Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
Public Input- Rima Nashashibi
WOMEN & GIRLS OF ORANGE COUNTY 20 26 © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report2 Acknowledgments The 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report was made possible through the leadership and funding of Chair Doug Chaffee, County of Orange Board of Supervisor (BOS), who spearheaded the reestablishment and funding of the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls in 2024. The report was led by the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls and produced by the County Executive Office staff. Special thanks and appreciation are extended to the following contributors for their insight and work in developing this report: County of Orange Board of Supervisors Chair Doug Chaffee, 4th District Vice Chair Katrina Foley, 5th District Supervisor Janet Nguyen, 1st District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, 2nd District Supervisor Donald Wagner, 3rd District County Executive Office County Executive Officer, Michelle Aguirre Assistant Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Liz Guillen-Merchant Senior Data Analytics Manager, Chrislyn Nefas-Ferencz Data Analytics Administrator, Dr. Xiaozhe Yin Graphic Design Specialist, Gabrielle Nguyen Data Analytics Graduate Intern, Guogen Lan Orange County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls Crystal Miles, current Chair (2026), At Large Representative Christine Marick, Vice Chair, 4th District Representative Katelyn Brazer Aceves, former Chair (2025), 2nd District Representative Jolynn Mahoney, 3rd District Representative Joanna Weiss, 5th District Representative Laura Ramos, At Large Representative Anne Hertz-Mallari, 1st District Representative County Executive Office Liaison, Liz Guillen-Merchant County Executive Office Data Analytics, Chrislyn Nefas-Ferencz Clerk of the Commission, Valerie Sanchez County Counsel Liaison, Cynthia Inda Health Care Agency Liaison, Brandy Miller Social Services Agency Liaison, Dr. Sara Marchese OC Community Resources Liaison, Kristina Traw © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 3 Purpose & Scope and Data Summary Introduction OC Commission on the Status of Women & Girls Data-At-A-Glance Economic Equity & Financial Security Education Leadership & Representation Housing & Households Licensed Childcare Dependent Care Healthcare Discrimination Mental Health Violence & Domestic Abuse Conclusion Data Sources Appendix 4 6 7 8 12 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 23 27 28 29 30 Table of Contents © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report4 Purpose & Scope Data Summary Data within this report provides essential context regarding who the women and girls are within Orange County (OC) and offers meaningful insight into their lived experiences. Drawing from publicly available and reliable data sources, the report presents data that can be utilized to explore the condition and well-being of women and girls across the county. To allow for comparisons, the data included incorporates broader geographical regions and subgroups whenever feasible, such as the state of California (CA), older women (55+) and girls under 18 within OC. This underscores areas OC is faring well or where persistent gaps remain. Beyond descriptive statistics, the report examines areas of concern and opportunity that can guide efforts to support women and girls. Recognizing both strengths and challenges ensures that stakeholders can design interventions that address the diverse needs of women and girls in OC. The insights gained serve as a foundation for developing highly targeted support programs, policy initiatives and community partnerships. By translating data into practical insight, this report seeks to drive change, equipping policymakers, nonprofit organizations, educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders with evidence needed to design programs that are effective and responsive. In doing so, OC can build a stronger foundation of resilience and opportunity, ensuring that every woman and girl has access to the resources necessary to thrive. Economic Equity & Financial Security• Unemployment rates for OC women (4.1%) are lower than CA women (5.5%).• For household income, OC homes have a lower percentage of low income under $75,000 (31.5%) compared to CA (38.5%) and a higher percentage of high income above $150,000 – OC (38.1%) versus CA (32.2%).• OC women make more on average per year (+$3,492) compared to CA women, although, there is a slightly wider wage gap (1% difference) between women and men reported earnings.• OC women have a slightly lower poverty rate (10%) compared to CA women (13%). Education • More OC women (44%) have at least a Bachelor’s degree compared to CA women (38.6%). • OC women who identify as Black or African American reported a lower percentage of postsecondary degrees (1.7%) than CA (5.2%).• Over the past 5 years, OC women reporting high school, or some college with no degree steadily decreased. OC Women with a Bachelor’s, Graduate or Professional degree gradually increased. OC Girls Education• OC girls in grades 3-11 meet CA standards more often in mathematics (62.7%) compared to boys (55.2%) while boys meet CA standard in science slightly more frequently (51.3%) than girls (47.0%).• Girls (82.2%) have higher college enrollment rates within 12 months compared to boys (74.4%). OC Girls’ Education (Cont.)• OC high school students have higher rates of absenteeism than elementary students. Although both girls and boys have high absenteeism rates, there are more districts with girls having slightly higher rates for missing 10% or more school days. Leadership & Representation• According to the CA Women’s Well-Being Index, OC received a low ranking for the political empowerment category (29th out of 58 counties). • The lowest ranking within this category was for County-level leadership, which has improved from 20% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.• The highest ranking within this category was School Board Membership (7th out of 58 counties) with women constituting 60% of these elected positions. OC women are represented at higher rates within sales & office professions (55.3%) and service professions (53.2%) compared to men. Housing & Households• In OC, 30% of all households include children under 18 years old. Of all households, 11.5% are reported to be headed by women with 40.9% of those including children under 18 years old.• The median rent for OC is 20% higher than CA and is 69% higher than the US.• OC has a slightly higher percentage of households with rent equaling 35% or greater of gross income (45.4%) compared to CA (44.2%). This is also true among mortgage costs for homeowners in OC (32.2%) compared to CA (30.9%). © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 5 Conclusion Women and girls are central to OC’s economic vitality, workforce strength and family stability. Overall, women in OC fare comparatively well across several key indicators when measured against statewide benchmarks. However, data reveals important disparities and emerging risks that warrant focused attention by key stakeholders. In 2024, OC women experienced lower rates of unemployment (4.1%) than CA women (5.5%) and higher average earnings. Household income levels also skew higher, with a smaller share of households earning under $75,000 and a larger share earning above $150,000 compared to CA overall. At the same time, OC reports a slightly wider gender wage gap than CA, and economic security remains uneven across populations. While poverty rates for OC women are lower than statewide rates (10% versus 13%), high housing costs and childcare expenses significantly affect household stability. Childcare costs consume nearly one-quarter of the median income for women without additional support, underscoring how even moderate economic pressures can strain working families. Child & Dependent Care • Yearly childcare cost averages in OC range from $13,156 to $24,284. For women making OC median income without additional support, the average cost for childcare would equate to 24.4% of their income.• Caregivers report their roles to be difficult, with emotional difficulties reported the highest (74.2%) followed by financial difficulties (60.3%) and physical difficulties (51.4%). • More than one third of women (36%) who completed the Older Adults Needs Assessment Survey reported being a caregiver to someone 55+ within the past 12 months. Healthcare • OC women have approximately the same rate of healthcare coverage compared to CA women. OC women 55+ have a higher rate of insurance coverage (97.9%) than CA women. • The highest age category of uninsured OC women is between 26 to 34 years old, with almost one in ten women not having health insurance.