Finding Silver Linings in LA’s Renting Culture
A map of LA's home ownership. Lighter areas have higher rates of renters. It seems that people are often quick to dismiss projects in the LA region due to its culture. We shouldn’t expand mass transit because people love their cars too much. We shouldn’t build high density developments because people want to raise their kids in the suburbs with big backyards. However, recent data from the Census and the American Community Survey shows that our “LA culture” may not be as deeply ingrained as we often think it is. In looking at the data, you can come up with three major takeaways: 1. 52% of residents in the LA metro area are renters (the highest rate in the country) 2. Half of these renters are spending too much of their income on their monthly rent 3. 45% of households own one or fewer cars These numbers present a great opportunity for the region’s city planners and developers. Half of the population is incredibly mobile - they don’t have the anchor of home owner