2026 OCAP State of the Child Report
STATE OF THE CHILD REPORT COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
April 2026
RIVERSIDE SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
1
5
2
4
3
4
District 1 Supervisor
Jose Medina
District 2 Supervisor
Karen Spiegel
District 3 Supervisor
Chuck Washington
District 4 Supervisor
V. Manuel Perez
District 5 Supervisor
Yxstian Gutierrez
CONTRIBUTING ORGANIZATIONS
Riverside County Child Support Services Riverside County Department of Public Social Services
Riverside County Office of Education Riverside County Probation Department RUHS - Public Health
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
2
Riverside County Snapshot
4
Good Health Indicators
6
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE EARLY PRENATAL CARE
8
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 30 32 34 36 38 40 28
PRETERM BIRTHS
TEEN BIRTHS
LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANT MORTALITY BREASTFEEDING IMMUNIZATIONS
PERINATAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Economic Well-Being Indicators
CHILD POVERTY
CalWORKs
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION
CHILD CARE
HOUSING
CHILD SUPPORT
Educational Achievement Indicators
42
THIRD GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS THIRD GRADE MATHEMATICS HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT RATES
44 46 48 50 52
COLLEGE READINESS CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
Safe Homes and Communities Indicators
54
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MORTALITY
56 58 60 62 64 66
SUBSTANTIATED CHILD ABUSE
CHILD WELFARE
JUVENILE ARRESTS
JUVENILE SUSTAINED PETITIONS GANG ACTIVITY AMONG YOUTH
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our first State of the Child report marks a new chapter in Riverside County’s commitment to strengthening families and cultivating the conditions every child needs to grow, learn and thrive. Curated by the Riverside County Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP), this report brings together data from four pillars of child well-being: health, economics, education and safety. These data provide insight into how local children and families are doing today and where action might be needed to prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs. Riverside County Department of Public Social Services established the Office of Child Abuse Prevention in January 2025 through the federal Family First Prevention Services Act. Riverside County OCAP brings together public agencies and community partners across health, education, behavioral health, law enforcement, youth organizations, tribal nations, family resource centers and faith-based sectors to expand prevention initiatives and ensure families can access resources without fear, stigma or barriers. RivCoONE, a coordinated network of
county agencies, is also an important partner in our vision to improve health and socioeconomic outcomes for children and families. By increasing access to resources and addressing stressors that contribute to child maltreatment and neglect, our partners are helping families stabilize before challenges escalate into crisis. This inaugural report highlights encouraging gains in college readiness, improvements in timely placement and permanence for youth in foster care, and progress in programs that reduce recidivism among justice-involved youth. The data also show that families are facing increased economic pressure to keep pace with housing and other costs of living, and that racial disparities in health and economic well-being continue to affect many households across the region. Thank you to all our partners. Together, we are advancing as One Community with One Vision of Zero Abuse , united in our commitment to protect children and build a safer, brighter future for every child in Riverside County.
2
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SNAPSHOT
3
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SNAPSHOT
Population
Demographics
2.53 million people lived in Riverside County in 2025, an 8.12% increase since 2015 1
2025 DEMOGRAPHICS OF CHILDREN AGES 0 TO 17 6
Hispanic Latino
60.2% 22.3%
White (Non-Hispanic) Black/African American
NUMBER OF BIRTHS IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY 2
5.5%
89,541
Asian 5.7% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.3% American Indian/Alaska Native 0.5% Two or More Races 5.6%
2014-2016
80,079
2023-2025
GRADE K-12 STUDENT POPULATION (419,992) BY RACE/ ETHNICITY, SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025 7
PERCENT OF POPULATION UNDER 18 IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY 3
Hispanic/Latino
281,704
67.1%
White
67,603
16.1%
26%
Black/African American
23,395
5.6%
2015
Asian
16,115
3.8%
Two or more races
15,327
3.6%
23%
Filipino
7,706
1.8%
2025
American Indian or Alaskan Native
1,526
0.4%
Native or Pacific Islander
1,343
0.3%
PERCENT OF PROJECTED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE BY AGE GROUP 2024 AND 2028 4
None reported
5,273
1.3%
<1
1-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
23.4% of population
2025 PERCENT OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY POPULATION UNDER AGE 18 8
+2.1%
-0.5%
-1.1%
-7.2%
-8.0%
1 U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: Riverside County, California. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/riversidecountycalifornia 2 California Integrated Vital Records System (Cal-IVRS). California Comprehensive Birth File (CCBF). [2012-2023 data extracted 12/20/2024, 2024 data extracted on 08/29/25. 2025 data extracted on 01/21/26). 3 U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: Riverside County, California. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ riversidecountycalifornia 4 Riverside University Health System – Public Health, Epidemiology and Program Evaluation. (2024). Health matters brief: Population projections in Riverside County, CA, 2024–2028 [PDF]. https://www.ruhealth.org/sites/default/ files/2024-04/Health_Matters_Brief_Pop_Projection_Rivco_2024-2028_2024-02.pdf 5-6 U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: Riverside County, California. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ riversidecountycalifornia 7 California Department of Education. (n.d.). Riverside County: Education data from CALPADS. Ed Data. https://www. ed-data.org/county/Riverside 8 USAFacts. (n.d.). Riverside County, CA: Population and demographics. https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many people-live-in-the-us/county/riverside-county-ca
2025 RIVERSIDE COUNTY HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES 5
Number of Households
783,689 586,426
Number of Families
Households with Children 253,015 Families with Children Below Poverty 32,964
4
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SNAPSHOT
Education Investment
Economic Well-Being
ANNUAL AVERAGE EXPENSE PER PUPIL 1
FAIR MARKET RENT RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO ONTARIO REGION - 2025 7 Calculation based on the rent affordability rule set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development that no more than 30 percent of gross income should be spent on monthly rent, the state minimum wage of $16.90 per hour and fair market rent of $2,306 per month in the Inland region. A MINIMUM WAGE EARNER WOULD NEED TO WORK 105 HOURS A WEEK, THE EQUIVALENT OF TWO-AND A-HALF FULL-TIME JOBS EACH WEEK TO AFFORD THE FAIR MARKET RENT ON A 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT.