• Overall, OC women 55+ have higher rates of insurance coverage across race/ethnicity. Discrimination• OC women 55+ reported higher rates of discrimination based on age (51%) compared to men (45%). Mental Health • Both OC and CA women reported serious psychological distress in the past year (12.5%). Lifetime suicide ideation (18.6%) decreased slightly over the past year for OC women. • Top three reported mental or behavioral health concerns for OC women 55+ are memory loss (36.7%), anxiety (27.7%) and depression (20.8%). OC Girls Mental Health• Among 9th and 11th grade students, rates of girls reporting that they seriously considered suicide, and rates of girls reporting chronic sadness and hopelessness are both slightly higher than boys. However, these rates have decreased compared to previous years. OC Girls Health • Across grade levels, OC girls and boys tend to have similar rates of going to bed later. Students in 11th grade have the highest rates, with 37% of girls and 38% of boys reporting going to bed after 12 AM.• OC students report eating breakfast more frequently compared to CA. Girls tend to eat breakfast less frequently than boys. OC Girls Health (Cont.) • The trend for reported alcohol and drug use, when asked if used within the past 30 days is decreasing across 9th and 11th graders. Girls in general have higher rates of reported alcohol and drug use than boys.• OC girls perform better than CA average in aerobic capacity and body composition across grades 5, 7 and 9. Violence & Domestic Abuse • Weapon-related domestic abuse increased over the years in OC, with approximately 80% involving a personal weapon such as hands, feet, etc.• Unhoused victims of domestic abuse has increased since 2019. • Among all juvenile arrests categories (violent, property, sexual, drug and others), the number of arrests involving females are much lower than males. Females are most involved with violent and property crimes. 6 Introduction Women have long been at the forefront of shaping our communities, advancing equity and strengthening the fabric of our society. Through leadership and advocacy across countless sectors, women have demonstrated commitment to progress, justice and opportunity. Women leaders across OC continue to step forward to champion causes, uplift others and drive meaningful change. Organizations and advisory bodies play essential roles in strengthening women’s participation and ensuring their perspectives help inform policy and governance. In that spirit, the new leadership of the OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is proud to contribute to this work through the presentation of the inaugural 2026 Women & Girls of OC Report. This effort intends to elevate voices, highlight emerging needs, and offer insights that can support thoughtful decision-making across sectors. Re-established in March 2024, the OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls will work toward a partnership with County departments and agencies, community organizations, and state-level initiatives to strengthen policies and programs that advance women’s health, safety, economic well-being and civic engagement. This report moves that work forward by offering data-driven insights that highlight areas where women and girls face persistent challenges and inform responsive, collaborative recommendations to the OC BOS and County departments and agencies. By examining the conditions of women and girls countywide, this report offers insights that may help guide long-term, strategic efforts across key areas of need. The findings in this report may help highlight areas that influence economic, workforce, housing and financial security for women and girls. The information presented can offer context around access to career pathways, entrepreneurship resources, and leadership opportunities, and may also help inform discussions about affordable housing, financial literacy, and challenges that can disproportionately affect women, in particular single mothers, older adults and survivors of domestic violence. In the realm of healthcare and mental health, access to preventive care, reproductive health services and culturally competent mental health support are vital to ensuring that women and girls can thrive physically and emotionally throughout all stages of life. This report can help guide the discussion on policy aimed at advancing the well-being of women and girls in OC. Equally important are initiatives focused on public policy and legal protections, which aim to safeguard women’s rights, prevent discrimination, and ensure fair treatment in the workplace, education and civic life. Through advocacy, legislative engagement and community partnerships, the OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is committed to creating a more just and inclusive environment for all women and girls. This report aims to provide an overview of women and girls within OC. The data included allows for evaluation of the condition of women and girls in OC and, when possible, enables comparisons to provide context. It is important to highlight areas of success and identify where additional services may be needed to support women and girls. By doing so, valuable insights can inform and guide the development, continuation and improvement of targeted programs and initiatives that advance equity, equal access, opportunity, and well-being for women and girls in OC. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 7 Orange County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls The Commission will prepare reports and recommendations to the BOS on these areas. In accordance with Board Resolution No. 24-028, the functions of the Commission are as follows: 1. Annual Research & Reporting Conduct comprehensive research and analysis into the status of women and girls in the County, and present findings in an annual report to the Board and public in March of each year. 2. Ongoing Advisory Support Provide ongoing advisory support to the Board by presenting regular reports and updates on the progress and outcomes of initiatives undertaken by the Commission. Vision Statement The OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls will advocate for the lives and wellbeing of women and girls through building strong collaboration with OC stakeholders, identifying needs/gaps, sharing and utilizing resources, as well as engaging, educating and empowering the community on key issues affecting the wellbeing of women and girls in OC. OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls acts in an advisory capacity to the OC BOS to foster the advancement and improve the lives of women and girls in OC. Mission Statement Guided by Board Resolution No. 24-028, the Commission serves as a vital advisory body to the OC BOS. Its mandate includes preparing reports and recommendations on critical areas of concern, particularly for those community members facing the greatest challenges. Focus areas as outlined in the Commission bylaws include: Commission Overview • Violence & Domestic Abuse• Economic Equity & Financial Security• Education• Leadership & Representation • Discrimination• Affordable Housing• Child & Dependent Care• Mental Health• Healthcare © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report8 50.5% Women 41.0 Median Age OC Women Other ORANGE COUNTY 50.1% Women 39.3 Median Age CA Women Other CALIFORNIA Women At-A-Glance OC women, those 18 years old and older, are similar, in many respects, to the overall population of women in CA. Ethnicity Race The percent of self-identified Asian and White women in OC exceeds that of women in CA. 99.3% 96.4% 98.7% 96.9%96.4%95.2%96.2% 89.5%89.9% 96.3% 94.6% 96.2% 88.0% 92.0% White Black or African American Asian Another Race Two or More Races Orange County 55+Orange County California 99.3% 96.4% 98.7% 96.9%96.4%95.2%96.2% 89.5%89.9% 96.3% 94.6% 96.2% 88.0% 92.0% White Black or African American Asian Another Race Two or More Races Orange County 55+Orange County California White Asian Two or More Races Another Race Black or African American American Indian and Alaska Native Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.4% 1.4% 5.3% 18.5% 19.6% 16.8% 37.9% 0.3% 0.8% 1.6% 13.9% 18.6% 24.6% 40.2% Fewer women identify as Hispanic or Latino in OC compared to CA.CA 44.5% White, not Hispanic or Latino OC 51.2%OC 48.8% Hispanic or Latino CA 55.5% Other Gender Other Gender Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 9 OC girls, those under 18 years old, are closely representative of the overall population