Is California's Poverty Worse Than Mississipi? (Los Angeles, San Jose: 2013, home, calculated)

[Motion]

What do you think of this? I was surprised by this.

An alternative way of measuring poverty shows that nearly 2.8 million more people are struggling across the country than officially calculated, the U.S. Census Bureau reports – and California has by far the biggest share of people in poverty, eclipsing states such as Mississippi and Louisiana.

U.S. poverty higher, California highest, when housing costs added - Los Angeles Times

[never-more]

Why not adjust for the entire COLA difference? Then also compare the standard of living for those below poverty between states. Would want to see the results.

[Des-Lab]

Take a drive through some of the smaller towns and rural roads in the Central or Imperial Valley's and you tell me.

[eccotecc]

The central valley resembles appalachia.

[MrWillys]

Southern red states have the highest per capita poverty rates in the nation. California's poor do not live in Beverly Hills, Monterey, or San Francisco. They live in cities like Winterhaven, Calexico, or Ridgecrest where the cost of living is more in line with these other states.

For example, Calexico's medium family income is less than $30,000 per year, and 26% of the population is in poverty. A 3 bedroom home can be purchased for well under 100k.

Calexico, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

When you consider California's diversity, and attempt to factor in it's great wealth to justify a skewed statistic, it is just that, skewed! It's like saying New York is wealthier than California. However, if you included a great portion of the Eastern states in the Appalachian range the comparison would reflect a similar diversity.

[Des-Lab]

The Central Valley is what you get when you mix Wichita, Kansas and Tijuana, Mexico.

Most of the mid and large size towns like Bakersfield, Visalia, and Fresno have large areas that are decent, modern, and look like just about any other place in the country. And they have their *ahem* "low rent" districts as well.

As soon as you head out into the country, off the 5 or 99 freeways or other main highways, and a very different scene emerges. If you want to see this, go check out places like Richgrove, Earlimart, or Orange Cove. All are best seen in daylight hours only and you best pass through and just keep on passing. It's a whole different world.

[eccotecc]

Des-Lab,

You might like to add Mendota and South Dos Palos to your list.

[Ruth4Truth]

IDK, people. I think CA ranks high on the scale because it has a much larger population. NM is pretty bad.

[Motion]

Experts say the poverty problem in the nation's agricultural powerhouse is deeply ingrained. The most important barrier is the valley's lack of economic diversity. There are simply too few good nonagricultural jobs around and jobs in agriculture tend to be low-wage ones -- except for those who run agribusinesses.

Census shows Central Valley areas among poorest in nation - San Jose Mercury News

I had a feeling that was the problem. A lack of diversification in an local economy seems to be a big contributor for poverty in many areas.

[Bruce81]

Yes, some Central Valley towns look like Central America, even Mexico looks better. No street light, potholes, awful smell, whole different world.