Underserved Areas for Broadband in California (2026)
Millions of Americans still lack access to reliable, affordable broadband. In California, the digital divide is most acute in smaller communities where provider investment has been limited. The table below highlights the least-populated cities in our database — areas where broadband options are most likely to be sparse.
30 Smallest Communities Tracked in California
| # | City | Population | Coverage Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Borrego Springs | 3,429 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 2 | Jamestown | 3,433 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 3 | Yountville | 3,436 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 4 | Lucerne | 3,443 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 5 | Lake Isabella | 3,466 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 6 | Morongo Valley | 3,552 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 7 | Mission Hills | 3,576 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 8 | Idyllwild | 3,583 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 9 | San Joaquin | 3,701 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 10 | Wheatland | 3,725 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 11 | Salton City | 3,763 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 12 | Kings Beach | 3,796 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 13 | Avalon | 3,799 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 14 | Bishop | 3,819 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 15 | Del Mar | 3,954 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 16 | Bonsall | 3,982 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 17 | Woodbridge | 3,984 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 18 | Felton | 4,057 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 19 | Oak View | 4,066 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 20 | Cool | 4,100 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 21 | El Verano | 4,123 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 22 | Armona | 4,156 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 23 | Empire | 4,189 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 24 | Mojave | 4,238 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 25 | Heber | 4,275 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 26 | Denair | 4,404 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 27 | Santa Ynez | 4,418 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 28 | Shingle Springs | 4,432 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 29 | Portola Valley | 4,456 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
| 30 | Ivanhoe | 4,495 | Likely underserved — limited provider options |
The Digital Divide in California
Rural and low-income communities in California often have only one or two broadband providers — and in some cases, none offering speeds that meet the FCC's 100/20 Mbps benchmark. This lack of competition leads to higher prices and slower speeds compared to urban areas.
Federal programs like BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), the Affordable Connectivity Program successor, and USDA ReConnect grants are directing billions toward closing these gaps. You can check whether your area qualifies for subsidized broadband by entering your ZIP code in our availability checker.
How This Data Is Compiled
We track cities using U.S. Census population estimates and cross-reference them with FCC BDC filings. Smaller population centers are more likely to be underserved because providers prioritize areas with higher subscriber density. For our full methodology, see the methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which areas in California have the worst broadband coverage?
- Smaller, more rural communities in California tend to have the fewest broadband options. The table above lists the least-populated tracked cities, which often correlate with limited provider competition and slower available speeds.
- What is being done about broadband gaps in California?
- The federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is allocating billions to expand high-speed internet to underserved areas nationwide. California is slated to receive funding to close coverage gaps in rural and low-income communities.
- How can I report a broadband gap in California?
- You can file a challenge on the FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov if your address is incorrectly listed as having service. This data directly influences federal funding allocations.