Record wealth. Record costs. Here's Silicon Valley by the numbers

"Investment income in 2023 reached $95 billion—more than double roughly a decade ago and growing faster than wages. Seventy percent of households earning over $200,000 collect investment income, while less than 1% of households earning under $200,000 do so. The top 10% of households hold 75% of the region's liquid wealth, excluding billionaires, while the bottom half holds only 1%."

"The median price of a single-family home at the end of 2025 reached $1.98 million—nearly five times the national median. Only 25% of potential first-time buyers could afford a median-priced home in Silicon Valley, compared to more than half nationally. Average monthly rent stands at approximately $3,000 for apartments and $4,200 for single-family homes, with 40% of renters cost-burdened."

"The region has experienced a 15% decline in children under 18 over the past decade alongside a 29% increase in seniors. Nearly 30 years of net domestic outmigration has occurred, with three in ten young adults aged 18-34 living with parents. The region contains 410,000 jobs aligned with AI-capable tasks, though the Valley's 20 largest firms employ only 9% of the total workforce."

Silicon Valley maintains significant economic productivity and wealth generation, with investment income reaching $95 billion in 2023—more than double the amount from a decade prior. However, this growth disproportionately benefits wealthy households, with 70% of those earning over $200,000 collecting investment income compared to less than 1% of those earning under $200,000. The top 10% of households hold 75% of liquid wealth while the bottom half holds only 1%. Housing costs have become prohibitive, with median single-family home prices reaching $1.98 million—nearly five times the national median. Only 25% of potential first-time buyers can afford median-priced homes. Renters face significant burden, with 40% spending over one-third of income on housing. Demographic shifts show declining youth populations and increasing seniors, alongside nearly 30 years of net domestic outmigration and three in ten young adults living with parents.

Read at The Mercury News