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Family, Economic, Middle Class

Who is "Middle Class" in Los Angeles County?

Most Americans think of themselves economically as "middle class," including the majority of Angelenos. The Pew Research Center just updated their calculator so that Angelenos can see where they currently stand.

Immigration March in Los Angeles, 2006

Unauthorized Immigrants in Los Angeles County

It has been estimated that as many as one million immigrant residents in Los Angeles County have no legal status in the United States.

A Home in Southern California

Median Home Values in Southern California Counties

Along with neighboring counties, Los Angeles County has seen climbing median home prices through 2024.

Long Beach, California

The Exponential Rise of Rent in L.A.

Residential rent in Los Angeles and Orange Counties has risen exponentially over the years.

Presidential Election, Los Angeles County

2024 Versus 2020 Presidential Election - Los Angeles County

Even though it did not happen nationally for Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, she did win Los Angeles County in 2024 - America's most populous county (almost as populous as the state of Michigan). Democrat presidential candidates won L.A. County in the last ten presidential elections. The last Republican to win L.A. County was Ronald Reagan in 1984. With a little more than 187,300 ballots left to count (as of Nov. 11), Harris has received about 65% of the county's vote, or at least 2.3 milion votes. It appears, however, that she did not hold onto a number of L.A. County communities that had voted for Biden in 2020. In 2020, Trump won only three incorporated cities in the county - Glendora, La Habra Heights, and Rolling Hills. This time around, in 2024, he picked up seven additional cities - City of Industry (56%), Bradbury (55%), San Dimas (52%), Beverly Hills (52%), La Verne (50%), La Mirada (50%), and Santa Clarita (49%). The Republican also won most of the unincorporated northern portion of the county, as well as several unincorporated communities in the San Gabriel Valley and in eastern L.A. County - East Whittier (56%), Citrus (49%), and Rowland Heights (48%) . That said, Trump-winning communities in L.A. County accounted for only 8% of the entire county's vote, with Harris still managing to capture 44% of that portion.

Veterans, Military

Veterans in Los Angeles County

More than 200,000 U.S. military veterans live in Los Angeles County - more than in any other county in the United States. More than 18,000 are women.

Presidential Elections in Los Angeles County

Presidential Election Results, Los Angeles County, 1852-2024

Who Los Angeles County voters chose to be president in U.S. presidential elections since 1852.

Radio Tower Above Hollywood Sign

The Second Largest Radio Market in the Nation

More than 90 percent of Angelenos, age 12+, listen to radio each week, more than any other broadcast or cable medium or any particular social media site.

Searchlights and Antiaircraft Fire Over Los Angeles, 1942

Mysterious L.A.: The Mysterious Battle of Los Angeles, 1942

What did anti-aircraft gunners shoot at for more than an hour in the skies over Los Angeles during the early morning of September 25, 1942?

Game 4 of 1959 World Series at Los Angeles Coliseum

The Dodgers in the World Series

Since 1916, the Dodgers have been in the World Series 22 times and won seven championships.

Angels Flank a Book Holder

Mysterious L.A.: The Blackburn Cult

Animal sacrifices, cadaver preservation, disappearing people. The Blackburn Cult was among the strangest of religious cults that found their start in Los Angeles.

Disaster, Earthquake, Supplies

Prepare for the Big One

The experiences of those hit by hurricanes remind us to prepare for our own catastrophic event.

Bigfoot, Sasquatch

Mysterious L.A.: Bigfoot in Los Angeles County

Since the 1960s, there were stories of large, hair-covered, foul-smelling, bipedal creatures frightening hikers, campers and hunters in the mountains of Los Angeles County.

Doheny Mansion, Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles

Wealthiest People in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has one of the highest concentration of multi-billionaires in the United States.

Apartments, Housing, Rentals, Long Beach

Fair Market Rents by Zip Code in L.A. County

Some rental markets can be twice as expensive as others (or more), depending on your zip code in L.A. County.

Volcanic Eruption

Can a Volcanic Eruption Occur in Los Angeles?