of girls in CA.Race While White girls make up the largest group overall, the percentage of Asian girls is higher in OC than in CA. By comparison, most other racial groups are more represented at the state level than in OC. 99.3% 96.4% 98.7% 96.9%96.4%95.2%96.2% 89.5%89.9% 96.3% 94.6% 96.2% 88.0% 92.0% White Black or African American Asian Another Race Two or More Races Orange County 55+Orange County California 99.3% 96.4% 98.7% 96.9%96.4%95.2%96.2% 89.5%89.9% 96.3% 94.6% 96.2% 88.0% 92.0% White Black or African American Asian Another Race Two or More Races Orange County 55+Orange County California Ethnicity Fewer girls identify as Hispanic or Latino in OC compared to CA. Hispanic or Latino OC CA 63.5% 69.8% White, not Hispanic or Latino OC CA 36.5% 30.2% Girls At-A-Glance White Asian Two or More Races Another Race Black or African American 0.4% 2.0% 6.3% 1.8% 16.4% 34.4% 38.7% 0.3% 0.8% 1.6% 18.0% 20.2% 25.6% 33.4% American Indian and Alaska Native Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Other Gender Other Gender 48.7% Girls OC Girls Other ORANGE COUNTY 48.8% Girls CA Girls Other CALIFORNIA Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report10 County Rankings from the Women’s Well-Being Index Data At-A-Glance WOMEN’S WELL-BEING INDEX CATEGORY COUNTYRANKING OUT OF 58 Health 69.5 5 Health Status Percentage of Women in Fair or Poor Health, 2018-22 14.9%18.1%9 Health Care Coverage Percentage of Women without Health Insurance, 2018-22 8.5%8.6%40 Delayed Medical Care Percentage of Women Who Either Delayed Getting or Did Not Get Prescriptions or Medical Care in the Past 12 Months, 2018-22 22.1%25.7%5 Prenatal Care Percentage of Women Receiving Adequate Prenatal Care, 2020-22 82.2%73.4%6 Mental Health Status Percentage of Women Who Likely Have Experienced Serious Psychological Distress in the Past Year, 2018-22 14.9%16%16 Life Expectancy Life Expectancy at Birth for Females, 2019 85.1 83.8 7 Safety 85.5 8 Neighborhood Safety Percentage of Women Who Feel Safe in Their Neighborhood All or Most of the Time, 2018-2022 88.5%86.2%29 Fatal Accidents Average Annual Fatal Accidents Per 100,000 Females, 2018-22 23 29 6 Hospital Visits Due to Assault Average Annual Hospital Encounters Due to Assault Per 100,000 Females, 2018-2022 94 187 1 Domestic Violence Average Annual Domestic Violence Calls for Assistance Per 100,000 Females, 2018-22 640 830 11 Sexual Assault Average Annual Sexual Assaults Per 100,000 Females, 2018-22 54 74 9 Suicide Rate Average Annual Number of Deaths Due to Suicide Per 100,000 Females, 2018-22 6 6 23 The Women’s Well-Being Index was developed by the CA Budget and Policy Center in collaboration with the CA Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. The index is composed of a score, using multiple data sources in different categories to rank CA counties. There are five categories which reveal areas where women face gaps — health, personal safety, employment & earnings, economic security, and political empowerment, which each category has standardized items used, and the five category scores are combined to produce an overall county ranking which ranks the County with 1 being the best ranking out of 58 CA counties. The index highlights ongoing disparities, and provides a ranking among 58 CA counties. Although this index currently uses a binary view of gender, it also recognizes that more inclusive data is needed to better reflect the experiences of gender-diverse people. For more details on the Women’s Well-Being Index please refer to the following link: https://calbudgetcenter.org/resources/womens-well-being-index. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 11 WOMEN’S WELL-BEING INDEX CATEGORY COUNTYRANKING OUT OF 58 Employment & Earnings 49.8 22 Unemployment Female Unemployment Rate, 2018-22 5.7%6.6%21 Labor Force Participation Female Labor Force Participation Rate, 2018-22 73.8%72.1%15 Low-Wage Workers Percentage of Women Paid Low Wages, 2018-22 40%36.8%49 Managerial & Professional Occupations Percentage of Women Working in Managerial and Professional Occupations, 2018-22 46.9%44.9%15 Earnings Median Earnings for Women Employed Full-Time, Year-Round in Past 12 Months, 2018-22 $62,700 $58,000 12 Wage Gap Ratio of Women's to Men's Median Annual Earnings, 2018-22 0.81 0.86 39 Economic Security 58.6 11 Poverty Percentage of Women Living in Poverty, 2018-22 10.3%12.4%13 Food Hardship Percentage of Low- and Moderate-Income Women Who Aren’t Able to Afford Enough Food, 2018- 22 33.5%40.3%5 Cost of Housing Median Gross Rent as a Percentage of Women's Median Annual Earnings, 2018-22 43.0%38.4%54 Cost of Child Care Annual Cost of Child Care for an Infant and a School-Age Child as a Percentage of Single Mothers' Median Income 53.7%60.5%24 Digital Equity Percentage of Women with Access to the Internet and a Computing Device, 2018-22 80.3%75.3%8 Bachelor's Degree Percentage of Women With at Least a Bachelor's Degree, 2018-22 42.2%36.4%9 Political Empowerment 45.2 29 Voter Registration Percentage of Women Registered to Vote, 2022 76%76.1%32 Voter Turnout Percentage of Women Who Voted in the 2022 General Election 48.3%44.7%30 School Board Membership Percentage of School Board Members in the County Who Are Women, 2022-23 60%47.8%7 City Council Membership Percentage of City Council Members for Incorporated Cities in the County Who Are Women, 2024 34.6%34.9%30 County-Level Leadership Percentage of County Supervisors Who Are Women, 2023 20%30.7%46 State Legislature Percentage of State Legislators for the County Who Are Women, 2023 50%41.7%34 © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report12 Unemployment Rates Economic Equity & Financial Security 8.70% 6.80% 5.40% 9.00% 5.70% 6.50% 5.30% 4.10% 7.90% 4.00% 2014 2016 2019 2021 2023 California Orange County Unemployment rates for OC women are lower than CA women. Women’s Well-Being Index According to the Women’s Well-Being Index, OC ranked poorly, 49 out of 58 for women paid low wages. Between 2018 and 2022, there were 40% of women paid low wages which was defined as those who make two-thirds of the hourly median wage of the population employed full-time in OC. 8.7% 6.8% 5.4% 9.0% 5.7% 5.5% 6.5% 5.3% 4.1% 7.9% 4.0% 4.1% 2014 2016 2019 2021 2023 2024 California Orange County Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 13 Household Income The proportion of households in OC (57.0%) with an income of over $100,000 is greater than in CA (50.1%). California >$200,000 21.0% $150,000 - $199,999 11.2% $100,000 - $149,999 17.9% $75,000 - $99,999 11.4% $50,000 - $74,999 13.1% $25,000 -$49,999 12.8% <$25,000 12.6% Orange County >$200,000 25.4% $150,000 - $199,999 12.7% $100,000 - $149,999 18.9% $75,000 - $99,999 11.6% $50,000 - $74,999 11.2% $25,000 -$49,999 10.5% <$25,000 9.8% There are fewer OC women in poverty compared to CA. Poverty Based on Income Thresholds 10% Orange County 13% California OC Poverty Breakdown >65 Years 2.3% 18-64 Years 5.8% <18 Years 2.2% $65,955 Women make 88% compared to men Wage Gap OC women make $3,492 more than CA women. However, there is a larger gender gap for earnings in OC compared to CA. Median Wage Comparisons Women make 87% compared to men$69,447 Earnings Orange County 55+Orange CountyCaliforniaOrange County 55+Orange CountyCaliforniaSource: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report14 Highest Degree Obtained Education More OC women, 44%, have at least a Bachelor’s Degree compared to CA which is 39.1%. Bachelor’s Degree 27.6% High School Graduate or Equivalent 17.9% Graduate or Professional Degree 16.4% Less than High School Diploma 12.4% 25.8% Some College, Associate’s Degree ORANGE COUNTY Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 15 Postsecondary Degree 16.3% 52.6% 21.8% 5.8%3.5% 18.0% 50.1% 22.9% 5.4%3.7% Associate's Bachelor's Master's Professional Doctorate Orange County California 16.3% 52.6% 21.8% 5.8%3.5% 18.0% 50.1% 22.9% 5.4%3.7% Associate's Bachelor's Master's Professional Doctorate Orange County California 2.6%6.1%22.3%53.0%16.0%3.6%5.6%22.9%49.8%18.1% 0.0% 10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0% Doctorate Professional Master's Bachelor's Associate's Orange County California 2.6%6.1%22.3%53.0%16.0%3.6%5.6%22.9%49.8%18.1% 0.0% 10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%60.0% Doctorate Professional Master's Bachelor's Associate's Orange County CaliforniaAssociate’s Degree and Above 100% 100% OC CA 48.7% 49.8% 25.1% 31.2% 5.2% 1.7% 8.4% 6.7% 12.7% 10.6% White Black or African American Asian Another Race Two or More Races OC women who identify as Black or African American reported a lower percentage of postsecondary degrees compared to CA. Highest Degree Obtained by Year 13.5% 13.1% 11.0% 12.4% 12.3% 18.3% 18.9% 18.1% 18.5% 18.7% 23.1% 21.8% 21.8% 20.2% 19.1% 8.4% 8.1% 7.9% 8.1% 8.5% 24.5% 24.8% 26.5% 26.8% 26.7% 12.2% 13.3% 14.8% 14.0% 14.8% 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 Less than high school High school graduate Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree Over the past 5 years, OC women with high school, some college, no degree steadily decreased. Women with a Bachelor’s and Graduate or Professional degree gradually increased. 