Fact Sheet California’s Economy By Daniel Payares-Montoya, Sarah Bohn May 11, 2026 California is an economic powerhouse. Long-term growth has been driven by technology, but real estate, finance, and manufacturing play a large role in the state’s GDP. While strong job and business growth fuel the economy, conditions vary widely across regions—and are subject to global and national forces.
Explainer Understanding California’s Labor Market By Sarah Bohn, Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Sean Cremin, Daniel Payares-Montoya Apr 27, 2026 California boasts a highly productive economy and a large workforce. But many Californians feel pessimistic about the economy and their place in it. This explainer takes a look at labor market trends and challenges, with the aim of helping state leaders and residents understand current conditions and move toward a prosperous future.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Lauren Mora, Deja Thomas Apr 15, 2026 Key findings of the survey include: Ahead of the governor’s primary, overwhelming majorities say that candidates’ positions on public education are important. Nearly two-thirds of likely voters would vote yes to make taxes permanent on high incomes to fund education and health care. About half of adults think schools are doing at least a good job preparing students for jobs.
Fact Sheet Who Are California’s Workers? By Sean Cremin, Tess Thorman Feb 18, 2026 Californians work in a variety of occupations and sectors, and wages vary widely across regions and demographic groups. The median full-time, year-round worker in California earns about $31 an hour; over a third of California workers have low-wage jobs, which pay less than $21 per hour.
Report Teen Mental Health and School-Based Services in California By Shalini Mustala, Paulette Cha, Shannon McConville Jan 28, 2026 About 3 in 10 California teens report serious psychological distress, yet significant gaps exist between the need for mental health care and receipt of services. This report examines teen mental health and access to care across demographic groups and describes how state and district funding have expanded school-based solutions.
