With nearly 3.2 million residents, Orange County is the third largest county in California and the 20th most diverse among the 150 largest regions in the United States. 62% of OC residents are people of color, and 38% are white. Almost 1 in 3 residents in OC are immigrants.
Orange County’s GDP in 2024 was $334 billion–making its economy the ninth largest in the United States by county. The healthcare and manufacturing industries contribute to the County’s economic prosperity and innovation. Often not accounted for are the hidden or informal economies, which also play an important role in Orange County’s economic landscape.
Diversity and economic prosperity do not preclude Orange County from high income inequality, ranking 58th among the 150 largest regions in the United States. There are 150 “Red Zones” or disinvested communities with over 289,000 residents still living in these areas in Orange County. Indicators of economic justice such as education, immigration status, health, housing, and access to resources and services are important factors to consider in these communities.
Orange County’s economy could have been $97.4 billion stronger in 2022 if racial income gaps had been closed. That is, if the county achieved racial equity in incomes, people of color would see their average annual incomes increase by over $32,000—a 67 percent gain.
“When I started the company, it was about me…[now]…it’s about being that vehicle to inspire, encourage, and empower other people.”
– Jason Mercado
Sweet Mission is a baked goods company that is also training and employing individuals from vulnerable backgrounds, including those experiencing homelessness, to deliver superior freshly baked cookies while offering hope and a foundation to those in need of a second chance. Jason Mercado started the business after being laid off from his job of 12 years and not having a permanent place to live.
Orange County is often seen as an affluent county. And in many parts of the region, it is. Yet, research highlights glaring disparities among Orange County non-white residents across various indicators, including income, employment, education, housing, and health.
The disinvestment and struggle of economically marginalized communities have deep roots in the region’s history. And many local nonprofits are working to thoughtfully dismantle these structural barriers to economic opportunity.
At its core, economic justice is the principle that a just economy benefits everyone. To achieve this, it is important to understand how systemic inequities influence an individual and community’s well-being, and to support efforts to break barriers to full participation.
