Orange County's 2026 income limits classify individuals earning up to $104,200 as low income, reflecting the region's severe housing affordability crisis. - The threshold rose from $94,750 in 2025, driven by high housing costs.
- Only 16% of households can afford the median home price of $1,442,930. - Many young professionals, like engineers and analysts, struggle to rent or buy homes.
- Advocates call for more housing development to retain middle-income workers. The situation highlights a growing gap between wages and housing costs, pushing residents to consider leaving the county.