Mixed results as median incomes rise while total income falls.

• Position: State income - Brief article

The statewide median income for all personal income tax returns rose slightly to $35,923--less than 1 percent over 2007--while the median income listed on joint returns grew to $68,981 (0.27 percent over 2007) according to the FTB.

The four Bay Area counties of Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo and Santa Clara have led California for 37 years in reported highest median incomes, and Marin County had the highest median income for joint returns at $118,704, a decrease of 3.85 percent over 2007.

San Mateo County ranked second with $100,165, Santa Clara County was third with $100,077, Contra Costa County was fourth with $90,956 and Alameda County came in fifth with $88,138.

Los Angeles County taxpayers filed 25.5 percent of all 2008 income tax...