California’s future will be shaped by its young people. They care deeply about their communities and largely keep pace with older adults across many civic behaviors. A new report from the National Conference on Citizenship explores California’s solid foundation of civic connection and trust, as well as the gaps and warning signs that offer a window into how state leaders can take action to accelerate California beyond a steady state of civic health to leading the nation.
As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, it’s worth asking a simple question: how do we support a thriving, healthy, and inclusive democracy? The answer isn’t found only in ballot boxes or statehouses. It lives in everyday connections between neighbors, and in the experiences young people have to develop and use their voice, leadership, and agency. The 2026 California Civic Health Index is a statewide look at how Californians connect, join, stay informed, and engage with government. It shows a generation ready to contribute, and a state with gaps and warning signs that make the case for acting now.
What the data show
- California’s young people are a bright spot. Young Californians match or nearly match older Californians and their peers nationally on most civic behaviors. 77% of teens say they care deeply about their communities.
- A solid foundation of connection and trust. Over 80% of Californians find their neighbors helpful and trustworthy, and 87% feel safe in their neighborhoods.
- A gap between connection and formal action. California ranks in the bottom ten states in the nation on several formal participation metrics including voting in local elections. Fewer than 1 in 10 attend a public meeting or contact a public official.
- Volunteering: strong commitment, room to grow. California ranks 43rd in formal volunteering (24%), but nearly 22% of its volunteers serve at least weekly.
- Worrying drops in civic confidence and information. Confidence in contacting a public official fell from 54% to 44%. Frequently following the news dropped 12 points overall and 21 points among young adults.
What's inside
- Why civic health matters, especially for young people’s education, earnings, and sense of agency
- Statewide findings across four areas, with youth data throughout: neighboring activities, information and connection, joining behaviors, and government engagement
- Areas for further study in young people’s engagement in California
- Spotlights on Los Angeles and Riverside, including youth-led bright spots
- Recommendations to close gaps and create more opportunity by region, by income, by age, and other demographics
Funding for this report was provided by the Purpose of Education Fund.
Data partner credit: We are proud to utilize data from the Civic Engagement and Volunteering Supplement of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey in partnership with AmeriCorps.