There are eight threatening volcanoes in California. Is the Los Angeles region in the danger zone?

Crime, Los Angeles

Crime Rates in Los Angeles, 2014 to 2023

What did Los Angeles crime rates actually look like over the most recent ten years?

Woolsey Fire, 2018

Wildfires of Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has a long history of wildfires. These have been the biggest and most destructive. One ranks among the deadliest in U.S. history.

Statue of Spanish Governor Felipe de Neve

The Founding of Los Angeles

Today's megalopolis that is Los Angeles was originally established on September 4, 1781, as a remote little settlement to help feed a garrison of soldiers and keep the Russians and British away.

Crime, Media

Newly Released Crime Stats for L.A. County's Cities

2023 crime statistics were recently released for L.A. County's 88 cities.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Track, Oregon

Los Angeles County in the Paris Olympics, 2024

Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics included 86 athletes connected to Los Angeles County. In Paris, they won 48 medals in Paris, 13 of which were gold.

Homeless in Los Angeles County

2024 Homeless Numbers for Los Angeles County

New 2024 homelessness numbers were recently released for Los Angeles County. They might be just a bit encouraging.

Los Angeles

Pronouncing "Los Angeles"

Today's common pronouciation of "Los Angeles" was not always so common.

Freeway, Traffic, Hollywood

Los Angeles County Freeway Traffic

Averaging between 332,000 and 335,000 vehicles each day, L.A. County's heaviest daily freeway traffic runs along the 1.4 mile stretch of Interstate 10, between Western Avenue and Hoover Street.

Zoot Suit Riots, Los Angeles

Los Angeles Zoot Suit Riots, 1943

While a war for freedom raged across two oceans, a horrific episode of racial violence exploded at home in Los Angeles.

LGBTQ

LGBTQ Population in Los Angeles County

What is the LGBTQ population of Los Angeles County?

Vietnam Dead Return to Los Angeles, 1968

Angelenos Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

About 12,000 men and women from Los Angeles County have given their lives in America's wars since 1941.

George Freeth Bust at Redondo Beach Pier

How Surfing Came to Southern California

This young Hawaiian introduced to Southern California what was, even in 1907, an ancient sport: Surfing.

People, Asian

Asians in Los Angeles County - By the Numbers

Asians are the third largest ethnic/racial group in Los Angeles County. Here are their numbers.

Wat Thai Temple Festival

The Asian Capital of the United States

Los Angeles County is home to the largest Asian population in the United States and some of the largest ethnic Asian populations outside Asia.

Speeding Car

First Televised Police Pursuit in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles is famous for its televised car chases. How and when did this start?

Uncle Sam and the California Bear

L.A. County: One of America's Largest Sources of Income Taxes

L.A. County taxpayers alone pay more in combined income taxes than do any of 44 U.S. states.

Child Care

Minimum Wages in Los Angeles County

Minimum wage earners in Los Angeles County are seeing improved wages, better than that in most of the rest of the country. However, the hourly wage in the county varies, depending on where you work.

Women in Los Angeles County History

Some Notable Women in Los Angeles History

A list of some notable women in Los Angeles County history.

Women

For Women's History Month: How Are Women in L.A. County Doing?

Status of women in Los Angeles County according to employment, income, occupation, and representation.

Los Angeles County Vote Center, Staples Center, 2020

Voter Turnout in Los Angeles County

Since 1990, Los Angeles County's highest registered voter turnout (78%) was for the 2008 Presidential election (then between presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain). The lowest turnout (17%) was for the 2014 primary election, at the mid-point of President Obama's second term.

Wilshire Grand Center Building, Skyscraper, Los Angeles

Tallest Buildings in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has 34 buildings that are 500 feet or more in height. This gives us the fourth highest concentration of such buildings in the nation.

Virgin With Angeles by Bouguereau

Origin of the Name "Los Angeles"

There is probably no major city in America or even in the world whose original name is as disputed as that of Los Angeles.

