2025–2028 Beach Cities Health District Community Health Report

The Beach Cities include the communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, totaling a population of 125,294. Adults ages 19–64 years old make up the largest portion of the population, while 23% of the population is under 18 years old and 15% is over age 65. Approximately 68% of the Beach Cities population identifies as white. The median household income is higher than Los Angeles County and the median home price has steadily increased. Beach Cities residents have high rates of health insurance, education, and civic engagement.

This report — which uses data from the 2020 and 2022 California Health Interview Surveys (CHIS) on adult mental health challenges and childhood obesity — provides a comprehensive overview of the Beach Cities’ health across the lifespan and addresses primary areas of concern that were organized into two health priorities:

Mental Health & Substance Use
•    Stress & Loneliness: Nearly half of adults report high stress, and 1 in 5 feel socially disconnected.
•    Suicidal Ideation: Though declining post-COVID, 1 in 15 middle schoolers have seriously considered suicide.
•    Substance Use: Adult alcohol consumption is 67% above the U.S. average, with youth drinking exceeding County and State levels. Cannabis and vaping remain concerns, while tobacco control has improved.

Physical Health
•    Obesity & Chronic Disease: Obesity rates in students have dropped from 20% (2007) to 5%. Diabetes and hypertension rates remain below County averages, though high cholesterol has increased.
•    Cognitive Health: Alzheimer’s-related deaths exceed County rates, and caregiving for cognitive decline is a growing issue.
•    Sleep: Many adults and youth report insufficient sleep, impacting health and daily function.

The Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is committed to developing programming and partnerships in the community that use effective, evidence-based interventions to target each of these two health priorities.

This report uses 2020 and 2022 CHIS adult mental health challenges data and childhood obesity data.