The San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley—the eight counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare, with 62 cities and more than 3.9 million residents— has a long history of contributions to the success of California. Although it is recognized worldwide as an agriculture powerhouse and is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, it also is one of the most challenged in comparison to the rest of the state:
Average per capita incomes are 32.2% lower.
College attendance is consistently 50% below the average.
Access to health care is 31% lower.
Air quality is among the worst in the nation.
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