Majority of Inland Empire residents describe themselves as ‘struggling’

A new pair of UC Riverside studies reveals that well-being across Southern California’s Inland Empire lags behind national levels, with a majority of residents reporting they are struggling to get by.

The research from the university’s Center for Community Solutions surveyed more than 3,300 residents across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It found that only 41% of respondents were “thriving,” compared with 53% nationwide. The region’s well-being score was on par with countries such as Brazil and Slovakia.

“Overall, the IE lags behind the U.S. with respect to self-reported well-being,” said Justine Ross, executive director of the Center for Community Solutions, part of UC Riverside’s School of Public Policy.

Participants in one study were asked to rate their current and future lives on a zero-to-ten scale, using a method known as Cantril’s Ladder. The ratings placed each respondent into one of three categories: thriving, struggling, or suffering.

More than half of respondents, 53%, said they were struggling, and another 6% said they were suffering. Those in the thriving category tended to have higher incomes, more education, be married and attend church.

A companion study focused on 1,000 women in the region revealed even greater disparities.

Fifty-eight percent said they were struggling, and 6% were suffering. In Riverside County, more than one-third of women expected their lives to worsen over the next five years, compared with just 9% in San Bernardino County.

Healthcare emerged as a critical gap, with nearly 40% of uninsured women citing cost as the main barrier. Only 30% of pre-kindergarten-aged girls were enrolled in early education programs, and 16% of adult women lacked a high school diploma. Those without diplomas earned a median income of $26,000.

The surveys also had hopeful findings, UCR officials said.

Despite the financial challenges plaguing Inland Empire residents, the studies also found that roughly one-third of them reported a strong sense of community belonging.

That’s a positive sign, and something researchers say could serve as a foundation for improvement through expanded education, health care and participation in public initiatives.

“We often talk about income as if it is the strongest factor linked to well-being, but our study shows belonging and civic engagement are just as strongly correlated,” Ross said.