State of Workers in the Inland Empire 2025
Report Description:
This report provides an in-depth analysis of labor market trends, wage patterns, and economic challenges facing workers in California’s Inland Empire region, encompassing Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Drawing on recent data from the American Community Survey, it explores how regional developments mirror statewide shifts while presenting unique issues.
Key findings highlight the region's growing concentration in low-wage sectors, persistent racial wage disparities, and rising housing and living costs. Despite some wage gains for low-income workers, structural barriers continue to undermine income equity and economic mobility—especially for renters, single parents, and communities of color. The report also discusses shifting commuting patterns and the limited infrastructure for public transit.
To address these challenges, the report recommends policy actions such as diversifying job opportunities, strengthening wage equity initiatives, expanding affordable housing, improving child care access, and enhancing transportation infrastructure.
Contributors:
This report was co-authored by Cheylynda Barnard, Marissa Brookes, Jesus “Chuy” Flores, Gregory B. Hutchins, Jacob Kim, Michael Khvat, David Mickey-Pabello, Alice Parra-Rios, Ellen Reese, and Leslie Rivas-Bautista.
Suggestion Citation:
Cheylynda Barnard, Marissa Brookes, Jesus “Chuy” Flores, Gregory B. Hutchins, Jacob Kim, Michael Khvat, David Mickey-Pabello, Alice Parra-Rios, Ellen Reese, and Leslie Rivas-Bautista. (2025). State of Workers in the Inland Empire 2025. Riverside, CA: Inland Empire Labor and Community Center, University of California, Riverside.