13.1% 11.0% 12.4% 12.3% 12.4% 18.9% 18.1% 18.5% 18.7% 17.9% 21.8% 21.8% 20.2% 19.1% 17.2% 8.1% 7.9% 8.1% 8.5% 8.6% 24.8% 26.5% 26.8% 26.7% 27.6% 13.3% 14.8% 14.0% 14.8% 16.3% 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024 Less than High School High School Graduate Some College, No Degree Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Graduate or Professional Degree Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report16 Girls Education Note: Data reflects school year 2024-25 | Source: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress A statewide testing system that measures student achievement in core subjects like English language arts, mathematics and science. Results provide insight into how well students are meeting grade-level learning standards. Test results are for students in grades 3-11 in OC. CAASPP Test Results Nearly Met Standard Met Standard ExceededNot Met 11.0% 9.1% 28.0% 29.9% 25.3% 18.8% 45.5% 48.6% 20.8% 23.0% 19.5% 18.5% 25.2% 26.6% 20.0% 20.3% 27.0% 28.7% 18.3% 15.8% 31.3% 26.7% 28.2% 34.0% Male Female Male Female Male Female Not Met Standard Nearly Met Standard Met Standard Exceeded Mathematics Science English Absenteeism by District Girl Rates Above Overall Student Rates School District Average Days (+) Fullerton Joint Union High 11.3 +0.6 Huntington Beach Union High 12.6 +0.4 Tustin Unified 9.3 +0.2 Los Alamitos Unified 8.6 +0.1 Orange Unified 10.9 +0.1 Saddleback Valley Unified 10.4 +0.1 Savanna 10.4 +0.1 <8.4 >12.3 The absenteeism rates represent the average days absent by all students within the district for those in Kindergarten through 12th grade if relevant within the district. Note: Anaheim Union High, Huntington Beach Union High and Fullerton Joint Union High are not present on the map above. | Data reflects school year 2024-25. Note: (+) indicates number above overall average days. 8.8 Source: California Department of Education, 2024 data retrieved through DataQuest. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 17 <9% >18% Note: Anaheim Union High, Huntington Beach Union High and Fullerton Joint Union High are not present on the map above. | Data reflects school year 2024-25 Note: Anaheim Union High, Huntington Beach Union High and Fullerton Joint Union High are not present on the map above. | Data reflects school year 2022-23 graduates | Source: California Department of Education, 2024 data retrieved through DataQuest.Note: (+) indicates percentage above overall rate. Note: (+) indicates percentage above overall rate. Girl Rates Above Overall Rates School District Rate (+) Los Alamitos Unified 94.7%+3.6% Irvine Unified 91.7%+1.8% Capistrano Unified 89.9%+3.9% Tustin Unified 87.3%+3.4% Huntington Beach Union High 86.5%+2.9% Saddleback Valley Unified 86.4%+3.8% Newport-Mesa Unified 86.2%+3.7% Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified 85.0%+3.3% Fullerton Joint Union High 84.5%+3.8% Garden Grove Unified 83.7%+4.2% Brea-Olinda Unified 83.4%+4.4% Orange Unified 80.7%+4.5% Santa Ana Unified 79.5%+5.6% Anaheim Union High 76.9%+4.3% College Enrollment Rate These rates represent the percent of girls who completed high school and enrolled in a postsecondary institution of higher education (e.g., college or university) within 16 months. Chronic Absenteeism Chronic absenteeism school year rates are the percentage of students that have been absent for 10% of school days or more. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are included in the rates. Girl Rates Above Overall Rates School District Rate (+) Huntington Beach Union High 19.1%1.4% Fullerton Joint Union High 17.0%1.3% Tustin Unified 11.6%0.8% Anaheim Union High 24.8%0.5% Orange Unified 16.1%0.4% Saddleback Valley Unified 14.0%0.4% Los Alamitos Unified 10.5%0.4% Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified 13.9%0.3% Santa Ana Unified 18.8%0.2% Garden Grove Unified 13.6%0.1% Laguna Beach Unified 10.7%0.1% <62% >95% 10.7% © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report18 95.8% 74.4% 51.4% 45.1% 42.7% 4.2% 25.6% 48.6% 54.9% 57.3% 0%20%40%60%80%100% Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Production, Transportation and Material Moving Management, Business, Science and Arts Service Sales and Office Female MaleOccupation Similar to CA, in OC there are more female workers in sales and office occupations and service occupations. 93.4% 71.8% 51.9% 46.8% 44.7% 6.6% 28.2% 48.1% 53.2% 55.3% Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Production, Transportation and Material Moving Management, Business, Science and Arts Service Sales and OfficeSales and Office Service Management, Business, Science and Arts Production, Transportation and Material Moving Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Leadership & Representation Women’s Well-Being Index Of the five main categories surveyed by the CA Women’s Well-Being Index, OC received its lowest score in the political empowerment category (29 out of 58 counties). Four items within this category are displayed below. Political Empowerment State Legislature (Ranked 34 out of 58) During 2023, 50% of OC’s State Legislators were women. In 2025, that figure was 47%. County-Level Leadership (Ranked 46 out of 58) During 2023, 20% of OC BOS were women. In 2024, that figure increased to 40%. Voter Registration (Ranked 32 out of 58) During 2022, 76% of OC eligible women were registered to vote. School Board Membership (Ranked 7 out of 58) During the 2022-23 survey period, 60% of OC School Board members were women. Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 19 Housing & Households In OC, 30% of all households include children under 18 years old. Of all households, 11.5% are reported to be headed by women with 40.9% of those including children under 18 years old. Types of Households Rental Costs Median rent in OC is 18% higher than CA and is 67% higher than the U.S.$2,483OC $2,104CA $1,487U.S. Selected Costs Associated with Housing 45.4%44.2%39.4%Households with rent 35% or greater of their gross income 64.7%66.1%59.7%Houses with a mortgage 32.2%30.9%22.5%Households with selected costs of ownership 35% or greater of gross incomes (homes with a mortgage) The rate of households spending 35% or more of their gross income is 1.2 higher in OC compared to CA. For all selected costs associated with housing, OC and CA rates exceed the U.S. *Non-Family households headed by women refers to women living alone or with unrelated individuals. Whereas, family households headed by women refers to women making decisions for her relatives (kids, spouse, etc.) * 1,098,129 126,587 177,372303,362 51,719 All Households Family Households Headed by Women Non-Family Households Headed by Women N/A 1,092,528 125,662 177,866 328,851 60,695 0 All Households Family Households Headed by Women Non-Family Households Headed by Women Total With Own Children <18 1,092,528 125,662 177,866 328,851 60,695 0 All Households Family Households Headed by Women Non-Family Households Headed by Women Total With Own Children <18 Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report20 Licensed Childcare The average weekly cost in OC. Source: 2025 Orange County Conditions of Children’s Report. Originally sourced from: Children’s Home Society of California’s Child Care Resources and Referral Program | Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. *All OC Child Care Providers yearly cost from the table above used in the calculation. Family Childcare Homes Childcare Centers $241 $272 $286 $285 $325 $220 $249 $267 $261 $296 $195 $219 $228 $226 $253 $243 $292 $288 $285 $326 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Infant Care Preschool: 2-5 yrs School-aged: 6-13 yrs All licensed OC Child Care Providers Licensed Family Childcare Homes Yearly Cost Estimate Infant Care $16,900 Preschool: 2-5 yrs $15,392 School-aged: 6-13 yrs $13,156 Licensed Childcare Centers Infant Care $24,284 Preschool: 2-5 yrs $17,056 School-aged: 6-13 yrs $14,924 All OC Child Care Providers $16,952 The yearly cost estimate is based on 2024-25 in OC. Yearly Cost Estimate $69,447 2024 Median Female Income Yearly cost for a woman making median income without additional support, would be 24.4% of their income.