The California Poverty Measure
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) devised an updated poverty threshold that takes into account costs and standards of living on a regional level, called the California Poverty Measure (CPM). As of Fall 2021, the poverty rate in San Joaquin County is 7.7% (+/- 1.5). The number of people in poverty is 57,300 (+/- 11,400). The child poverty rate is 4.1% (+/- 2.0). Lastly, the poverty (CPM) threshold for a family of four that is renting is $31,398.
Food Stamps
One safety net for those below the poverty line is SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps). San Joaquin County has continued to experience an increase in the percent of households that receive this benefit, surpassing the U.S. average.