14 Poorest Counties in California
- Trinity County
- Imperial County
- Siskiyou County
- Modoc County
- Lake County
- Humboldt County
- Tehama County
- Mariposa County
- Sierra County
- Del Norte County
- Kern County
- Glenn County
- Tulare County
- Fresno County
Trinity County
The poorest county in California is Trinity County, which faces numerous economic challenges. It is home to 16,060 people, has a poverty rate of 16.8%, and has a median household income of $47,317, the lowest in the state.
Nestled in rugged and mountainous terrain, Trinity County is heavily forested, with the Trinity River running through its picturesque landscape. The county's scenic beauty contrasts with its economic struggles, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to uplift its residents and foster sustainable growth.
Imperial County
Imperial County, another poor county in California, is the most recently established county. With a poverty rate of 21.2% and a median household income of $53,847, the county faces economic challenges. Despite being a desert region, Imperial County relies heavily on agriculture to drive its economy.
The population of 179,851 residents reflects the unique blend of economic struggles and the resilience of the local community in sustaining their way of life through agricultural activities.
Siskiyou County
Siskiyou County, another poor county in California, has a poverty rate of 15.8% and a median household income of $53,898. Home to 44,118 people, the county draws visitors due to its outdoor attractions like Mt. Shasta, the scenic McCloud River, and its Gold Rush era history.
These features make it a significant tourist destination, contributing to the local economy and showcasing the area's natural beauty and historical significance.
Modoc County
Modoc County, number four on our list, has a poverty rate of 13.7% and a population of 8,661 people. Most of the land in Modoc County is owned by the federal government. Various federal agencies have workers stationed in the area. The median household income in Modoc County is $54,962.
Lake County
Next on our list of poorest counties in California is Lake County. With a poverty rate of 17.1% and a median household income of $56,259, Lake County is home to 68,766 people. The county gets its name from Clear Lake. Despite its economic challenges, Lake County is a part of California's Wine Country, along with Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties.
Humboldt County
Humboldt County, the sixth poorest county in California, is home to around 136,310 people. The folks here earn a median household income of $57,881. Humboldt County stands out with its diverse climates, offering everything from dense forests and mountains to stunning beaches. Humboldt County is also home to some of the most affordable cities in California, including Eureka.
Despite its natural beauty, the county faces economic challenges, with an 18% poverty rate. The struggle to overcome these economic hurdles is an ongoing effort in Humboldt County.
Tehama County
Tehama County is also one of the poorest counties in California. Tehama County was created in 1856 from pieces of Butte, Colusa, and Shasta Counties. With a population of 65,498, it faces economic challenges, reflected in a poverty rate of 15.1%. The median household income in Tehama County is $59,029, highlighting the financial struggles experienced by a significant portion of its residents.
Mariposa County
Mariposa County, the next county on California's poorest list, stands out for having no traffic signals anywhere. It doesn't have any cities with a proper government. Around 15.1% of people in Mariposa live in poverty.
The county has a population of 17,147, and the median household income is $60,021. Despite its scenic beauty, Mariposa County faces economic challenges, and its unique characteristics make it distinct from California's counties.
Sierra County
Sierra County, California's second-smallest county with a population of 3,283, faces a poverty rate of 12.2%. Named after the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the county is known for its scenic beauty. Despite its small size, Sierra County has a median household income of $61,108, showcasing the potential for economic stability.
Del Norte County
Del Norte County, located in California, is a poor county with a population of 28,100. About 16.5% of its people face poverty, and the median household income is $61,149. Despite economic challenges, this rural county is known for its vast forests that house giant Coast Redwoods, adding a touch of natural beauty to the area.
Kern County
Kern County is also one of the poorest counties in California. Kern County suffers from a poverty rate of 17.8% among its 917,673 residents. This county relies heavily on farming as well as the oil extraction industry.
The median household income here is $63,883. Kern County isn't all about struggles, though – it's got a solid presence in aviation, space, and the military. So, while there are economic challenges, this county also has its strengths.
Glenn County
Glenn County, next on our list of poorest counties in California, has a poverty rate of 14%. The median household income is $64,033, and the population stands at 28,805 people. The median age in Glenn County is 35.8 years. Despite its agricultural roots, the county faces economic challenges that contribute to its position among California's poorest counties.
Tulare County
Tulare County, the second-to-last county on our list of California's poorest, has a median household income of $64,474 and a population of 477,054. It's home to Sequoia National Park, adding natural beauty to the area. Despite its scenic landscapes, the county faces economic challenges, with an 18.2% poverty rate.
Fresno County
Fresno County, formed in 1856, wraps up our list of poorest counties in California. With a poverty rate of 18.6% and a population of 1.014 million, many residents face economic challenges.
The median household income of $67,756 highlights the financial struggles within the county. Moreover, the statewide droughts in California have strained Fresno County, impacting agriculture and exacerbating economic difficulties for its residents.