California’s future depends on the health of its largest demographic — Latino/x communities — who, despite their essential role in the state’s economy and culture, continue to face systemic barriers to health and well-being. This Almanac, accompanied by an online dashboard and policy recommendations, serves as a vital resource for highlighting key opportunities to improve health outcomes and promote a healthier California.

The report includes 2023 California Health Interview Survey child or adult data on topics such as health insurance coverage, dental care, usual source of care, problems paying medical bills, dental visits, hypertension and heart disease, birth control use, overweight and obesity, soda consumption, and alcohol or marijuana use.

Selected Findings:

• Latinos/x comprised 40% of California’s population; two-thirds were U.S.-born.
• The Latino/x population was younger and had lower educational attainment than other groups.
• Latino/x Californians were more likely to receive care in community or government clinics and less likely to have a usual source of care.
• Latino/x children and youth faced higher rates of housing instability, food insecurity, adverse childhood events, and had lower levels of school readiness.
• There continues to be a steady rise in obesity, diabetes complications, and diabetes mortality among Latinos/x.
• HIV cases were rising among Latino/x people while dropping for other Californians.
• Adolescent birth rates fell for all groups, but Latina/x adolescents still have rates three times higher than others.
• Latino/x children and youth faced higher rates of obesity and dental cavities, exacerbated by high soda consumption.

This Almanac highlights the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities and promote health equity for Latino/x Californians.