* $241 $272 $286 $285 $325 $220 $249 $267 $261 $296 $195 $219 $228 $226 $253 $243 $292 $288 $285 $326 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 $358 $392 $407 $380 $467 $237 $390 $278 $275 $328 $208 $232 $259 $281 $287 $243 $292 $288 $285 $326 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 21 Dependent Care Types of Caregiver Difficulties The percentage of participants who were 55+ and reported caregiving for someone who was also 55+ within the past 12 months. Caregiving There are more female caregivers in OC. Women 36% Men 28% 18.2% 8.8% 12.8% 30.5% 17.0% 27.0% 40.8% 47.3% 36.2% 10.6% 26.9% 24.1% Physically Emotionally Financially Not at all difficult Not difficult Somewhat difficult Very difficult 18.2% 8.8% 12.8% 30.5% 17.0% 27.0% 40.8% 47.3% 36.2% 10.6% 26.9% 24.1% Physically Emotionally Financially Not at all difficult Not difficult Somewhat difficult Very difficult Among women caregivers, emotional challenges are reported most frequently, followed by financial and physical challenges. Although the degree of difficulty varies across categories, one in four caregivers identify emotional and/or financial aspects of caregiving as very difficult. Source: OC 2023 Older Adults Needs Assessment Survey © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report22 Health Insurance Coverage by Race White Asian Two or More Races Black or African American 96.5% 96.4% 91.2% 97.0% 88.8% 98.2% 97.7% 93.4% 97.7% 91.7% 96.4% 96.6% 92.5% 95.0% 88.9%Another Race Healthcare 95.1%CA97.9%OC 55+95.2%OC 2.1% 6.2%6.3% 9.8% 6.0% 7.1% 4.8% 2.2% 0.5% <6 6-18 19-25 26-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 >75 Almost one in ten OC women between 26-34 years do not have health insurance. Uninsured by Age OC women have approximately the same rates of health insurance coverage compared to CA. OC women aged 55+ reported having a higher rate of insurance coverage (97.9%). Overall, OC women aged 55+ reported having higher rates of insurance coverage across all race/ethnicity groups. Health insurance coverage rates for OC women are comparable to that of CA, except that those who identify as two or more races have slightly lower rates of insurance. Women Covered by Health Insurance Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 23 Mental Health Discrimination In CA, approximately 57% of complainants in employment civil rights cases were women, according to the voluntary demographic data provided in The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) 2024 Annual Report. The report highlights research on pay equity and cites, “California annually collects and analyzes pay and demographic data from large California employers. The program encourages employers to conduct self-assessments of pay disparities, promotes voluntary compliance with equal pay and anti- discrimination laws, and supports CRD’s efforts to efficiently identify wage patterns and allow for effective enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.” Note: Although CA CRD tracks certain discrimination data pertaining to women (i.e., pregnancy workplace complaints) this specific information was not available for OC women. | Source: CRD 2024 Annual Report covering the 2023 calendar year and published in 2024 Appendix D, Table 4. Employment Civil Rights Cases Based on a 2023 survey administered to OC older adults, more women 55+ reported having experienced discrimination against their age than men. Older Adult Self-Reported Discrimination in OC Memory loss, anxiety and depression are the top three mental and behavioral health concerns for women 55+ in OC. Top Mental or Behavioral Health Concerns *Note: Participants were asked to select their top three. Trauma, Another, Alcoholism/Substance Use, Suicide or Thoughts of Suicide and Self-Harm concerns were all under 3% | Source: OC 2023 Older Adults Needs Assessment Survey 36.7% 27.7% 20.8% 14.5% 14.3% 12.1% 11.3% Memory Loss Anxiety Depression Isolation/Loneliness Chronic Stress Loss of Purpose Grief/Loss Psychological Distress & Suicide The CA Health Interview Survey asks women about the following mental health issues. Percentages below represent OC women’s responses to the survey over the past five years. 12.4% 19.4% 16.5%18.2% 12.5% 12.2% 18.6% 19.5%20.1% 18.6% 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Likely has Serious Psychological Distress within the Past Year Has Ever Seriously Thought about Committing Suicide 12.4% 19.4% 16.5%18.2% 12.5% 12.2% 18.6% 19.5%20.1% 18.6% 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Likely has Serious Psychological Distress within the Past Year Has Ever Seriously Thought about Committing Suicide Women 55+ 22% Language 33% Race/Ethnicity 51% Age Men 55+ Language 25% Race/Ethnicity 42% 45% Age 12.4% 19.4% 16.5%18.2%12.5% 12.2% 18.6% 19.5%20.1% 18.6% 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Likely has Serious Psychological Distress within the Past Year Has Ever Seriously Thought about Committing Suicide Source: OC 2023 Older Adults Needs Assessment Survey Chronic Sadness/Hopelessness| Past 12 Months As part of the assessment, students were asked if they had experienced feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more that it interfered with their usual activities, responding either “Yes” or “No.” Female students appear to report experiencing slightly higher rates of chronic sadness and hopelessness compared to male students. Overall, the percentage of students reporting these feelings has remained relatively stable over the years. Note: Years are reflective of school years. Grade 9 Grade 11 41%36%38%42%38% 20%18%22%22%20% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 41%41%43%49%44% 24%23%26%28%25% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 11 27% 20%19%17%16% 12%10%11%8%9% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 Female Male © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report24 Source: 2021-2023 California Healthy Kids Survey/OC District results. Girls Mental Health Suicide Trends Over Time Students were asked whether they had seriously considered attempting suicide within the past 12 months, with response options of "Yes" or "No.” Female students consistently report higher rates of suicidal thoughts compared to male students in OC. However, there has been a gradual decrease in rates of suicidal thoughts for both groups over time. 24%19%19%17%16% 13%12%12%10%10% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 11 27% 20%19%17%16% 12%10%11%8%9% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 Grade 9 27% 20%19%17%16% 12%10%11%8%9% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 Female Male 24%19%19%17%16% 13%12%12%10%10% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 11 27% 20%19%17%16% 12%10%11%8%9% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 Grade 11 Girls Health Across grade levels in OC, female and male students tend to have similar rates of going to bed after 12 AM. However, as grade level increases, the percentage of those going to bed after 12 am increases. Bedtime After 12 AM In OC, both female and male students show a slight decrease in the percentage of students eating breakfast as grade level increases. Across all grades, male students consistently report higher rates of eating breakfast compared to female students. Eating Breakfast 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 16%27%37% 13% 26%38% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 Female Male 16%27%37% 13% 26%38% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 Female MaleOrange County 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 16%27%37% 13% 26%38% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 Female Male 16%27%37% 13% 26%38% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 Female MaleOrange County Source: 2021-2023 California Healthy Kids Survey/ OC District results. 