Los Angeles residents report dismal quality of life as high costs, natural disasters, and deportation fears push many to the breaking point.
At a Glance
- UCLA’s annual Quality of Life Index remains at a decade-low score of 53 out of 100, with cost of living becoming the top concern for Los Angeles County residents
- January wildfires exacerbated existing problems, with over 40% of residents knowing someone impacted and 14% suffering significant income losses
- Homelessness remains a major issue, though slightly fewer residents (52%, down from 60%) believe the problem is worsening
- 44% of residents worry about deportation affecting themselves or someone they know, with Latino residents and younger adults most concerned
- Local leadership faces significant disapproval, with Mayor Karen Bass holding a 49% unfavorable rating
Economic Pressures Mount as Top Concern
The 10th Annual UCLA/Luskin School Quality of Life Index reveals a growing crisis in Los Angeles County as residents struggle with financial pressures. The survey of 1,400 Angelenos, conducted between February 23 and March 9, shows the overall satisfaction score remaining stagnant at a troubling 53 out of 100. This marks the third consecutive year the index has remained at this decade-low level, reflecting persistent dissatisfaction with living conditions across the region.
Cost of living has emerged as the dominant concern for residents, overtaking previous top issues like homelessness and crime. Many respondents reported fears about losing their homes and facing food insecurity as prices continue to rise across the housing market and everyday necessities.
“The overall satisfaction score on our QLI index is stuck for one main reason — the impact of the high cost of living. Those concerns were the highest in terms of importance of any category we’ve measured in the last decade. And cost of living continues to be the lowest rating category in terms of satisfaction,” said Paul Maslin, whose firm conducted the poll.
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Wildfire Impacts Extend Beyond Burn Areas
January’s devastating wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades have created widespread trauma extending far beyond the immediate burn zones. Over two-fifths of survey respondents reported knowing someone directly impacted by the fires, while 14% experienced significant income losses related to the disasters. The financial and psychological toll has affected residents across geographic, economic, and racial boundaries, creating what researchers describe as “shared trauma” throughout Los Angeles County.
“The wildfires that raged in Altadena and Pacific Palisades in January are the story of this year’s survey. These catastrophic events have left devastating physical and psychological impacts in their wake. Although the primary victims are those who lost their lives, homes, and possessions, millions of other Angelenos have been touched by these terrifying events in myriad ways.
These impacts cross geographic, economic, and racial lines that can only be described as a shared trauma across Los Angeles County,” said Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Those hardest hit by the fires were disproportionately Latino, younger, and from lower-income households, with many working part-time jobs that offered little security against such disasters.
Despite these hardships, 89% of respondents believe homeowners who lost homes in the fires should be able to rebuild, up significantly from 76% after the previous Woolsey Fire. Additionally, 52% of residents indicated they would be “very to somewhat willing” to support a potential tax increase to fund improved wildfire response systems.
Homelessness and Immigration Concerns Persist
While cost of living has risen to the forefront of residents’ concerns, homelessness remains a significant issue throughout Los Angeles County. There is a slight improvement in public perception, with 52% of residents believing the homelessness crisis is worsening, down from 60% in previous surveys. This shift may indicate some cautious optimism about efforts to address the epidemic, though it remains one of the region’s most visible challenges.
Immigration and deportation fears add another layer of anxiety for many Angelenos. The survey found that 44% of residents worry about deportation affecting either themselves or someone they know.
These concerns are most pronounced among Latino residents and those aged 18 to 39, reflecting the demographic makeup of those most affected by current immigration enforcement practices. Opinion remains divided on whether local governments should comply with federal immigration policies, highlighting the complex political dynamics at play in this diverse region.
Leadership Approval Ratings Suffer
Public officials’ response to these crises has done little to inspire confidence among residents. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is viewed unfavorably by 37% of respondents, while only 34% express positive opinions. Mayor Karen Bass faces even tougher scrutiny, with a 49% unfavorable rating compared to just 37% viewing her favorably. These disapproval numbers reflect growing frustration with leadership’s handling of the region’s interlocking crises.
The survey results will be presented at UCLA’s Luskin Summit, which will focus on recovery and rebuilding efforts following the January fires. As residents continue to grapple with the combined pressures of high costs, natural disasters, homelessness, and immigration concerns, the path forward for Los Angeles County remains fraught with challenges that demand more effective solutions from both officials and community leaders.
