State Profile

California

Population (2023): 38.965 million

California’s public health outcomes and emergency preparedness generally lead those of other states. However, according to TFAH’s 2024 Ready or Not: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism report, the state placed in the low performance tier for public health emergency preparedness. Deaths within the state due to drug misuse, alcohol, or suicide trail the country as a whole. Based on 2022 data, its rates of obesity and related conditions indicate a bright spot, with the percentage of adults with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension lower than the U.S. median.