Working families are being priced out of the Golden State. Despite being the world's 5th largest economy, 7 million Californians live in poverty when adjusted for cost of living.
When adjusted for cost of living, California has the highest poverty rate in the nation. This isn't about lazy people—it's about a system that's broken.
can't afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare
Many in poverty work full-time but still can't make ends meet
Over 2 million California children live in poverty
California's median home price is $900,000—more than double the national average. Rent has become unaffordable for working families.
While California's population continues to grow, the state faces significant economic challenges that affect working families and small businesses.
California faces a massive budget shortfall, forcing cuts to essential services that working families depend on.
Source: LAO 2024-25More than half of Californians report financial hardship due to rising prices. For families under $40K, it's 80%.
Source: PPIC Survey 2025Nearly half of California renters spend more than 30% of income on housing—the highest rate in the nation.
Source: Census Bureau ACSNearly 40% of Californians rely on Medi-Cal for healthcare—a sign of how many struggle to afford private coverage.
Source: DHCS 2024A timeline of California's declining quality of life
California poverty rate: 15.1%
Pandemic hits, businesses close
Housing prices surge 20% in one year
Inflation peaks, cost of living crisis
Median home hits $800K, rent up 30%
Poverty rate reaches historic high
Movement For California is putting 5 citizen initiatives on the November 2028 ballot. These aren't band-aids—they're structural reforms that address the root causes of California's crisis.
• U.S. Census Bureau - Supplemental Poverty Measure (2024)
• California Association of Realtors - Housing Data (2025)
• HUD Point-in-Time Count - Homeless Statistics (2024)
• Legislative Analyst's Office - Budget Analysis (2024-25)
• Public Policy Institute of California - Migration Data
• California Franchise Tax Board - Revenue Reports