California's High Living Costs and High Poverty Sharpen Its Economic Divide
Briefly

Reflecting on four decades of change, the author notes California's economic evolution from high mobility to rigid class structures predominantly by ethnicity and education. Research indicates significant poverty rates, particularly among Latinos, Blacks, and undocumented immigrants. In 2023, the poverty rate reached 18.9%, with more than 31% of residents living near poverty levels, exacerbated by high living costs. While income disparities are highlighted, there's also a growing wealth stratification. These findings underscore the challenges of navigating California's economic landscape in the face of rising costs and deepening inequality.
California has transformed from a high-mobility state to one with entrenched class divisions, as evidenced by the rising poverty rates among ethnic minorities.
The nation's highest poverty rate, when adjusted for living costs, reflects the economic disparities deeply rooted in California's socio-economic fabric.
Read at San Jose Inside
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