More than one in three Californians live in or near poverty, and the longstanding divide between rich and poor poses a major challenge for our state and nation. PPIC builds understanding of what economic disparities mean for households and communities, while highlighting policies that can broaden opportunity and increase well-being.
Publication
Income Inequality and Economic Opportunity in California
The pandemic threatens to widen the divide between rich and poor, but policy interventions can increase economic well-being and help create an equitable recovery. Learn More
Interactive
California Poverty by County and Legislative District
July 30 2021
These interactive maps show 2017–19 average poverty rates across counties and other local areas, according to the California Poverty Measure (CPM).
Publication
Poverty in California
July 30 2021
Nearly one in six Californians lack enough resources to meet basic needs. Altogether, more than a third of Californians are living in or near poverty.
Interactive
Who’s in Poverty in California?
July 30 2021
This interactive shows 2019 poverty rates across demographic groups in California, according to the California Poverty Measure (CPM).
Blog Post
In El Dorado County, Early Preparation and Communication Were Key to the Return to School
July 23 2021
We talked with Dr. Ed Manansala, superintendent of schools for El Dorado County, about how his mostly rural districts weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and handled the return to in-person instruction.
Blog Post
Californians Want Policies that Close the Gap between Rich and Poor
July 8 2021
About two in three Californians—including majorities across regions and demographic groups—say that the state should do more to reduce income inequality.