: Cross-check multiple sources for accuracy.
Need help interpreting data? Consult an economist or demographer.
Found interesting zip code trends? Share below!