Virgin With Angeles by Bouguereau

Origin of the Name "Los Angeles"

There is probably no major city in America or even in the world whose original name is as disputed as that of Los Angeles.

Green Book Cover, 1948, African American

Los Angeles in the "Green Book"

This was once an indispensible guidebook for many African American visitors to the Los Angeles area.

Biddy Mason, Sheila Levrant de Bretteville, Los Angeles

From Slavery to Entrepreneur

She was a remarkable woman with a remarkable story, speaking to us from an early Los Angeles.

SuperBowl XXI, Rose Bowl, Pasadena

Los Angeles County and the Super Bowl

Los Angeles County hosted the very first Super Bowl game in 1967, played between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, it has hosted another seven Super Bowls. Of the 57 Super Bowls played, Los Angeles County ranks third in number of times as host, following Miami-Dade County, Florida, and New Orleans Parish, Louisiana. It, however, holds all Super Bowl attendance records and is further scheduled to host a ninth game in the future.

Koreatown, Los Angeles

Languages Spoken at Home in L.A. County Cities and Communities

The Los Angeles region is one the most lingustically diverse metropolitan areas in the world. Here is a breakdown of languages spoken at home in individual communities throughout the county.

Race, Diversity, Population

Racial Composition of Each of L.A. County's Cities and Communities

A breakdown of the racial/ethnic composition of each of Los Angeles County's cities and unincorporated communities.

Shakeout Earthquake Scenario

What Will Happen When the "Big One" Hits L.A.?

What will happen when a major earthquake hits the Los Angeles region? This scenario details, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, how events might unfold.

Los Angeles Union Station

Amtrak Routes From/Through Los Angeles

Almost one million rail passengers annually board or alight Amtrak trains at Union Station in Los Angeles. Five Amtrak routes directly connect L.A. with cities from San Diego to Chicago and New Orleans.

First Tournament of Roses Football Game, 1902

Rose Bowl (Tournament of Roses) Game Results, From 1902

It is the oldest and, arguably, most prestigious of all post-season college football games. It is "the Granddaddy of them all."

The Christmas Tree by Winslow Homer, 1858

Southern California's First Christmas Tree

This is the story of the first Christmas tree ever erected anywhere in Southern California.

Mexican Fandango

Christmas in Early Los Angeles

The earliest descriptions of Christmas in L.A. sounded fun, but, perhaps, a bit different from today.

Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena

Christmas Tree Lane

The oldest large-scale Christmas lighting display in the world and a seasonal delight to generations of Christmastime visitors.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles: An Expensive City in Which to Live

Angelenos know their city is expensive. Just where does Los Angeles rank for cost-of-living among other cities?

Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park

Largest Employers in Los Angeles County

There are 4.7 million people working in Los Angeles County. Almost 1 in 5 are employed by this list of 95 of the county's largest employers.

Earthquake, Damage, Home

Now is the Time to Prepare For This...

There is a high probability of a very violent earthquake in Southern California. The time to prepare for it is before it happens.

Female, Woman, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Los Angeles

Los Angeles County's Women Veterans

Women from Los Angeles County have served this country admirably in uniform. We are also home to one of the largest concentrations of female veterans in the United States.

La Brea Tar Pits, Ice Age, Mammoths, Los Angeles

12 Things You Should Know About the La Brea Tar Pits

Among the amazing museums you can visit in Los Angeles, one is extraordinarily unique.

Mystical Woman

Mysterious L.A.: Vampires in Los Angeles

It was claimed that Los Angeles had the highest concentration of vampiric persons in the world.

Underground Civilization

Mysterious L.A.: The Legend of an Underground World

The legend of a civilization of "lizard people" living below what is now Los Angeles is one of the city's great folklores.

Neighborhood Sign, Century City, Los Angeles

Place Names in Los Angeles County - Meanings and Origins

The previous feature related the stories behind iconic Spanish names around Los Angeles County. Here we look at the meanings behind other placenames aound L.A. and L.A. County.

Iconic Spanish Names, Los Angeles County

Iconic Spanish Names of Los Angeles County

These Spanish names are seen across Los Angeles County. Who were behind these names?