2013-2014
$8,247
$20,394
2024-2025
CENSUS DAY STUDENT ENROLLMENT 2
2020-2021 421,077
2024-2025 419,992
Good Health
3 bedroom $3,079
2 bedroom $2,306
1 bedroom $1,852
CHILDREN WHO VISITED A DENTIST 2021-2022 3
HOURLY WAGE 2025 8
81.8% (lower than California 85.9%)
CHILDREN 0-19 WITH HEALTH INSURANCE 2024 4
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY 2019-2023 5
Hourly wage needed to afford 2-bedroom fair market rent
Estimated hourly wage for greater Riverside housing market
Annual minimum income needed to purchase median income home
$46.33
$30.90
$155,200
96.1%
4.1%
Needed hourly wage assumes 30% of income on rent. Median Home Price: 2025 - $635,000 Sale Price; 2015 - $341,000 Sale Price
UNEMPLOYMENT 9
CHILD AND TEEN SELF-REPORTED GENERAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT: GOOD OR BETTER 2021-2022 6
2015 6.7%
2025 6.0%
95.3%
1 California Department of Education. (n.d.). Current expense of education. https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/fd/ec/currentexpense.asp 2 California Department of Education. (n.d.). Riverside County: Education data from CALPADS. Ed Data. https://www. ed-data.org/county/Riverside 3-6 Shape Riverside County. https://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2732&localeId=270 7 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Hourly wage data. HTTPs://www.bls.gov 8 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Fair market rents. HUD User. https://www.huduser.gov/ portal/datasets/fmr.html 9 County of Riverside Office of Economic Development. (2025). Annual labor force and employment averages [PDF]. https://rivcoed.org/sites/g/files/aldnop126/files/2026-01/rivcoed-annual-labor-force-emp-avg.pdf 10 Feeding America. (2023). Map the Meal Gap: Food insecurity in Riverside County, California. https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2023/food-insecurity/california/county/riverside
CHILD FOOD INSECURITY AGES 0 TO 17 10
2019 13.6%
2023 14.7%
5
GOOD HEALTH INDICATORS
PERCENT OF INFANTS WITH LOW BIRTHWEIGHT Less than 2,500 Grams
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE Percent of Uninsured Children
PERINATAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Percent of Pregnant People Experiencing Intimate Partner Physical or Psychological Violence
3.9% 2017
3.9% 2024
7.1% 2018
7.8% 2024
5.0% 2016-2018
5.3% 2020-2022
EARLY PRENATAL CARE Percent of Pregnant People Who Received First Trimester Prenatal Care Excluding Self-Pay 83.8% 2017 85.1% 2023
INFANT MORTALITY Rate of Infant Mortality per 1,000 Live Births
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Rate of Suicide Deaths per 100,000 Population Ages 10 to 25
4.5 2015-2017
4.4 2020-2022
8.6 2021
7.0 2024
PRETERM BIRTHS Percent of Preterm Births
BREASTFEEDING Percent of Exclusive Breastfeeding In Hospital
8.8% 2017
9.8% 2024
68.0% 2017-2019
66.4% 2022-2024
TEEN BIRTHS Teen Birth Rate per 1,000 Females 15-19 Years of Age
IMMUNIZATIONS Percent of Children Adequately Immunized by Kindergarten
17.1 2015-2017
9.3 2021-2023
93.6% 2019-2020
93.4% 2023-2024
NOTE: Variation in data ranges is dependent on the frequency of collection and the data sources.
