Family income has grown much more for the state's top earners than middle and low earners

Income for families in the 90th percentile grew by 58% from 1980 to 2019, compared to 30% for middle earners and 19% for low earners.

Percentile 1980 2019
10th $22,663 $27,037
Median $74,169 $96,432
90th $168,025 $265,252

Family income is measured pre-tax and includes income from wages and salary, business, retirement, as well as from TANF (cash assistance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income), but excludes resources from other safety net programs. Dollar values are adjusted to pertain to a family of four in 2019 dollars.
Source: PPIC analysis of Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement data for California