California's nearly 38 million residents embody a rich tapestry of ages, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles, mirroring the diverse landscapes of mountains, farmlands, coasts, and deserts they call home.

Using data from the 2021–2022 California Health interview Survey (CHIS), researchers at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research have identified key differences and similarities in seven selected regions across the state concerning demographics, health status, experiences with health care, access to food and housing, and civic engagement.  

Understanding the unique characteristics and health experiences of each region studied can help policymakers and health advocates to tailor their efforts for improved community well-being.
 

Read the publications, by region

Northern (Shasta, Humboldt, Del Norte, Siskiyou, Lassen, Trinity, Modoc, Plumas, and Sierra counties). Home to 450,000 people or 1% of the state's population.

Sacramento and Bay Area. (Alameda, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties). Eleven percent – nearly 4.3 million people – of the state's population lives here.

Northern Central Valley (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, and Madera counties). Contains 5% of the state's population, or more than 1.7 million people.

Southern Central Valley (Fresno, Monterey, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties). Home to 7% of the state's population, nearly 2.9 million people.

Los Angeles. Houses nearly 10 million residents, one-fourth of the state's population.

Inland South (Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties). This region is home to 4.7 million residents, 12% of the state's population.

South Coast (Orange and San Diego counties). Home to 6.3 million people, 16% of the state's population.