The town most frequently identified as the poorest in California is Thermal. According to a 2023 analysis by 24/7 Wall St., Thermal, with a population of 1,198, holds the lowest median household income in the state—just $14,500 per year.
This figure stands in stark contrast to California’s overall median household income of $84,097. Additionally, about 20.6% of households in Thermal receive government aid, highlighting the community’s significant reliance on financial assistance to meet basic needs.
Other Notably Poor Cities in California
While Thermal is identified as the poorest town, several small cities also rank among the state’s most economically challenged:
- Huron: With a population of 7,084, Huron has a poverty rate of 41.3% and one of the lowest median household incomes in California. The city also faces high unemployment (18.9%).
- Arvin: This Kern County city has a poverty rate approaching 40% and a median household income of around $41,000, far below the state average.
- Orange Cove, Mendota, and Firebaugh: These cities also report poverty rates between 33% and 45%, with low median incomes and high unemployment.
Poorest Counties in California
If the focus is on counties rather than towns or cities, Trinity County ranks as the poorest, with a median income of $42,206 and 19.1% of residents living in poverty. Other counties with high poverty rates and low median incomes include Imperial, Siskiyou, and Modoc.
Summary Table: Poorest Towns and Cities
| Name | Population | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal | 1,198 | $14,500 | Not listed |
| Huron | 7,084 | (Second lowest in CA) | 41.3% |
| Arvin | ~20,000 | ~$41,000 | ~40% |
| Orange Cove | 10,120 | (Lowest in CA) | 44.9% |
| Mendota | 12,173 | (7th lowest in CA) | 38.5% |
| Firebaugh | 7,772 | (8th lowest in CA) | 33.1% |
Thermal is currently named the poorest town in California, based on median household income and reliance on government assistance. Several small cities—especially in the Central Valley—also face severe economic challenges, with high poverty rates and low incomes.
Sources:
- https://www.theworkersrights.com/least-developed-poorest-cities-in-california/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puQ7Nyd3_bE
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkwDB7-TIo8
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-13-california-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
- https://www.foxla.com/news/10-poorest-counties-california-income-money-analysis