When people think of Long Beach, many envision the beach, the harbor, and palm trees.

However, looking at the actual income data, Long Beach is not exactly a wealthy city within LA County; it is closer to being slightly below average.

According to the 2023 U.S. Census data, the median household income in Long Beach is about $68,000. This is approximately 13% lower than the national median income of around $78,000 and slightly below the level of the city of Los Angeles. That said, this does not mean that all of Long Beach is a poor area. The significant difference in living standards between the beachside and the northern inland areas means that one should not judge based solely on the average number.

To understand Long Beach's economy, one must start with the harbor. The Port of Long Beach is one of the largest container ports in the United States. Many people work in port logistics, trucking, warehousing, and customs-related jobs, and this sector tends to offer better wages than general service jobs. Among the Korean community, there are quite a few who operate trucking or logistics companies.

On the other hand, there are many jobs in sectors like restaurants, hotels, tourism, and retail, which tend to pay relatively low wages. The mix of high-income and low-income residents contributes to the lower median income figure. The community is diverse, with Hispanic, Black, and Asian residents, and there is a significant Cambodian community as well.

Housing prices are quite high compared to income. Single-family homes typically start in the high $700,000s to over $800,000. It is practically difficult for a household earning $68,000 to purchase a single-family home on their own. Therefore, first-time homebuyers often start with condos or townhomes.

There are also significant differences between neighborhoods. Areas close to the ocean, like Belmont Shore and Bluff Park, often see home prices exceeding $1 million. In contrast, moving further north inland may lower housing prices, but one must be more careful about safety and school quality. Even within Long Beach, the atmosphere can vary greatly depending on which block you live on.

Rent is also not easy. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs between $1,900 and $2,400, with prices near the beach being even higher. A significant portion of income goes toward rent, leading many families to live with parents or find roommates.

Still, Long Beach is undoubtedly an attractive city. It is close to the ocean, has a diverse food culture, and offers steady job opportunities centered around the port, hospitals, and schools. However, the reality of high housing costs relative to income is hard to avoid. When considering Long Beach, it is crucial not to look only at the citywide average but also to take into account job location, rent, safety, schools, and neighborhood differences.