Recent community disasters such as COVID, flooding, fires and heat waves have heightened awareness in the community of the diversity of San Luis Obispo County’s population. Heightened discussions over immigration policy and enforcement have also increased the need to learn more about the complexities of our immigrant population. This is primarily a report on immigrants in our County, not the immigration system or issues at the border.
Without knowing who our neighbors are, we cannot have a welcoming, healthy and prosperous community. With immigrants underrepresented in official surveys like the U.S. Census, essential data on this community’s characteristics and needs remain limited, making it difficult to address their specific challenges effectively.
This study, released in January 2025, consolidates data from various sources to support policymakers, nonprofits, and other local organizations in understanding the composition, challenges, and needs of the immigrant community in San Luis Obispo County. Key issues covered include housing, healthcare, legal support, education, economic stability, and family services.
A condensed summary of the report can be accessed here.
The Spanish version of this summary report can also be accessed here.
