About 40% of California adults reported having at least one of the five chronic conditions studied.

High blood pressure is the most common chronic condition, affecting about one in four, or 7.6 million, adults in California.

As household income rises, the prevalence of chronic conditions falls. Adults living under 138% of the federal poverty level were more likely to have two or more chronic conditions (14%) than those in the highest income group, 400%+ of the federal poverty level (8%).

Many people with chronic conditions delay getting needed care. Of Californians with serious psychological distress, 34% delayed needed medical care, and 27% delayed filling prescriptions (not shown). Cost or lack of insurance was frequently cited as the reason for these delays.

The prevalence of chronic conditions increases with age. Of Californians age 65 or older, 70% have at least one chronic condition, compared to 26% of those age 18 to 39.

The proportion of California adults with chronic conditions varied by region. About 45% of adults in the Inland Empire, San Joaquin Valley, and Northern and Sierra Counties had at least one chronic condition, compared to 36% of adults in Orange County.