In November 2023, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), with support from The James Irvine Foundation and the Arjay and Frances F. Miller Foundation, released the PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Economic Well-Being. It is PPIC’s fourth annual Statewide Survey focused on the topic of economic inequality and mobility. Key findings from the survey include:  

• Roughly 25% of Californians believe the lack of well-paying jobs in the region is a big problem, with one in four lower-income residents saying the lack of well-paying jobs in their region makes them consider leaving California.
• A majority of Californians (55%) say their personal finances are about the same as last year, while one in six say they are better off and three in 10 say they are worse off.
• Three in 10 Californians – including a majority of residents living on low incomes – cut back on food to save money, and about 17% had difficulty paying for housing.
• Most working Californians have jobs with opportunities for growth and advancement, while about four in 10 Californians say their job does not offer said opportunities.
• A majority of Californians (80%) support increased funding for job training programs.

The PPIC Statewide Survey delivers nonpartisan, objective, advocacy-free information on the perceptions, opinions, and public policy preferences of California residents. The survey is conducted regularly throughout the year.