The 2025 Subregional reports divide the region into four part: Riverside Metro, San Bernardino Metro, High Desert, and Low Desert. Each report provides a detailed workforce analysis of one of the four subregions in the Inland Empire/Desert region, offering insights into regional demographics, employment trends, industry and occupational outlooks, and career education (CTE) program alignment.

As part of this study, the COE identified 75 “Good Job” occupations based on whether the occupation offered entry level wages at or above regional living wage, a workforce primarily made up of middle-skill educated workers, and high regional job demand projected over the next five years. The reports use this list of occupations to assess CTE programs offered in the subregion, highlighting existing programs that seem aligned with  “Good Jobs” and calling attention to those  that present new opportunities for community colleges.

These reports are intended to support faculty, administrators, and regional stakeholders with decisions about program development and workforce alignment for both new programs and program expansion.

The report collection can be found here.

Riverside Metro

• With 42.9% of the Inland Empire/Desert Region’s population within its borders, the Riverside Metro Subregion is the largest subregion in terms of population (2.01 million residents)
  • The subregion is projected to remain the largest over the next five years, projecting an increase of 60,600 residents
• The five industry sectors employing the largest number of workers in the Riverside Metro Subregion are Government; Health Care and Social Assistance; Construction; Transportation and Warehousing; and Accommodation and Food Services.
• Community Colleges in the Subregion: Norco College, Riverside City College, Moreno Valley College, Mt. San Jacinto College
  • Subregional community colleges offer training for Good Jobs in 8 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors
  • Program development opportunities for Good Jobs exist across 9 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors

San Bernardino Metro

• With 35.1% of the Inland Empire/Desert Region’s population within its borders, the San Bernardino Metro Subregion is the second largest subregion in terms of population (1.64 million residents)
  • The subregion is projected to remain the second largest over the next five years, projecting an increase of 60,647 residents
• The five industry sectors employing the largest number of workers in the San Bernardino Metro Subregion are Transportation and Warehousing; Health Care and Social Assistance; Government; Accommodation and Food Services; and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Community Colleges in the Subregion: Chaffey College, San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College
  • Subregional community colleges offer training for Good Jobs in 8 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors
  • Program development opportunities for Good Jobs exist across 7 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors

High Desert

• With 11.8% of the Inland Empire/Desert Region’s population within its borders, the High Desert Subregion is the second smallest subregion in terms of population (552,000 residents)
  • The subregion is projected to shed nearly 9,200 residents over the next five years, projecting a 1.7% decline
• The five industry sectors employing the largest number of workers in the High Desert Subregion are Government; Health Care and Social Assistance; Retail Trade; Accommodation and Food Services; and Other Services (except Public Administration)
• Community Colleges in the Subregion: Barstow College, Victor Valley College, Copper Mountain College
  • Subregional community colleges offer training for Good Jobs in 8 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors
  • Program development opportunities for Good Jobs exist across 9 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors

Low Desert

• With 10.2% of the Inland Empire/Desert Region’s population within its borders, the Low Desert Subregion is the smallest subregion in terms of population (479,350 residents)
  • The subregion is projected to shed nearly 7,800 residents over the next five years, projecting a 1.6% decline
• The five industry sectors employing the largest number of workers in the Low Desert Subregion are Accommodation and Food Services; Health Care and Social Assistance; Retail Trade; Government; and Construction
• Community Colleges in the Subregion: College of the Desert, Palo Verde College
  • Subregional community colleges offer training for Good Jobs in 8 of the 10 CCCCO priority sectors
  • Program development opportunities for Good Jobs exist across all 10 CCCCO priority sectors