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Los Angeles County quality of life survey shows majority of residents are dissatisfied
Date: 2025-04-17 Source: www.cbsnews.com

When it comes to quality of life in Los Angeles County, a majority of people who responded to the 10th Annual UCLA/Luskin School Quality of Life Index (QLI) survey said they are dissatisfied.

According to the results, this year's results are on par with how people were feeling last year. The primary concern for people is the cost of living. The survey found that residents are worried about losing their homes and getting food on the table. Job security and the state of the economy are also weighing heavily on respondents' minds.

This year's wildfires added to the difficulties with housing across the county. Researchers found the collective trauma of January's wildfires was widespread, with the effects felt beyond just Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. More than two-fifths of respondents in the county said they know someone impacted by the fires.

About 14% had a large loss of income caused by the fires and 13% said in some aspect they felt a hit. But the survey represents millions of people who live in the county. The survey shows the hardest hit are more likely to work part-time jobs and are disproportionately Latino, younger and lower income.

The survey also explored recovery efforts and 89% of people said homeowners who lost their homes in the fire should be able to rebuild on their property. This number is up from 76% when the same question was asked about the Woolsey Fire.

As the county moves forward following the fires and looking to improve wildfire response, 52% of residents responded that they would be "very to somewhat willing" to support a potential tax increase to fund improvements.

Another issue that seemed to get several responses was the homeless epidemic in LA. This issue has consistently been a high concern in the survey year over year. For the first time this year, fewer people think the problem is getting worse. In last year's survey, 60% of responders felt that way and now that number is at 52%. However, only 10% of people surveyed believe the situation is improving.

In Los Angeles, immigration and deportation concerns are at the forefront this year. The survey found 44% of residents are worried that they or someone they know will be deported. Latino participants and residents between the ages of 18 to 39 were the likeliest to have this worry, with views overall split on how local governments should comply with federal government policies.

Regarding attitude toward public officials, the county board was viewed unfavorably by 37%, while 34% had a more positive outlook. When it comes to the approval of Mayor Karen Bass, 49% viewed her unfavorably, while 37% responded they view her favorably.

The survey included 1,400 LA County residents and it was conducted between Feb. 23 and March 9.