Drawing upon data from an original survey and publicly available sources including the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), authors examine women's well-being in the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) through the lens of vital conditions. This report provides a first look at key insights. Topics include ability to contact elected officials, main reason for uninsured status, education, neighborhood safety, housing status, belief they can make a difference, travel to work/transportation, poverty status, preschool enrollment, and usual source of health care.

Findings: In the Inland Empire, most women are struggling — they are getting by but are uncertain about the future. Women in the Inland Empire are less likely to suffer than the global population average, but with 58% struggling — well above the U.S. rate (43%) — there’s room to boost well-being. Investing in vital conditions that foster thriving communities could help close the thriving gap (36% IE vs. 53% U.S.) and create a more vibrant Inland Empire.  Most women in the IE report a positive swing — meaning they are optimistic about their future well-being and life’s opportunities — but the counties diverge in that women in Riverside County are more likely to have a negative view of their future than those residing in San Bernardino County.