Several towns and cities in California are frequently cited as the poorest or among the poorest, but specific claims about which is the single “poorest” can vary depending on the criteria used (such as poverty rate, median household income, or unemployment rate).
Among small towns and cities, Orange Cove stands out as having one of the highest poverty rates in the state. According to recent data, Orange Cove has a poverty rate of 46.5% and a median household income of $33,671. This makes it one of the most economically distressed communities in California. Other towns with extreme poverty rates include Huron (sometimes mentioned as the poorest city by some sources, but not always topping poverty rate lists), and Madera (sometimes highlighted on social media as the poorest city, but not consistently ranked at the top in official poverty statistics).
For larger cities, Fresno is often cited as the poorest big city, with a poverty rate hovering around 23% and significant challenges with unemployment and homelessness. San Bernardino has also been described as the poorest city of its size, especially following its bankruptcy and ongoing economic struggles.
Summary Table
| Place | Notable Statistic | Context/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Cove | Poverty rate: 46.5% | Small town, extreme poverty |
| Huron | Often cited as poorest city | Sometimes referenced, not always top |
| Madera | Highlighted in social media | Poverty challenges, not always #1 |
| Fresno | Poverty rate: ~23% | Largest poor city (by some measures) |
| San Bernardino | Bankrupt, high poverty | Poorest city of its size |
Orange Cove is most often named the poorest town in California based on its extremely high poverty rate and low median household income. However, depending on the criteria and the size of the population considered, other cities like Fresno or San Bernardino may be highlighted as the poorest in their respective categories.
Sources
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JqFqKYJGA0
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/10-poorest-counties-california-according-123000684.html
[3] https://newstalkkit.com/poorest-big-cities-in-california-fresno/
[4] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/04/towns-in-california-with-the-worst-poverty/
[5] https://housely.com/20-poorest-cities-california/