UPWARD TREND DOWNWARD TREND NO CHANGE
6
7
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES PERSIST AMONG COMMUNITIES AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator reports the number and percentage of children younger than 19 who are insured and reflects the number of children who do not have a usual source of care or a medical home.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1 • In Riverside County, 96.1% of children had health insurance coverage in 2024, below the statewide average of 96.9% and in the bottom quartile of California counties. That leaves nearly 4.0% of children uninsured. The gaps between insured and uninsured are greater in some communities. • Native American and Alaska Native children had a coverage rate of 81.5% in 2024, the widest disparity in the region. Health and human services agencies across Riverside County are actively working to close these gaps through targeted outreach, culturally responsive enrollment support, and stronger partnerships with tribal communities and local organizations. • In a sampling of Riverside County cities, a 9‑point gap existed between the rate of insured children and teens under age 19. In Jurupa Valley, the American Community Survey estimates 90.4% of children have health insurance coverage while 99.4% of children in neighboring Eastvale are insured. In 2021–2022, 12% of Riverside County children and teens under 18 reported having delayed medical care or not receiving the medical care they needed, higher than California’s rate of 8.5%.
Health coverage is fundamental to children’s well-being. Regular checkups, dental and vision care, and timely treatment for illness or injury support healthy development throughout childhood and adolescence. Studies show that insured children are more likely to receive recommended immunizations, miss fewer days of school because of illness, and get the care they need when they become sick. Insurance also reduces the chance that minor health concerns will grow into more serious conditions, easing long-term costs for families and strengthening overall stability for children.
1 County of Riverside. (n.d.). Children with health insurance indicator. Shape Riverside County. https://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2732&localeId=270
8
GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Insured Children Under Age 19
Percent of Children with Health Insurance by Race/Ethnicity 2024 American Indian/Alaska Native Hispanic/Latino White/Non-Hispanic Two or More Races Other Asian Black/African American
Riverside County
California
100%
97.9
98.3 96.2
100%
95 0 96 97 98 99
94.9
94.9 95.4
0 80 85 90 95
96.9
96.9 96.9 96.4
96.5 96.8 96.8
81.5
96.1
96.1 96.3 96.2
96.1 96.2
95.9
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Children with Health Insurance by Age Group 2024
Health Insurance by Gender 2024
97.9% 95.4%
Female Male 95.5% 96.6%
0-5
6-18
Percent of Children Under Age 19 with Health Coverage by City 2024
99.3
99.4
97.1
97.6
96.9
100%
95.3
95.6
95.8
95.1
93.1
95
92.4
90.4
90
85
80
0
Jurupa Valley
Moreno Valley
Lake Elsinore
Perris
Corona Temecula Hemet
Menifee Murrieta Indio Riverside
Eastvale
County of Riverside. (n.d.). Children with health insurance indicator. Shape Riverside County. ttps://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2732&localeId=270
9
EARLY PRENATAL CARE RIVERSIDE COUNTY MAKING STEADY GAINS BUT RACIAL AND
ETHNIC DISPARITIES PERSIST DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR
This indicator tracks the percentage of infants born to people whose prenatal care began during the first three months of pregnancy.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1 • Riverside County’s access to early prenatal care continued to make steady gains to more than 85.4% in the reporting period 2021-2023, according to trend data from the state. This progress reflects expanded Medi-Cal coverage, clinic outreach, and broader awareness of the importance of early appointments. More families understand when and how to begin care. • The gains were not uniform. Racial and ethnic disparities persist, with Native American/ Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander populations experiencing later entry (although with significant gains) between the 2015-2017 and 2021-2023 reporting periods. • Riverside County’s overall trajectory is encouraging. The county now outperforms several large California counties on early prenatal care, and its upward trend suggests investments in access and education are making a measurable difference.
Prenatal care remained a central public health focus in Riverside County from 2015-2017 through 2021-2023. Early prenatal care in the first trimester is widely recognized as a key factor in healthy pregnancies because it allows providers to identify risks sooner, support nutrition and mental health needs, and monitor conditions that can lead to preterm birth or infant loss.
1 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Prenatal care dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Prenatal-Care-Dashboard
10
GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Pregnant People Who Received Early Prenatal Care Riverside County and California 2015-17 to 2021-23
Percent of Pregnant People Who Received Early Prenatal Care by Race and Ethnicity Riverside County 2015-2017 to 2021-2023
Riverside County
California
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian Black/African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White
Hispanic of Any Race Multiracial
90%
87.9
87.6
86.5
86.5
80 0 82 84 86 88
85.1
90%
86.7
86.4
85.3 83.9
84 86 88
85.0
85.4
84.1
83.5 83.3
82
2015-17
2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22 2021-23
80 78 76 74 72 70 68 66 64 62 60
Early Prenatal Care, 2021-2023
0
2015-17 2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22 2021-23
Percent by County
<70.0%
70.0 - 79.9%
80.0 - 89.9%
90.0%+
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Prenatal care dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Prenatal-Care-Dashboard
11
PRETERM BIRTHS PRETERM BIRTHS ARE INCREASING, WITH BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN PEOPLE REFLECTING THE GREATEST DISPARITIES DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator reports the percentage of total annual preterm births at less than 37 weeks of gestation including the percentage breakdowns by age and race/ethnicity.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1-2 • Locally and nationally, the percentage of preterm births is increasing. • In 2024, 1 in 10 babies (9.8% of live births) were born preterm in Riverside County. • The rate of preterm birth in Riverside County in 2024 by race/ethnicity group was highest for American Indian/Alaska Native (14.5%), followed by Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (12.5%), Black/African American (12.0%), Multiracial (10.9%), Asian (9.8%), Hispanic (9.2%), and White (8.2%). • Compared with singleton births, multiple births in Riverside County were 7 times as likely to be preterm in 2024.