25 16% 27%37% 13% 26% 38% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 58%58%56%67%65%60% 0% 25% 50% 75% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 16% 27%37% 13% 26% 38% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 58%58%56%67%65%60% 0% 25% 50% 75% Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 11 Girls Health Alcohol & Other Drug Use 27%20%19%17%16% 12%10%11%8%9% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 Female Male Current alcohol and other drug (AOD) use refers to consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs within the past 30 days. Over time, both female and male students show a noticeable decrease in AOD use. Female and male students are similar with slightly more use amongst females. Survey Question “During the past 30 days, on how many days did you use...” • One or more drinks of alcohol? • Five or more drinks of alcohol in a row, that is, within a couple of hours? • Marijuana (smoke, vape, eat or drink)? • Inhalants (things you sniff, huff or breathe to get "high")? • Prescription drugs to get "high" or for reasons other than prescribed? • Any other drug, pill or medicine to get "high" or for reasons other than medical? Students selected their answer from the following options: 0 days, 1 day, 2 days, 3–9 days, 10–19 days, or 20–30 days. 22% 15%12%8%7%18%12%10%7%6% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 9 33% 25%20%16%15%31% 23%19%13%13% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 11 22% 15%12%8%7%18%12%10%7%6% 2013-152015-172017-192019-212021-23 Grade 9 33% 25%20%16%15%31% 23%19%13%13% 2013-15 2015-17 2017-19 2019-21 2021-23 Grade 11 Grade 11 Grade 9 Aerobic capacity measures how well the body uses oxygen during physical activity, reflecting overall cardiovascular fitness. OC female students perform better than the CA average in aerobic capacity across Grades 5, 7 and 9. Aerobic Capacity 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average Body composition refers to the proportion of fat and non-fat mass in the body. Similar to aerobic capacity, OC female students perform better than the CA average in body composition, with a similar percentage of students needing improvement or at health risk across grade levels. Body Composition 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average Note: Years are reflective of school years. 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 17%18%17%14%15%12% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 31%27%25% 7%8%11%0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average 17%18%17%14%15%12% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 9 Needs Improvement Health RiskCalifornia Average © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report26 Source: 2021-2023 California Healthy Kids Survey/OC District results. Source: California Department of Education, 2024 data retrieved through DataQuest. Other Arrests for all other felonies like DUI, hit-and- run, weapons violations, escape, gambling (bookmaking) and miscellaneous offenses. Violent Arrests for serious violent crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery, assault and kidnapping. Property Arrests related to property crimes like burglary, theft, car theft, fraud (including checks and access cards) and arson. Sexual Arrests for sexual offenses including lewd acts, unlawful sexual intercourse and other violations of sex laws. Drug Arrests involving narcotics, marijuana, dangerous drugs and other felony drug-related offenses. Juvenile Arrests A juvenile arrest happens when someone under 18 is taken into custody for breaking the law. These arrests are grouped into categories like violent crimes, property crimes, drug offenses and others. Across all categories, the number of arrests involving females are much lower than males, suggesting that females are involved in fewer serious offenses overall. When involved in crime, females are more likely to engage in violent crime compared to other offense categories. 342 309 152 23 15 33 79 40 3 1 Other Violent Property Sexual Drug Male Female 342 309 152 23 15 33 79 40 3 1 Other Violent Property Sexual Drug Male Female Domestic abuse involving weapons has generally increased over time in OC with some fluctuations and approximately 80% of weapons being a personal weapon (e.g., hands, feet). 1,667 2,491 2,222 2,638 3,787 6,776 5,961 8,756 7,748 5,224 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 Weapon No Weapon (Verbal) 1,667 2,491 2,222 2,638 3,787 4,524 6,776 5,961 8,756 7,748 5,224 5,118 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2024 Weapon No Weapon (Verbal) 8,443 10,978 9,011 9,642 8,542 10,386 Violence & Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Crimes © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 27 The percentages below are based on the biennial OC Point in Time Summary of unhoused, homeless and sheltered women. 2019 7.8%9.0% 2022 9.2% 2024 Unhoused Victims of Domestic Violence Source: CA Department of Justice - Criminal Justice Statistics Center data reported by all OC local law enforcement agencies. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report28 Orange County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls Conclusion This inaugural report provides a countywide baseline of how women and girls in OC are faring. Economic disparity is not a standalone issue; it is a barrier that affects many aspects of life for women and girls in OC. It shapes access to education and career pathways, limits housing and financial stability, drives health and mental health inequities, and exposes gaps in policy and legal protections. As the OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls examines education and workforce development, housing and financial security, healthcare and mental health, and public policy and legal protections, economic disparity emerges as a contributing factor. As an advisory body to the BOS, the Commission will continue to use these insights to suggest recommendations that strengthen long-term resilience for women, girls, and the broader community. This information also enhances the Commission’s value to stakeholders by grounding discussions in current conditions and emerging needs, and it has the potential to inform future reports that track progress and highlight priority areas. This report provides a snapshot into how women and girls are faring in OC and highlights how economic disparity and gaps in access to critical resources can limit opportunity. Economic stability is a foundation for overall well- being. By advancing solutions that strengthen economic stability for women and girls, OC can build a more resilient future for women, families, and ultimately, the broader community. Next Steps To address economic challenges, the Commission’s next steps for 2026-27 intend to focus on analysis of targeted, practical strategies that strengthen economic security and expand opportunity for women and girls. A future report will take a closer look at childcare affordability and access, as contributors of economic disparity. The Commission will develop a strategic advisory plan to examine the impact of childcare costs and limited availability on workforce participation, household stability and long-term financial security. By addressing this issue directly, the Commission can offer actionable recommendations to reduce economic strain and strengthen stability for women and families across the county. By centering these priorities in the 2026-27 commission strategic advisory plan, the Commission can support the BOS in advancing practical, data-driven solutions that reduce economic disparity and expand opportunity for women, families, and the broader OC community. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 29 Data Sources Women American Community Survey (ACS) The 2023 American Census Survey 1-Year and 5-Year Estimate Data Profiles for women are used within this report. The ACS, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, collects detailed demographic, social, economic, and housing data and projects annual estimates. The California Women’s Well-Being Index The CA Women’s Well-Being Index (WWBI) is a county-level, composite index that shows how women are faring throughout California. The WWBI consists of 30 indicators of women’s well-being that are grouped into five dimensions: Health, Personal Safety, Employment and Earnings, Economic Security and Political Empowerment. Criminal Justice Data The CA Department of Justice publishes criminal justice data through its Criminal Justice Statistics Center (CJSC). The department collects information on crime and clearances reported by law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The data is used to understand CA’s criminal justice system, hold it accountable and improve public policy to make the state safer. Orange County Older Adults Community Survey The OC Older Adults Community Survey (September 2023 - January 2024) collected input from older adults aged 55+ in OC through various modes (in-person, online, telephone, paper) and languages. Of the 5,657 responses, there were 3,471 female participants. Point-In-Time (PIT) Count Summary Annual survey of homeless people in the US conducted by local agencies called Continuums of Care on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Conditions of Children Report Social Services Agency, in collaboration with the Children and Families Commission, sponsors the production and distribution of an annual report on the conditions of children in OC. The report studies four interdependent focus