SACRAMENTO, CA — A new fact sheet released today by the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) reveals shocking numbers that nearly 744,000 young adults ages 18 to 24 in California are living in poverty — representing almost one in four young Californians. The data paints a troubling picture of the economic hardships young adults face, including many college students and young people pursuing higher education, underscoring the severe challenges they encounter as they attempt to build stable, independent lives.
According to newly released California Poverty Measure data, 23% of young adults ages 18 to 24 are living in poverty, while 7.6% are living in deep poverty — meaning their income falls below half of the poverty line. Both rates are significantly higher than the statewide averages for all Californians.
“Young adulthood should be a time of opportunity and growth, but far too many young Californians are instead struggling just to have their basic needs met, “ said Nishi Nair, policy analyst at the California Budget & Policy Center. “When nearly one-fourth of young adults are living in poverty, it signals deep failure in our economy and public supports. California leaders should strengthen programs that help young adults afford food, housing, health care, and education so they can build stable futures.”
The fact sheet highlights how young adults are navigating high housing and education costs, unstable employment, low wages, and barriers to basic needs programs like CalFresh and Medi-Cal. For college students and young adults pursuing training or higher education, these challenges can make it difficult to afford the costs of living and expenses to complete their education. Recent federal and state policy decisions, such as H.R. 1, could further limit access to critical supports that help young adults avoid hunger, homelessness, and worsened economic instability.
The Budget Center calls on policymakers to take meaningful action to bolster the state’s anti-poverty programs, including strengthening access to Medi-Cal and CalFresh, preventing benefit losses for immigrants and former foster youth, investing in homelessness prevention and affordable housing, and improving enrollment systems so young adults can more easily access and maintain critical supports while pursuing school, training, and early career employment opportunities.
To view the full publication and additional policy recommendations, visit www.calbudgetcenter.org/resources/.
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About the California Budget & Policy Center:
The California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) is a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit advancing public policies that expand opportunities and promote well-being for all Californians.