Babies born too soon are often born too small and while the causes of preterm birth and low birthweight can differ, the two conditions frequently overlap. Multiple births carry substantially higher risk. Beyond the emotional and financial strain on families, preterm birth places a significant burden on communities through higher health care costs, increased educational needs, and greater demand for social support services. The causes are complex and interconnected, involving maternal health, behavioral and psychosocial factors, environmental exposures and neighborhood conditions. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality, death in children under 5, and long-term disabilities. 2
1 March of Dimes. (n.d.). PeriStats. https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats 2 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Preterm birth dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Preterm-Birth-Dashboard
12
GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Preterm Births by Race and Ethnicity Riverside County 2017-2019 to 2022-2024
Percent of Preterm Births, 2017 to 2024
Riverside County
California
United States
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian Black/African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White
10.5
10.4
10.4
10.4
10.1
Hispanic of Any Race Multiracial
10.5%
10.2
9.9 10.0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 8 0 8.5 9 9.5 10 8.7 8.8 9.0 9.1 8.8 9.1 9.2 9.1 8.8 9.1 9.1 9.2 9.1 8.7 9.4 9.8
15%
14 14.5 12.5 13 13.5 11.5 11 10.5 10 9.5 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 12
Percent of Preterm Births by Maternal Age Riverside County 2017-2019 to 2021-2023 <20 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39
40+
15% 15.5%
14 14.5 12.5 13 13.5 11.5 11 10.5 10 9.5 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 12
0
2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22 2021-23 2022-24
California Counties Preterm Births 2022-2024
Percent by County
<7.0%
7.0 - 7.9%
0
8.0 - 8.9%
2017-19 2018-20 2019-21
2020-22 2021-23
9.0%+
Data not shown
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
March of Dimes. (n.d.). PeriStats. https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Preterm birth dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Preterm-Birth-Dashboard
13
TEEN BIRTHS HISPANIC TEEN BIRTH RATE IS DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH AS OVERALL TEEN BIRTH RATES DECLINE DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator reports the percentage of total annual births among teens ages 19 and younger and the teen birth rate, which is calculated based on the annual count of births per 1,000 teens between the ages of 15 to 19.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1-3 • Teen birth rates in Riverside County have fallen sharply over the past decade, from 17.1 births per 1,000 in the 2015-2017 period to 9.3 per 1,000 in the 2021-2023 period, reflecting both statewide progress and the results of coordinated local efforts. • Riverside County’s teen birth rates are lower than the United States (13.1) but higher than California’s statewide number (8.6). • Despite reductions in overall rates of teen births, disparities persist. Hispanic/Latino adolescents and American Indian/Alaskan Native adolescents continue to experience higher birth rates than their peers, highlighting inequities tied to access, socioeconomic conditions and the availability of culturally responsive care.
Teen births carry significant health and social consequences. Infants born to pregnant teens face higher risks of prematurity, low birth weight and infant death. Teen parents are more likely to experience adverse health outcomes and disruptions to education and employment. Sustaining reductions in teen births will require continued investment in outreach, confidential services and youth‑centered supports that meet the needs of diverse communities. Expanded reproductive health education, confidential clinical services and stronger partnerships among schools, clinics and youth‑serving organizations have contributed to this progress. These efforts align with broader statewide trends, including delayed childbearing and increased contraceptive use.
1 Riverside University Health System-Public Health. (2022). Teen health brief 2022. 2 go.cdph.ca.gov/Adolescent-Births-Dashboard 3 County of Riverside. (n.d.). [Teen Births]. Shape Riverside County. https://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=430&localeId=270&localeType Id=2&periodId=6197
14
GOOD HEALTH
Teen Birth Rate per 1,000 Females Ages 15-19 by Race Alone and Ethnicity 2017-2019 to 2019-2023
Teen Birth Rate per 1,000 Females Ages 15-19, 2015-2017 to 2021-2023
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian Black/African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White
United States
Riverside County
California
Hispanic of Any Race Multiracial
17.4
18.8
20
16.7
20%
15.4
13.9
13.6
18 19 15 16 17 13 12 11 10 14
15
13.1
16.2 17.1
14.4 15.0
10
13.0 13.6
12.4 10.9
9.4 10.1
11.7
10.4
8.6 9.3
5
2015-17 2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22 2021-23 0
Adolescent Birth Rates, Females Ages 15-19, 2021-2023 by California County
Rate per 1,000 by County
<10.0
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
10.0 - 19.9
20.0 - 29.9
Data not shown
2017-19 2018-20 2019-21
2020-22 2021-23
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Adolescent births dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Adolescent-Births-Dashboard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Teen births data visualization dashboard. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data-visualization/teen-births/#dashboard California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Adolescent births dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Adolescent-Births-Dashboard
15
LOW BIRTHWEIGHT ABOUT ONE IN EVERY THIRTEEN RIVERSIDE COUNTY BABIES IS LOW WEIGHT AT BIRTH, WITH BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN INFANTS MOST LIKELY TO BE BORN AT LOW BIRTHWEIGHT DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator reports low birthweight infants as a proportion of the total number of births. Low birthweight is defined as infants born weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces).
