The County of Orange has released the FY 2023-2024 Veterans in Orange County report. This report provides a comprehensive overview of Orange County veterans’ demographics, circumstances and needs, offering valuable insights to guide services and programs across Orange County.
According to the report, 7.3% of the state’s veteran population, or 84,235 veterans, reside in OC. Service data reveals 36.8 percent of OC veterans served during the Vietnam War, 24 percent post-9/11, 19.3 percent in the Gulf War, 14.6 percent in other periods, 4.2 percent in the Korean War, and 1.1 percent in World War II. This correlates to the largest representation of OC veterans, approximately three in ten, aged of 75 years and older.
The FY 2023–24 Veterans in Orange County report highlights the services received by OC veterans through the OC Veterans Service Office as well as data findings for OC veterans in the following six categories:
- Health & Well-Being
- Housing
- Social Connectedness
- Health Care & Services
- Education
- Employment
The report addresses the large population of older adult OC veterans and their specific needs and opinions within these categories by utilizing data from the OC Older Adults Community Survey from those who identified as being a veteran within the sample. This representation of older adults, or those 55 years and older, within the survey respondents (8.0%) closely represents the proportion of veterans residing in OC within this age group (6.9%). This allows for specific needs within this group to be identified as the county begins work within the priority initiatives developed within the newly released OC Cares: Master Plan for Aging.
For more information, access to the OC Cares: Master Plan for Aging and future updates, visit: officeonaging.ocgov.com/master-plan-aging.
The OC Veterans Service Office provides hands-on support for veterans and their families to access earned benefits and resources. For more information about the OC Veterans Service Office, visit online at veterans.ocgov.com, call 714-480-6555, or email ocvso@occr.ocgov.com.
