West LA Times

Los Angeles County residents are experiencing a record-low level of satisfaction with their quality of life, largely due to concerns over the high cost of living. The annual UCLA survey revealed that worries about affordability have pushed the overall rating down to 53, marking the second time in three years that it has fallen below the survey's midpoint of 55.

Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the study at UCLA, highlighted the impact of rising housing costs on renters, who are feeling particularly pessimistic about their futures. Yaroslavsky noted, "Housing costs have gone up. And incomes have not gone up anywhere near commensurate with what’s happened to housing."

The survey also shed light on the issue of homelessness, with Yaroslavsky stating, "We discovered very little optimism about whether the current programs and efforts to eradicate homelessness will work." More than half of respondents expressed that homelessness in their area has worsened over the past year, and only a small percentage believe the situation will improve.

Despite efforts by state and local officials, Yaroslavsky emphasized that the public's sentiment towards solving homelessness remains negative. He remarked, "the public is more negative and less hopeful about solving homelessness."

In terms of voter sentiment, Yaroslavsky suggested that the findings could signal possible upheaval, stating, "It feeds an overall sense that things aren’t working well." He pointed out that while Angelenos generally have positive views on their neighborhoods and diversity, there is a growing dissatisfaction with governmental institutions.

The survey also analyzed satisfaction with elected officials in the county. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass received mixed reviews, with slight declines in their favorability ratings compared to the previous year.

The 2024 Quality of Life Index, based on interviews with 1,686 county residents, highlighted various aspects impacting residents' daily lives. The survey revealed disparities in access to air conditioning, with notable differences based on income levels and geographic regions within the county.

Overall, the UCLA survey provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by Los Angeles County residents, particularly in terms of affordability and homelessness. As the region grapples with these pressing issues, the findings underscore the importance of addressing key quality of life concerns to improve the well-being of all residents.