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1-4 • In Riverside County, about one in 13 babies was born at a low birthweight in 2024, reflecting an increase in low birthweight infants since 2017. • Racial disparities remain significant. Black/ African American infants were most likely to be born with low birthweight (12.9%), followed by Asian and Pacific Islander infants and American Indian and Alaska Native infants. • Black/African American infants were twice as likely as white infants to be born at low birthweight during the 2021-2023 reporting period. • Multiple births carried the greatest risk of low birth weight. In 2023, infants from multiple births in Riverside County were about 9 times more likely than singletons to be born with a low birthweight.
Birthweight is a critical indicator of an infant’s health. A typical newborn weighs about 8 pounds. Babies born outside the normal range face higher risks for both immediate and long-term complications. Low birthweight, defined as less than 2,500 grams or 5 pounds 8 ounces, can result from preterm birth or from restricted growth among full-term infants. These infants are more likely to experience respiratory problems, heart conditions and feeding difficulties, and they face increased risks for chronic diseases later in life, including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular prenatal care plays a key role in reducing the likelihood of preterm birth and low birthweight.
1 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Low birthweight dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Low-Birthweight-Dashboard 2-3 March of Dimes. (n.d.). PeriStats. https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats 4 Riverside University Health System – Public Health. (2023). Riverside County maternal and infant health data: 2023. Riverside University Health System – Public Health. https://www.ruhealth.org/
16
GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Infants with Low Birthweight Riverside County and California 2018 to 2024 Riverside County California
Percent of Infants with Low Birthweight by Race/Ethnicity Riverside County 2015-2017 to 2021-2023
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian Black/African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White
Hispanic of Any Race Multiracial
7.8
8%
7.5
7.4
13%
7.3
7.1
7.1
11.5 12 12.5
7.4
7.4
6.9
7.3
7.3
7
7.0
6.9
6.7
6 0
11
2018
2019 2020 20214 2022 2023 2024
10.5 10 9.5 9 8.5 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5
Low Birthweight (%) by California Counties 2021-2023
0
2015-17 2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22 2021-23
Percent by County
<6.0%
6.0% - 6.9%
7.0% - 7.9%
8.0%+
Data not shown
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
March of Dimes. (n.d.). PeriStats. https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Low birthweight dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Low-Birthweight-Dashboard
17
INFANT MORTALITY BLACK FAMILIES EXPERIENCE HIGHER RATES OF INFANT DEATH DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR The infant mortality indicator refers to deaths of infants younger than age 1. The rate of infant mortality is calculated by the number of infant deaths under age 1, per 1,000 live births per year.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1-2 • The Riverside County rate of infant mortality is slightly higher than statewide for the most recent reporting period 2020-2022. • The most severe disparities affect Black/ African American infants, who experience the highest infant mortality rates in both California and Riverside County. • Riverside University Health System reports that infants born to Black/African American mothers are nearly two times more likely to be low birthweight. Black/African American mothers in Riverside County are 1.3 times more likely to experience preterm labor and four times more likely to face pregnancy complications. These factors increase the likelihood of an infant dying before age one. • These inequities stem from longstanding structural and social conditions, not biological differences. Riverside University Health System Public Health’s Black Infant Health program and the Perinatal Equity Initiative work with health, human services and community partners to improve maternal support, expand access to care and address the conditions that place Black mothers and infants at greater risk.
Infant mortality refers to the death of a child before their first birthday and is a key measure of community health. It reflects access to medical care, maternal health, environmental conditions, and broader social and economic factors. California’s overall infant mortality rate is among the lowest in the nation, but statewide data mask deep racial and geographic disparities.
