Latinx Californians Face Disparities According to Several Measures of Opportunity
As we seek innovative ways for California to recover from the pandemic-induced economic recession, we must ensure our state prioritizes equity and inclusivity in the process. The new California Postsecondary to Prosperity Dashboard examines critical insights into statewide and regional data on educational opportunity, economic mobility, quality of life, and more. The Dashboard’s metrics are disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, income, education level, and region.
Taking a closer look at Latinx Californians, there are several disparities to consider and address. Latinx Californians make up 39 percent of the state’s population and are a major driver of the state’s overall population growth, yet indicators of educational opportunity, economic mobility, and quality of life show they are being left behind. Despite making gains in degree attainment and wages over time, Latinx Californians have not reached the state average. By better understanding the relationships among these demographics and outcomes, policymakers can build more equitable and inclusive systems going forward.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- Forty-six percent of Latinx Californians earn a living wage, compared with 64 percent of the state as a whole and 73 percent of white Californians.
- Fewer Latinx Californians graduate from high school or enroll in college than the state average. In fact, Latinx Californians are 61 percent more likely to have never gone to college and 57 percent less likely to hold a bachelor’s degree compared to the statewide average.
- Male Latinx Californians make $5,000 more than female Latinx Californians—a gender wage gap that is $2,000 more than the average gender wage gap in the state.
To learn more, explore the California Postsecondary to Prosperity Dashboard.
