Not all towns in California enjoy the same level of income and living conditions. Some communities face serious financial challenges, where most people struggle to make ends meet. One such town is Thermal, which has now been named the poorest town in California, according to a report by 24/7 Wall St.
This small town highlights how rising prices and low incomes can make life very hard for residents, especially when they depend on government help just to afford basic things like food, rent, and transport.
What Makes a Town “Poor”?
In the United States, the term “poor” is often used when a town or city has a very low median household income. This means most families earn far less than the average household in the state or country. The situation becomes worse when the cost of living—like food, rent, and fuel—keeps going up, but incomes remain low.
According to 24/7 Wall St., they created a list of the poorest towns in every U.S. state by using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. They focused on towns with a population between 1,000 and 25,000 and ranked them based on median household income.
Why Thermal Was Named the Poorest Town in California
Thermal, located in Riverside County, has a very small population of just 1,198 people. But what truly stands out is its extremely low median household income — only $14,500 per year. In comparison, the average household income in California is a much higher $84,097 per year.
This big gap shows how much the people of Thermal are struggling. Nearly 20.6% of the households in Thermal receive government aid, which shows they need extra help to cover their daily expenses.
How These Numbers Compare
For perspective, in many parts of the U.S., the average household earns over $69,000 each year. But in the towns listed by 24/7 Wall St., annual earnings range from $43,800 down to just $9,100. That means Thermal is at the very bottom in California, with very few economic opportunities and high reliance on assistance.
What Does This Mean for Residents?
Living in a poor town like Thermal means facing many daily challenges. There may be fewer job opportunities, limited access to healthcare, and lower quality schools and services.
These families often depend on food stamps, housing aid, and other support to get by. It also highlights a wider issue of inequality in California, where some areas are booming, and others are barely surviving.
In summary, Thermal’s title as the poorest town in California draws attention to the ongoing issue of poverty in small towns. With incomes far below the state average and many households relying on government support, it shows how uneven economic growth can be, even in a rich state like California.
Reports like this help us understand where help is most needed and why policies must focus on supporting struggling communities.