1 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Infant mortality dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Infant-Mortality-Dashboard 2 Riverside University Health System – Public Health. (n.d.). Black Infant Health. https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/black-infant-health
18
GOOD HEALTH
Infant Mortality per 1,000 Live Births, Riverside County and California 2015-2017 to 2020-2022 Riverside County California
Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 Live Births by Race and Ethnicity Riverside County 2015-2017 to 2020-2022
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian Black/African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White
Hispanic of Any Race Multiracial
5
4.76
7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 10.5 11
4.62
4.51
4.40
4.5
4.34
4.24
4.28
4.33
4.07
4.23
4.16
4 0
4.10
2015-17
2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22
7 6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2
Infant Mortality Rates California Counties 2020-2022
Rate per 1,000 by County
<5.0
5.0 - 5.9
6.0 - 6.9
7.0+
0
2015-17 2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22
Data not available
Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 Live Births by Leading Causes of Death Riverside County 2020-2022
100.4
110 0 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
48.4
50.8
39.9
Birth Defects
Maternal Complications
Preterm and Low Birth Weight
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Infant mortality dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Infant-Mortality-Dashboard
19
BREASTFEEDING RIVERSIDE COUNTY LAGS BEHIND STATE IN EXCLUSIVE IN HOSPITAL BREASTFEEDING INITIATION BUT COMES CLOSE FOR ANY BREASTFEEDING INITIATION DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator draws on two California Department of Public Health (CDPH) data sources to describe breastfeeding prevalence. The In Hospital Newborn Screening Program captures feeding practices during the hospital stay, typically within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. Their data reports the percentage of birthing people who breastfed in the hospital after delivery. The Maternal Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) is an annual statewide survey of individuals in California who recently had a live birth. MIHA data reports the percentage of birthing people surveyed, who said they were breastfeeding three months after giving birth.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1 • Riverside County’s in-hospital breastfeeding initiation has remained strong in recent years, with 92.7% of new mothers initiating some level of breastfeeding in hospital compared to 93.3% statewide in 2022-2024. • Most birthing hospitals in the county report high rates of any breastfeeding at discharge, and several facilities have achieved Baby Friendly designation, including the county’s public hospital Riverside University Health System—Medical Center.
Breastfeeding remains a critical measure of infant health, reflecting both hospital practices and the support families receive in the earliest days of life. Breast milk is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, and breastfeeding strengthens bonding while improving health outcomes. California law requires all maternity hospitals to adopt either the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative standards or an equivalent set of evidence-based policies. CDPH’s Model Hospital Policy outlines these expectations, including immediate skin-to-skin contact, rooming in, and consistent lactation support. Riverside County hospitals have continued to expand training and align practices with these standards, contributing to stable breastfeeding performance throughout the region.
1 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Breastfeeding initiation dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Breastfeeding-Initiation-Dashboard
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GOOD HEALTH
Percent of In-Hospital Breastfeeding by Race/Ethnicity Riverside County 2022-2024
Percent of In-Hospital Riverside County and California Breastfeeding 2017-2019 to 2022-2024
Riverside County:
Any Breastfeeding
Exclusive Breastfeeding
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian Black/African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White
California:
Any Breastfeeding
Exclusive Breastfeeding
Hispanic of Any Race Multiracial
93.4
93.9
93.5 93.3
93.8 93.6
100%
95%
90
90 95 75 80 85 65 60 55 50 0 70
92.5
92.3
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.7
80
69.7
69.2
68.8
68.7
70.2
69.0
70
67.8
67.1
68.0 68.3 67.8
66.4
0 60
2017-19 2018-20 2019-21 2020-22
2021-23
2022-24
Any Breastfeeding Initiation California Counties 2022-2024
Percent by County
<90%
Any Breastfeeding
Exclusive Breastfeeding
90% - 91.9%
Percent of Mothers Breastfeeding After Delivery, Riverside County 2015-2017 to 2022-2024 Any Breastfeeding Exclusive Breastfeeding
92% - 93.9%
94%+
71.4
71.3
75%
68.1
68.6
64.9 66.1
70
60
50
40
30
32.8
32.4
31.3
31.0
32.1
29.4
20
0
2015-17 2016-18 2017-19 2018-20
2019-21
2022-24
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Breastfeeding initiation dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Breastfeeding-Initiation-Dashboard
21
IMMUNIZATIONS PERCENTAGE OF FULLY VACCINATED CHILDREN ENTERING CHILD CARE AND KINDERGARTEN CLOSELY ALIGNS WITH STATE DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator reports the percentage of children who received all recommended doses of required vaccines for attendance at child care facilities and kindergarten entry.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1 • The percentage of Riverside County kindergarteners with all required
Kindergarten immunization data show that school-entry vaccinations have remained consistent in recent years. As families resumed routine well‑child visits and schools reinforced entry requirements following the pandemic, statewide and county trends aligned, reflecting a steady return to pre‑pandemic compliance. Public health officials emphasize that maintaining high vaccination coverage protects both individual children and the broader community by reducing the risk of severe illness and preventing outbreaks of diseases such as measles and pertussis. These protections are especially important for infants and medically vulnerable children who cannot yet be fully vaccinated.
immunizations is stable with mild fluctuations between the 2019-2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2023-2024 reporting periods.
• The parallel trends in child care and kindergarten programs highlight the
importance of consistent access to pediatric care and the role early education settings play in supporting community health.
