Residents of Los Angeles County are expressing growing concerns about the high cost of living and the increasing issue of homelessness, with particular dissatisfaction among women, Latinas, and renters. According to a recent survey conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles, the 2024 Quality of Life Index has dropped to 53 out of 100, marking a decline in satisfaction for the second time in three years since the index was established in 2016.
The survey revealed that residents are especially troubled by rising housing costs, which have outpaced income growth, leading to a decrease in the overall quality of life. In fact, the cost of living was rated at an all-time low of 38 out of 100 this year, down from 41 in 2023.
Of particular concern are the fears of homelessness, with 60% of respondents reporting that homelessness in their area has worsened over the past year. Many individuals expressed worries about their own housing stability, especially those earning less than $60,000 annually.
Despite generally positive sentiments about their neighborhoods and quality of life, residents feel let down by government institutions, according to Zev Yaroslavsky, the director of the UCLA study. The survey also highlighted a decline in satisfaction with education and concerns about transportation and traffic.
In addition, the survey assessed public opinion of local officials, revealing a lack of favorability towards the county sheriff, mayor, and board of supervisors. Sheriff Robert Luna, Mayor Karen Bass, and the board of supervisors all received lower favorability ratings compared to the previous year.
Overall, the survey indicates that residents are grappling with a range of challenges, including housing affordability, homelessness, and the performance of local government officials. These findings underscore the need for continued efforts to address the pressing issues affecting the quality of life in Los Angeles County.
