University study reveals Southern California residents are struggling to get by

The University of California, Riverside conducted a survey that revealed Southern California Inland Empire residents are “struggling to get by,” though they have a strong sense of community.

The research by UCR’s Center for Community Solutions is based on two surveys with more than 3,300 residents. The results highlighted that while the well-being of IE residents fell below national averages, they were more likely to feel a sense of belonging in their communities than other Americans.

"Overall, the IE lags behind the U.S. with respect to self-reported well-being, but the region’s unusually strong sense of local connection offers hope and a foundation to build upon,” said Justine Ross, executive director of UCR’s Center for Community Solutions.

Using the Cantril’s Ladder research method, participants of the “Insights on Vital Conditions in the IE” study were asked to rate their current and anticipated future lives on a scale of zero to 10. With income as a key factor, only 41% of respondents said they are thriving.

Ross told The Center Square the study shows residents involved in religious communities reported a higher well-being than others in groups like sports organizations, civics groups or school organizations.

“While we can’t say these activities directly cause higher well-being based on our data, the correlations suggest that making it easier for people to connect - be it through faith, recreation, or community groups - can strengthen both belonging and quality of life,” Ross told The Center Square. “And that's especially important now, as technology has made it easier for us to self-isolate from community and miss out on the small, everyday interactions that tie us to one another.”

The study highlights that education, income and health care are major factors in overall well-being.

Another study surveyed 1,000 women across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, revealed that 58% were struggling and 6% were suffering. That means that for every 10 women, four were thriving, the report added.

In Riverside, the “Women and Well-Being” study said more than one-third of women expect their lives to be worse in five years.

But the study also noted 93% of respondents report they have stable housing, and 88% say they felt safe in their neighborhoods.

These gaps are linked to availability in resources and ultimately, “policy solutions that meet residents where they are and recognize the interconnected nature of education, health, and so forth - what our partners refer to as the full set of ‘vital conditions’ that shape people’s lives - will be far more effective than single-issue approaches,” Ross said.