1 County of Riverside. (n.d.). [Immunizations and Infectious Disease Indicator]. Shape Riverside County. https://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=295&localeId=270
22
GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Kindergarteners with All Required Immunizations, 2017 to 2023-2024 Riverside County California
Percent of Riverside County Children Ages 2 to 5 Up to Date on All Required Vaccines in Licensed Child Care Centers, 2016-2017 to 2025-2026
100%
100% 90 92 94 96 98
90 0 92 94 96 98
96.5 96.3
96.8
96.0
96.2
95.7
95.8
95.1
95.9
94.6
94.2
94.3
94.2
93.7
93.8
93.2
92.8
95.1 94.8
94.1
93.6
92.8
93.4
92.2
16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 20-21 21-22 22-23 23-24 24-25 25-26 0
2018 2019-00 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
2017
Kindergarten Students with All Required Immunizations 2022-2023 and 2023-2024
Kindergarten 2022-2023 School Yea r
Kindergarten 2023-2024 School Yea r
Percent by California County
-<89.9%
90.0 - 94.9%
95.0 - 100%
County of Riverside. (n.d.). [Immunizations and Infectious Disease Indicator]. Shape Riverside County. https://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=295&localeId=270 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Immunology. Riverside University Health System – Public Health. County of Riverside. (n.d.). [Immunizations and Infectious Disease Indicator]. Shape Riverside County. https://www.shaperivco.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=295&localeId=270
23
PERINATAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HIGHER PERCENTAGES OF HISPANIC AND BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN INDIVIDUALS, RESPECTIVELY, REPORT PERINATAL AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION WITH WHITE INDIVIDUALS MOST LIKELY TO REPORT ANY PERINATAL CONDITION AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator reflects the percentage of people reporting any mental health disorder after giving birth and those who experienced symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy. It also reports the percentage of those who experienced intimate partner physical and/or psychological violence during pregnancy. This indicator also includes use of cannabis and alcohol during pregnancy.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1-2 • Pregnant individuals in Riverside County reported higher percentages of prenatal depression but lower percentages of postpartum depression than statewide numbers. • White persons in Riverside County were more likely than others to report any perinatal mental health condition at the time of delivery. From 2020-2022, Hispanic birthing individuals reported the highest percentage of prenatal depression and Black/African American birthing individuals reported the highest percentage of postpartum depression. • The percentage of pregnant individuals reporting intimate partner physical or psychological violence while pregnant during 2020-2022 was slightly greater than 2016 2018, however the most recent numbers represent an overall decline from 2018-2020 when intimate partner violence was 6.4% in Riverside County.
Perinatal mental health conditions include mood, anxiety, and related disorders that occur during pregnancy or after birth. These conditions range from depression to bipolar disorder and carry serious risks for both parent and infant and may be accompanied by substance use. Depression during pregnancy often continues after delivery and is linked to preterm birth, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal mortality. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is a critical and often hidden contributor to poor maternal and infant outcomes. Violence can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal death and is also associated with longer term domestic abuse involving partners and children.
1 California Department of Public Health (CDPH). (n.d.). Perinatal Mental Health Conditions at Delivery. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/surveillance/Pages/Perinatal-Mental-Health-Conditions-at-Delivery.aspx 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Violence and pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/violence-and-pregnancy.html
24
GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Any Perinatal Mental Health Condition at Delivery by Race/Ethnicity, Riverside County 2016-2018 to 2021-2023 American Indian/Alaska Native Asian American/Pacific Islander Black African/American Hispanic of Any Race White
Percent of Persons Who Experienced Any Mental Health Condition at Delivery in Riverside County and California
Any Anxiety Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Depressive Disorder
Psychotic Disorder
Other
9 9.5%
10%
8.8
7.5 8 8.5
8
6.2
5.8
6
4.1
4.0
4
2.8
7
2
0.6
0.5
0.1 0.3
0.1 0.5
6.5 6 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2
0
Riverside County 2021-2023
California 2023
Percent of Prenatal and Postpartum Depression Symptoms by Race/Ethnicity Prenatal Depression Symptoms Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Black African/American Hispanic of Any Race White
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Prenatal Depression Symptoms
Prenatal Depression Symptoms
25%
23.3
20
17.8
18.6
16.0
0
15.4
16.2
15
14.9
14.8
13.7
2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21
2021-23 2020-22
14.1
13.8
13.3
11.6
10.7
10
11.1
Percent of Self-Reported Substance Use During Pregnancy by Race/Ethnicity, Riverside County 2020-2022
12.9
5
Any Alcohol Use Third Trimester
Any Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Black African/American Hispanic of Any Race White
0
Riverside County 2020-2022
California 2020-2022
Any Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
Any Alcohol Use, Third Trimester
Percent of Pregnant People Reporting Intimate Partner Psychological or Physical Violence, Riverside County 2020-2022
8%
6.8
6.7
6.7
6
8%
4.6
4.6
6.4
4.0
6.1
5.6
4
6
5.3
3.1
5.0
2
4
0
2
White Not Provided
Riverside County 2020-2022
0
2016-18 2017-19 2018-20 2019-21
2020-22
*California Department of Public Health data reflect all individuals counted within a county regardless of their place of residence.
California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Perinatal mental health condition at delivery dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Perinatal-Mental-Health-Condition-at-Delivery-Dashboard California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Prenatal substance use dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/Prenatal-Substance-Use-Dashboard California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Intimate partner violence dashboard. https://go.cdph.ca.gov/ipvdashboard
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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PERCENT OF TEENS REPORTING RECENT DRUG/ALCOHOL USE DECLINED WHILE CHRONIC SADNESS INCREASED DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR The indicator provides a snapshot of some measurements for chronic sadness, suicide thoughts, depression and substance use, hospitalizations and suicide rates.
