<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5. Large Homeless Population<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Prevalent everywhere in Stockton is the reality of the large per capita homeless population. There are about a thousand homeless people in Stockton, which is exceedingly high for the relatively small size of the city. Underneath nearly every freeway overpass in downtown Stockton, you can find makeshift shelters and camps. Despite years of programs and projects to prevent this prolific problem, the numbers of homeless in the city have only grown over recent years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the reasons for this problem is the central locations of Stockton. The state capital, Sacramento, is about an hour north of the city, and San Francisco is about an equal distance to the west. With the rising prices of houses in San Francisco and the bay area, hundreds of people are pushed out of these cities and end up in Stockton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With such high numbers of people suffering on the streets, the City of Stockton has allocated millions of dollars towards providing housing for the homeless. However, with the cost of living rising as it is in California, the influx of the homeless has not stopped. The city continues to search for new solutions to the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. A Bankrupt History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Stockton California is famous to some as the largest US city to ever file for bankruptcy. In 2013, because of a history of spending and then problems in the housing market, Stockton California had to file for a chapter 9 bankruptcy. With relatively few assets and huge liabilities, the city went broke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since then, Stockton has climbed out of its financial instability and has regained a measure of financial health, but it still suffers from its past. Different concessions that the city has made (like providing retirement healthcare for a wide range of workers) were a part of what forced the City of Stockton into bankruptcy. As a consequence, such benefits are in many cases no longer provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though the city is currently financially stable, it still lacks the assets that many other cities can claim. Furthermore, with the rising number of homeless people in the city, more and more funds are needed to care for these people to keep them safe and protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. City Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In recent years, Stockton has had many problems with city leadership. Anthony Silva, who was mayor of Stockton from 2013-2017 was sent to prison for embezzlement, grand theft, and money laundering. Given the rise in homelessness and the struggle with city finances, it is no wonder that the citizens of Stockton have problems with their leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michael Tubbs, the mayor that replaced Anthony Silva, was an immensely popular candidate, winning 70% of the vote when he was elected. Michael Tubbs is a major supporter of the Universal Basic Income, and during his time as mayor of Stockton, he provided $500 to selected Stockton residents with no strings attached. He was elected to the office of mayor at the age of 26, becoming not only the city’s first African-American Mayor but also the youngest person to ever hold that office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite his ideals and a growing nationwide identity, Tubbs lost his reelection campaign. His loss was largely attributed to a blog that gained a large following in the city called 209 Times. The blog was extremely opposed to Tubbs and published many stories accusing Tubbs of corruption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The current mayor of Stockton is Kevin Lincoln, who has sought to turn the city’s efforts towards “creative ideas that will move our entire city forward.” He was sworn in on January 21, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Few Job Opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Stockton as a city offers few job opportunities to residents. There aren’t many major employers in the city, which unfortunately means that the most that the majority of residents can hope for are retail jobs. Furthermore, the high minimum wage in the city means that job opportunities can be difficult to come by. The University of the Pacific brings many young people into the city, but it can be a challenge for them to find a good job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of the lack of large businesses in the city, growth opportunities are unavailable to many residents. If you are planning on moving to Stockton California, be sure to have a good job lined up beforehand, because jobs that provide upward mobility and growth aren’t everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To put this in perspective, the average income of a Stockton resident is shockingly low at $19,927 per year. Compared to the US average of $28,555 per year, it is clear that people are struggling to get by. The median household income of a Stockton resident is $45,347 per year vs. the US average of $53,482 a year. When you factor in the high cost of living in California, it is no surprise that many Stockton residents live pretty close to poverty.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n9. Unemployment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n In addition to providing few jobs that provide growth opportunities, Stockton has few good jobs in general. The majority of the inhabitants of the city work in low-income jobs. Unemployment in Stockton is currently around 30 percent. The majority of workers are either in retail or work as farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a city with such a high unemployment rate, there is a lot of competition for positions. Unfortunately, many of these positions are given to friends, and relatives of those already in place. This is largely because Stockton has a high turnover rate for jobs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The high turnover rate in Stockton comes partly because of the University, but also partly because of the lack of opportunity in most jobs. Employers would rather not take a chance on a lot of employees, which may not stay working for very long. This lack of loyalty from employers is reciprocated in employees. This work environment in Stockton means that making an income is a challenge for the majority of its inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Disparity Of Income<\/h2>\n\n\n\n As I have referenced above, Stockton California is not the best place to work. If you are planning a roadmap to financial success and stability, be sure to carefully plan where you will work and what you will do in Stockton. While the majority of people in Stockton work in retail and for minimum wage, many people make large amounts of money. In a city with high levels of violence and other issues, doctors, psychiatrists, and lawyers make a lot of money. Stockton California is also home to the billionaire Alex Spanos. You’ll see his name on street signs towards the northern parts of Stockton, and will see several buildings named after him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This large disparity of income creates an imbalanced society and contributes a lot to the homelessness and economic struggle of Stockton. In some parts of Stockton, every neighborhood is kept behind walls and gates while others are not protected at all. The safety of neighborhoods varies widely inside and outside of the city, which only worsens the problem. Many needy people in the city struggle to cross the gap between poverty and financial security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With all of these economic problems in the city, Stockton is a great place to go if you want to help others. There are many programs and organizations dedicated to helping Stockton, and you could become a part of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Car Theft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n If you are an inhabitant of Stockton, then you know that you need to take precautions against theft. One of the most common types of theft is stealing from cars and carjacking. This kind of crime happens a lot in the city. While I personally have never been a victim (as I have never owned a car in Stockton), my parents have had their car be broken into and have had personal belongings be taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These things happen all over town, in almost every neighborhood. Unfortunately, locking your car doesn’t usually do the job to keep things safe as windows will be smashed or other methods will be employed to break in. Be sure that you do not leave valuables inside of your car, and do your best to keep your car in a safe place at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. House Breaking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Besides cars getting broken into, housebreaking is also common. To combat this, most neighborhoods will have formed a local neighborhood watch group to help defend their homes. Despite this, thousands of homes are robbed every year in Stockton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crime rate in Stockton recently has been around 115% of the national average. Of course, some neighborhoods are better than others, so be sure to investigate thoroughly the neighborhood that you plan to move into. Wherever you go, be sure to take all the precautions you can to keep yourself, your family, and your belongings safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
13. Violent Crime<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Stockton also has very high rates of violent crime compared to the rest of the United States. The city regularly reaches the list for the top ten most dangerous cities in America. In 2019, Stockton was number 8 on the list, after having 34 homicides in the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The violent crime rates are so high in Stockton because of the ever-present gang activity and because of the desperation that many citizens feel. It is said that as much as 70% of the violent crime in Stockton is gang-related, and it mostly happens at night. To keep you and your family safe, be sure to stay in the safer parts of town, and to be off of the streets after dark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, the rates for violent crime in Stockton California are much, much higher than the national average. Stockton places in the 97th percentile for dangerous cities in America. If crime rates are one of your biggest concerns, you could consider moving a few miles north of Stockton to the nearby city of Lodi, which has a much lower crime rate (though it is a smaller city).<\/p>\n\n\n