The Californian poverty rate only beats out the south because Californian standards are way higher. Being poor in Mississippi is way worse than being in poverty in California, we might as well be talking about different countries at that point. This is just another dumb meme.

I encourage everyone to experience the Mississippi boonies filled with single wides and trash barrels in the back at least once in their lives. Then go check out poor places in California, and see for yourself.