Why is this indicator important?
Findings 1 • The percentage of students who reported experiencing chronic sadness increased between 2017 and 2023, while students reporting drug and/or alcohol use within the past 30 days declined for the same year-over year period. • From 2020 to 2024, Black/African American and Asian youth experienced the highest rates of suicide, followed by Hispanic youth, with the lowest rates occurring among white youth. • From 2020 to 2024, 190 youths between the ages of 10 to 25 died by suicide in Riverside County. Youth aged 18 to 25 accounted for most deaths, with males represented across all age groups. Although males experience higher rates of suicide deaths, females experience higher rates of suicide attempts. • Frequently identified risk factors for youth suicide included mental health conditions, previous suicidal ideation, and substance use. Previous contact with child protective services was more common among younger youth, while job loss and law enforcement contact were more common among older youth, according to data provided by the Riverside County Sheriff Coroner’s Bureau. 3
Adolescents who begin using substances face a range of lifelong impacts because their brains are still developing, particularly in areas responsible for decision making, impulse control, and reward processing. Early use increases the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder in adulthood, as alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and other drugs can alter neural pathways tied to reward and self regulation. Research also shows that adolescent substance use can disrupt normal brain maturation, leading to long term effects on memory, attention, learning, and executive functioning. These neurological changes are often accompanied by higher risks of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and other mental health conditions, especially when substance use begins before age 15. Teens who use substances are also more likely to experience poorer academic performance, lower educational attainment, reduced lifetime earnings, and unstable employment. Over time, early substance use increases the risk of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, liver disease, and cognitive decline. It is also associated with higher rates of injuries, motor vehicle crashes, overdose, and early mortality, as well as increased involvement with the justice system. Together, these findings show that substance use beginning in adolescence can have lasting effects on health, development, and long term well being. 2
1 aamc.org (Association of American Medical Colleges), Rivcospc.org (Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition), Riverside University Health System Public Health, Health Matters Brief Youth Suicide Mortality published September 2025, California Department of Public Health 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Youth substance use and risks to health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov and National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020a). Principles of adolescent substance use disorder treatment: A research based guide. National Institutes of Health. 3 Riverside University Health System--Public Health, Epidemiology Program Evaluation. Health Matters Brief (2025). Youth Suicide Mortality in Riverside County (2020 2024).
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GOOD HEALTH
Percent of Riverside County Students Who Reported Chronic Sadness/Hopelessness 2017 to 2023
Percent of Riverside County Students Who Reported Life Satisfaction 2021-2023 7th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
Percent of Riverside County Students Who Reported Social Emotional Distress 2021-2023
7th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
7th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
50%
100%
100%
46.0
20 0 25 30 35 40 45
80
80
42.0
39.0
67.0
38.0
62.0 60.0
60
60
34.0
34.0
34.0
34.0
33.0
30.0
40
40
32.0
28.0
25.0 28.0
25.0
20
20
0
0
2021 - 2023
2021 - 2023
2017
2018 & 2019 2020 & 2021
2022 & 2023
Rates of Suicide Deaths per 100,000 Population Ages 10 to 25 Years Riverside County and California 2020 to 2024
Percent of Riverside County Students Who Reported Consideration of Suicide 2017 to 2023
Riverside County
California
7th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
10
8.6
18.0
4 5 6 7 8 9 0
18%
17.0
17.0
17.0 17.0
12 0 13 14 15 16 17
7.0
8.5
6.5
6.5
16.0
5.0
Not Available
6.5
6.2
14.0 14.0 14.0
4.8
13.0
2021
2022
2023
2024
2020
Youth Suicide Death Rate by Age, Sex and Race/Ethnicity, Riverside County, 2020 to 2024
2017
2018 & 2019 2020 & 2021
2022 & 2023
Percent of Riverside County Students Who Reported Drug and/or Alcohol Use in Past 30 Days 2017 to 2023
20
80
Age 18-25 Age 10-17 Races Overall Hispanic White Asian Black/African American
33
67
7th Grade 9th Grade 11th Grade
33.5
30.6
30%
26.0
29.4
10 15 20 25
21.0
52.4
17.0
14.0
14.0
53.4
13.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100%
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
0 5
Age-Adjusted Rates per 1,000 Population of Riverside County Behavioral Health Related Hospitalizations by Age Group and Sex 2019-2022
2017
2018 & 2019 2020 & 2021
2022 & 2023
Children
Teens
10 15
12.2
7.2
4.1
0 5
1.4
Female
Male
Female
Male
- The California School Climate, Health, and Learning Survey (CalSCHLS) System—Public dashboards The California School Climate, Health, and Learning Survey (CalSCHLS) System—Public dashboards Riverside University Health System-Public Health, Epidemiology Program Evaluation. Health Matters Brief. (2025). Youth Suicide Mortality in Riverside County (2020-2024)
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