Our state has a diverse and dynamic economy. Yet, a large share of Californians live in poverty, wages for the typical worker have been stagnant over the past generation, and the gap between the wealthiest and the less well-off is widening. Through our analyses of employment, incomes, and overall economic security, the Budget Center seeks to shed light on state and regional trends while highlighting potential policy approaches for helping low- and middle-income Californians to advance.
Work, Income & Poverty
Featured
Report
New Census Figures Show That California Has 7.5 Million Residents Living in Poverty — More Than Any Other State
This report looks at the latest US Census poverty figures, showing that with 7.5 million state residents struggling to get by, Califonia has by far the largest number of individuals in poverty of any state, based on the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM).
Report
Incomes Grew and the Official Poverty Rate Dropped in California in 2017, But Millions Still Struggle With Extremely Low Incomes
This report looks at the US Census official poverty measure figures for California, showing that millions of Californians, including many children, lived in poverty in 2017 in spite of our state’s recent economic gains.
Blog
The Trump Administration’s Trade Actions Are Likely to Hit Hardest in California Counties Where Unemployment Is Already High
Amid an emerging trade war between the US and China, this post shows how Chinese tariffs could harm California counties where unemployment is high and many are struggling economically.