Thermal, California, has been identified as the poorest town in the state, according to a list compiled by 24/7 Wall St.. This designation highlights the economic disparities present in a state often perceived as prosperous.
Poverty in Thermal:
- Median Household Income: Residents of Thermal have a median household income of $14,500 per year, significantly lower than the state’s median of $84,097.
- Government Assistance: Over 20% of households in Thermal receive government aid.
- Population: Thermal has a population of 1,198 people.
The 24/7 Wall St. list emphasizes communities where residents heavily rely on financial assistance to afford everyday necessities, using the term “poor” to reflect a statistical lack of finances among the population.
Poverty in Other California Cities:
- Fresno: Fresno has a population of over half a million people and was named the poorest large city in California in 2011. The city’s poverty rate hovers around 23%, with an estimated 4,500 homeless individuals, a 7% unemployment rate, and a 1.4% foreclosure rate.
- Los Angeles: Los Angeles has a poverty rate of 14%, which is higher than the national average of 11%.
- Sacramento: Approximately 21.3% of Sacramento residents live below the federal poverty line3. The median home price in the city is $480,000, and the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment exceeds $1,9503.
- Stockton: In 2012, Forbes Magazine named Stockton the most miserable city in the U.S. due to financial woes stemming from the housing crisis.
California faces a growing poverty crisis, with many families struggling due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, and inflation. More than 43% of Californians live paycheck to paycheck. Despite the state’s image of prosperity, many cities grapple with limited economic opportunities and inadequate access to essential services.
Sources:
[1] https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-13-california-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
[2] https://newstalkkit.com/poorest-big-cities-in-california-fresno/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkwDB7-TIo8
[4] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/the-most-miserable-city