areas: Good Health, Economic Well-Being, Educational Achievement, and Safe Homes and Communities. California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) from University of California, Los Angeles The nation’s largest state health survey to provide a comprehensive picture of the health and healthcare needs of CA’s diverse population. Girls DataQuest (California Department of Education) The CA Department of Education’s DataQuest platform provides access to a wide range of public education data for students, teachers, and schools across CA. This web-based tool offers reports and downloadable data on topics such as enrollment, test performance, graduation rates, and student group outcomes. The data used in this report reflect the most recently available updates as of October 2025. California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) CHKS is a statewide data collection effort led by the CA Department of Education. It gathers self-reported information from students in grades 5, 7, 9 and 11 on topics such as school climate, student mental health, substance use, and overall well-being. The CHKS is one of the most comprehensive sources for understanding youth experiences and challenges across CA schools. California Assessment of Student Performance & Progress (CAASPP) The CA Assessment of Student Performance and Progress system, administered by the CA Department of Education, measures student achievement in English Language Arts/Literacy, Mathematics and Science. The assessments are aligned with CA state standards and are designed to provide a comprehensive view of student learning, readiness for college and career, and academic progress across grade levels. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report30 Appendix DEMOGRAPHICS 31 Population OC Women Who Gave Birth in 2024 Birthplace of Immigrant Women & Girls Living in OC Birth by Race & Ethnicity of Mother ECONOMIC EQUITY & FINANCIAL SECURITY 32 OC Unemployment by Race/Ethnicity & Gender The Gender Wage Gap: Median Earnings by Gender Poverty Rates by Gender OC Poverty Rates by Race & Ethnicity Poverty Rates by Household Type OC Poverty Rates by Age & Gender EDUCATION 34 Postsecondary Degrees by Gender OC Women: Highest Degree Attained by Age OC Women: Highest Degree Attained by Race/Ethnicity & Gender LEADERSHIP & REPRESENTATION 36 OC Occupation by Gender HOUSING & HOUSEHOLDS 37 OC Households Selected Costs Associated with Housing OC Women Homeless Counts Homeless of OC Continuum of Care: Women & Survivors of Domestic Violence HEALTHCARE 38 OC Population with Health Insurance, by Gender & Age Health Insurance by Race & Ethnicity VIOLENCE & DOMESTIC ABUSE 39 Domestic Violence Related Calls for Assistance in OC © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 31 Demographics Appendix 1U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B01001: Sex by Age POPULATION1 ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA WOMEN & GIRLS 1,601,560 19,756,160 TOTAL 3,170,435 39,431,263 AGE NUMBER OF BIRTHS SINGLE MOTHERS 15 - 19 years 318 100.0% 20 - 34 years 17,915 18.9% 35 - 50 years 13,836 15.3% TOTAL 32,069 18.2% OC WOMEN WHO GAVE BIRTH IN 20242 2U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B13002: Women 15 to 50 Years Who Had a Birth in the Past 12 Months by Martial Status and Age. Europe 5.3% Asia 53.1% Africa 2.0% Oceania 0.6% Latin America 38.0% Northern America 1.0% BIRTHPLACE OF IMMIGRANT WOMEN & GIRLS LIVING IN OC3 3U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B05006: Place of Birth for the For- eign-Born Population in the United States BIRTH BY RACE & ETHNICITY OF MOTHER4 ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA RACE White alone 39.5%35.1% Black or African American alone 2.2%4.1% American Indian and Alaska Native alone 0.3%1.5% Asian alone 23.1%16.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone5 0.3%0.4% Some Other Race alone 16.0%23.2% Two or more races 18.7%19.7% ETHNICITY White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 34.4%28.4% Hispanic or Latino 36.0%47.0% TOTAL NUMBER OF WOMEN GIVING BIRTH 32,116 430,508 Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 4U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table B13002A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I Women 15-50 Years Who Had a Birth in the Past 12 Months by Marital Status. |5U. S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Table B13002E Women 15-50 Years Who Had a Birth in the Past 12 Months by Marital Status. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report32 RACE WOMEN MEN TOTAL White alone 4.8%4.2% 4.3% Black or African American alone 5.0%4.8%5.3% American Indian and Alaska Native alone 5.5%3.8%4.4% Asian alone 4.3% 3.9% 4.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone7 0.4% 1.0% N /A Some Other Race alone 3.5% 3.3% 3.5% Two or more races 4.9% 4.9% 4.8% ETHNICITY White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 4.5% 4.1% 4.3% Hispanic or Latino 4.9% 4.0% 4.2% OC: UNEMPLOYMENT RATES BY RACE, ETHNICITY & GENDER6 Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 6U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table B23001A, B, C, D, F ,G, H, I: Sex by Age by Employment Status for the Population 16 Years and Over. | 7U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table B23001E. Economic Equity & Financial Security THE GENDER WAGE GAP: MEDIAN EARNINGS BY GENDER8 ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA U.S. FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUNDEMPLOYED POPULATION $69,447 Women $80,059 Men $65,955 Women $74,837 Men $55,678 Women $66,965 Men WAGE GAP FOR FULL-TIME, YEAR-ROUND WORKERS 86.7%88.1%83.1% EMPLOYED POPULATION (Including seasonal/part-time work) $48,982 Women $63,185 Men $46,790 Women $60,578 Men $42,498 Women $57,064 Men WAGE GAP FOR ALL EMPLOYED 77.5%77.2%74.5% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 8U.S Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table S2412: Occupation by Sex and Median Earnings in the Past 12 months for Full-Time, Year-Round Civilian Employed Population. POVERTY RATES BY GENDER9 ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA U.S. WOMEN 10.4%12.6%13.0% MEN 8.7%10.6%10.7% OVERALL 9.7%11.8%12.1% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 9U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table S1701 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 33 POVERTY RATES BY HOUSEHOLD TYPE11 ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA U.S. ALL FAMILIES 6.9%8.5%8.5% MARRIED COUPLE FAMILIES With Children Under 18 Years 3.4% 1.9% 3.7% 1.9% 3.3% 1.6% SINGLE-MOTHER FAMILIES With Children Under 18 Years 2.5% 1.9% 3.7% 2.9% 4.2% 3.4% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 11U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table S1702 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months of families. OC POVERTY RATES BY AGE & GENDER12 AGE GROUP FEMALES MALES < 18 YEARS < 5 Years 2.2% 0.5% 2.3% 0.6% 18 - 64 YEARS 5.8% 5.1% >65 YEARS >75 Years 2.3% 1.3% 1.2% 0.5% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 12U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table B17001 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months by Sex by Age. Economic Equity & Financial Security OC POVERTY RATES BY RACE & ETHNICITY10 WOMEN/GIRLS BELOW FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL RACE White alone 4.0% Black or African American alone 7.5% American Indian and Alaska Native alone 8.0% Asian alone 5.5% Some Other Race alone 8.3% Two or more races 5.4% ETHNICITY White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 3.9% Hispanic or Latino 6.9% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 10U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B17001A, B, D, F, G, H, I Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months by Sex by Age. © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report34 AGE GROUP 18 - 24 25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 64 65+ Less than 9th Grade 0.8%2.1%4.8%8.7%9.6% 9th - 12th Grade No Diploma 4.2%2.0%6.3%6.5%6.0% High School Graduate or Equivalent 32.2%16.4%16.4%17.2%20.8% Some College, No Degree 37.4%17.4%14.3%16.5%20.1% Associate’s Degree 6.8%8.4%7.7%8.8%9.0% Bachelor’s Degree 17.1%37.3%30.4%25.5%21.5% Graduate or Professional Degree 1.4%16.4%20.1%16.8%13.0% OC WOMEN: HIGHEST DEGREE ATTAINED BY AGE14 Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 14U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B15001: Sex by Age by Educational Attainment for the Population 18 Years and Over. POSTSECONDARY DEGREE BY GENDER13 DEGREE TYPE DEGREES HELD BY WOMEN IN OC DEGREES HELD BYMEN IN OC