In Fresno rich are richer, poor are getting poorer

(AP) — Economic researchers say the income gap is widening in Fresno County, where the richest 20 percent of families earn 82 percent of the wealth.

Officials of Fresno Works for a Better Health Advocacy Center said the poorest 20 percent of all households earned just 1 percent of the total income.

A study shows that jobs in Fresno County pay $18.28 an hour compared with $21.78 percent statewide, and white men and women earn 18 percent more than other races. Also, 35 percent of the county's jobs pay less than $14 an hour, compared with 23.5 percent statewide.

The study used data collected at the Center for Economic Research and Education of Central California at California State University, Fresno.

The report's conclusion is that Fresno County is stuck in a low-wage economy.

Written by Associated Press Staff Writer

Thursday, 30 October 2008