This Report studies the changes in inequality and racial composition and segregation in each of the counties in the Southern California region over a 50 year period.  Many of the graphs display changes over a 50 year period since 1970, and some reach back even further in time.  Some key results of interest include:

  • Orange County has gone from the least racial/ethnic mixing in 1970 to the most by 2018.
  • Los Angeles County has the highest level of income inequality.
  • Ventura County has the lowest level of income inequality.
  • After rising in earlier years, income inequality in Orange County has held relatively steady since 2000.
  • Income segregation is higher in Southern California counties compared to average U.S. large counties.
  • Income segregation rose sharply in the 2000s, though it has fallen a bit since 2010.
  • Incomes are rising fastest in San Diego County since 2000. Whereas the median income in San Diego County was 10% higher than the average large county in the U.S. in 2000, it was 30% higher by 2018.
  • Incomes in Los Angeles County went from equal to the average large county in the U.S. in 2000 to 20% higher by 2018.
  • Median rents and home values are rising faster in Southern California since 2000.
  • In 2018, whereas the median income in Orange County is 50% higher than the average large county in the U.S., median rents are 90% higher, and median home values are 210% higher.

Download the full report here.

The maps here show which neighborhoods have experienced the largest increase in adjusted home values since 1970 for each of the counties.

Appendices with the additional maps for each county separately from the Report are here:

Maps for Los Angeles County.

Maps for Orange County.

Maps for Riverside County.

Maps for San Bernardino County.

Maps for San Diego County.

Maps for Ventura County.