DEGREES HELD BY WOMEN IN CA DEGREES HELD BY MEN IN CA Associate’sDegree 58.7%41.3%56.1%43.9% Bachelor’s Degree 50.1% 49.9% 52.1% 47.9% Master’s Degree 52.8% 47.2% 54.1% 45.9% Professional Degree 46.2% 53.8% 49.3% 50.7% DoctorateDegree 44.4% 55.6%44.0% 56.0% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 13U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table B15002: Sex by Educational Attainment for the Population 25 Years and Over. Education Appendix © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 35 Education OC: HIGHEST DEGREE ATTAINED BY RACE/ETHNICITY & GENDER15 RACE NO HIGHSCHOOLDIPLOMA HIGHSCHOOLDIPLOMA SOMECOLLEGE,NO DEGREE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATE ORPROFESSIONALDEGREE White 3.3% Women 14.8% Women 21.2% Women 9.7% Women 31.1% Women 19.9% Women 3.7% Men 16.4% Men 17.6% Men 7.1% Men 34.4% Men 20.9% Men Black or African American 6.1% Women 11.3% Women 25.0% Women 10.8% Women 24.6% Women 22.2% Women 6.7% Men 30.0% Men 16.6% Men 8.7% Men 24.1% Men 13.8% Men American Indian & Alaska Native 30.7% Women 25.1% Women 16.7% Women 7.1% Women 16.1% Women 4.2% Women 23.9% Men 24.2% Men 20.8% Men 8.9% Men 18.5% Men 3.7% Men Asian 12.2% Women 14.5% Women 10.6% Women 8.0% Women 35.7% Women 19.1% Women 10.5% Men 11.6% Men 12.2% Men 5.8% Men 36.3% Men 23.7% Men Native American & Other Pacific Islander16 0.0% Women 12.5% Women 60.4% Women 3.8% Women 10.8% Women 9.5% Women 0.1% Men 26.3% Men 18.1% Men 10.1% Men 17.5% Men 13.5% Men Some Other Race 32.3% Women 27.2% Women 13.7% Women 6.4% Women 14.9% Women 5.7% Women 34.3% Men 31.7% Men 16.4% Men 3.8% Men 9.7% Men 4.2% Men Two or More Races 21.5% Women 24.0% Women 19.3% Women 8.2% Women 16.1% Women 10.9% Women 24.8% Men 23.0% Men 17.7% Men 6.7% Men 19.7% Men 8.0% Men ETHNICITY White Alone, Not Hispanic or Latino 2.4% Women 14.4% Women 21.2% Women 9.8% Women 31.8% Women 20.5% Women 2.6% Men 15.6% Men 16.8% Men 7.2% Men 36.0% Men 21.7% Men Hispanic or Latino 27.3% Women 25.7% Women 17.1% Women 7.4% Women 14.9% Women 7.5% Women 30.2% Men 28.3% Men 18.3% Men 5.2% Men 12.5% Men 5.5% Men Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 15U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B15002A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I: Sex by Age by Educational Attainment for the Population 18 Years and Over. | 16U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B15002E. Appendix © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report36 OC OCCUPATION BY GENDER17 WOMEN MEN OVERALL: CIVILIAN EMPLOYED POPULATION 16 YEARS AND OVER 46.1%53.9% MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS, SCIENCE AND ARTS OCCUPATIONS 48.1%51.9% Management, business, and financial occupations: 44.3%55.7% Management occupations 41.2%58.8% Business and financial operations occupations 50.0%50.0% Computer, engineering, and science occupations: 26.0%74.0% Computer and mathematical occupations 26.8%73.2% Architecture and engineering occupations 15.5%84.5% Life, physical, and social science occupations 52.5%47.5% Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations: 61.0%39.0% Community and social service occupations 69.4%30.6% Legal occupations 48.0%52.0% Educational instruction, and library occupations 71.2%28.8% Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations 42.1%57.9% Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations: 67.4%32.6% Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations 66.8%33.2% Health technologists and technicians 68.9%31.1% SERVICE OCCUPATIONS 53.2%46.8% Healthcare support occupations 73.0%27.0% Protective service occupations: 20.0%80.0% Firefighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors 18.1%81.9% Law enforcement workers including supervisors 23.6%76.4% Food preparation and serving related occupations 45.5%54.5% Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 41.0%59.0% Personal care and service occupations 73.6%26.4% SALES AND OFFICE OCCUPATIONS 55.3%44.7% Sales and related occupations 42.9%57.1% Office and administrative support occupations 68.1%31.9% NATURAL RESOURCES, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OCCUPATIONS 6.6%93.4% Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations 32.0%68.0% Construction and extraction occupations 4.6%95.4% Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 4.7%95.3% PRODUCTION, TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL MOVING OCCUPATIONS 28.2%71.8% Production occupations 35.3%64.7% Transportation occupations 15.0%85.0% Material moving occupations 28.6%71.4% 17U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table S2401: Occupation by Sex for the Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over. Leadership & Representation Appendix © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 37 SELECTED COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH HOUSING19 ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA U.S. OWNERSHIP COSTS Percentage of houses with a mortgage 64.7% 66.1% 59.7% Percentage of households with selected costs of ownership 35% or greater of gross incomes (homes with a mortgage) 32.2% 30.9% 22.5% RENTAL COSTS Median rent $2,483 $2,104 $1,487 Percentage of households with rent 35% or greater of gross income 45.4% 44.2% 39.4% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 19U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates Table DP04 Selected Housing Characteristics. Housing & Households Appendix ALL HOUSEHOLDS FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS HEADED BY WOMEN NON-FAMILY HOUSEHOLDS HEADED BY WOMEN Total 1,098,129 126,587 177,372 WITH OWN CHILDREN <18 YEARS 303,362 51,719 N/A PERCENTAGE WITH CHILDREN <18 YEARS 31.0% 50.70%N/A OC HOUSEHOLDS18 18U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table S1101 Households and Families. OC WOMEN HOMELESS COUNTS20 2019 2022 2024 TOTAL COUNT 6,860 5,718 7,322 PERCENTAGE UNSHELTERED 57.7% 53.5% 57.0% HOMELESS OF OC CONTINUUM OF CARE: WOMEN AND SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE20 2019 2022 2024 TOTAL HOMELESS COUNT 6,860 5,718 7,322 PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN 36.6% 36.2% 34.6% PERCENTAGE OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 7.8% 9.0% 9.2% Source: County of Orange Point in Time. | 20County of Orange Point in Time Summary © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report38 HEALTH INSURANCE BY RACE & ETHNICITY22 ORANGE COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY 55+CALIFORNIA RACE White alone 96.5% 98.2%96.4% Black or African American alone 97.0% 97.7%95.0% American Indian and Alaska Native alone 87.1% N/A 88.5% Asian alone 96.4% 97.7%96.6% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 87.4% N/A 87.2% Some Other Race alone 88.8% 91.7%88.9% Two or more races 91.2% 93.4%92.5% ETHNICITY White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 96.7% 96.8% Hispanic or Latino 89.5% 89.6% Note: This data is for both women and men. | Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 22U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table S2701: Health Insurance Coverage Status. Healthcare OC POPULATION WITH HEALTH INSURANCE, BY GENDER & AGE21 WOMEN & GIRLS MEN & BOYS <6 years 97.9%97.0% 6-18 years old 93.8%96.3% 19-25 years old 93.7%90.0% 26-34 years old 90.2%89.3% 35-44 years old 94.0%90.0% 45-54 years old 92.9%90.2% 55-64 years old 95.2%94.4% 65-74 years old 97.8%98.5% >75 years 99.5%99.9% Orange County Total 95.2%93.4% California Total 95.1%92.5% Source: U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate. | 21U.S. Census 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Table B27001: Health Insurance Coverage Status by sex and by Age. Appendix © COUNTY OF ORANGE | 2026 Women & Girls of Orange County Report 39 Violence & Domestic Abuse DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATED CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE IN OC23 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2024 Total Domestic Violence-Related Calls 8,443 8,542 10,978 10,386 9,011 9,642 No Weapon Involved (Verbal)6,776 5,961 8,756 7,748 5,224 5,118 WEAPON INVOLVED 1,667 2,491 2,222 2,638 3,787 4,524 All Domestic Violence related calls involving a weapon of some kind 19.7%29.2%20.2%25.4%42.0%46.9% Weapon involved cases in which a personal weapon such as hands, feet, etc. used 79.1% 80.5% 76.6% 78.4% 83.8% 84.2% Weapon involved cases in which firearm, knife or other dangerous weapon used 20.9%19.5%23.4%21.6%16.2%15.8% Source: Office of the Attorney General, State of California. | 23Office of the Attorney General, State of California Department of Justice – Open Justice. Domestic Violence-Related Calls for Assistance. Appendix