Dia de los Muertos, Olvera Street

The Hispanic/Latino Population of Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has, by far, the largest Hispanic/Latino population of any county in the United States, more than twice that of the second-ranked county. The population is as diverse as it is vast.

U.S. Navy Frigate U.S.S. Congress, 1852

Military Installations in Los Angeles County

The U.S. military has been in Los Angeles since 1846 and has continually been present ever since.

Map Overlay of Racially-Assessed Communities from 1939

The Redlining of Los Angeles

At one time, your opportunities for buying or improving a home in most places in Los Angeles County were highly restricted if you had the wrong skin color or religion or were even neighborly with people of the wrong skin color or religion.

Little League World Series, South Williamsport, 2007

Little League World Series Champions from Los Angeles County

Little League baseball teams from Los Angeles County became Little League World Series Champions seven times (including El Segundo winning the 2023 championship). One team won the championship two years in a row.

Household Expenses

Real Cost Measure for Households - Los Angeles County

Annual official government poverty measures focus on the cost of food and groceries. A report from the United Way, however, calculates in the financial impact on households of a greater range of costs, such as housing, health care, child care, transportation and other basic daily living needs.

Child, Population

Projected Population for Los Angeles County Through 2060

Perhaps for the first time ever, population projections for Los Angeles County see a drop of up to 1.7 million residents over the next four decades.

View of LA from Mount St Mary's University

Record Temperatures in Los Angeles

Although scientists told us that, globally, this July 2023 was the warmest July ever recorded, that was not so with Los Angeles. L.A.'s highest average temperature ever recorded for July was 79.9 degrees in 2006. In July 2023, L.A. averaged 74.9 degrees. That said, August typically comes in as L.A.'s overall warmest month and September holds L.A.'s highest temperature records.

Crime, Crime Scene Tape

Crime in Los Angeles County

Crime and crime rates in L.A. County from 1985 through 2022.

Disney Concert Hall

Orchestras and Choirs/Vocal Ensembles in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County may boast of having one of the finest orchestras in the world. The county is also home to dozens of other formally-organized orchestras, believed to be the most in any U.S. county.

Armed U.S. servicemen on Los Angeles streets during Zoot Suit Riots

Los Angeles Zoot Suit Riots, 1943

While a war for freedom raged across two oceans, one of the worst episodes of racial violence in 20th century America exploded in Los Angeles.

Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy

The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, Los Angeles, June 5, 1968

Fifty-Five years ago, amidst a nation torn by conflict at home and abroad, millions looked to Robert Kennedy in hope. That came to a tragic end on a kitchen floor in Los Angeles.

Guns, Los Angeles County, Sheriff

Gun Homicides in Los Angeles County

Homicides by firearm are definitely up in Los Angeles County, as they are across the country. However, the numbers are not nearly as bad as they were in the past.

First Gay Pride Parade, Hollywood, 1970

World's First Officially-Permitted LGBTQ Pride Parade

In 1970, the world's first LGBTQ marches and rallies were held around the United States. Only one event, however, was officially permitted by local authorities. It was held in Hollywood.

Eduljee Sorabjee, India, Immigrant, Citizenship, Los Angeles

First South Asian Immigrant to Become a U.S. Citizen

Eduljee Sorabjee crossed the world from India to England to New York, finally settling in Los Angeles. It was here that he made history.

Languages, Grand Park, Los Angeles

Language Spoken at Home in Los Angeles County

English and Spanish are the languages most spoken in homes in L.A. County. What other languages do Angelenos speak at home?

Crime in L.A. County Cities

One city in Los Angeles County was almong those with the highest crime rates in three of four violent crime categories. Two other cities reported no violent crime at all.

Local Names From Agoura Hills to Whittier

What Do You Call People From...

People from Los Angeles are commonly called "Angelenos." So what are people from Burbank or Long Beach called?

Studebaker Plant in Vernon

Los Angeles' Auto Manufacturing Past

Los Angeles County once rivaled Detroit as a center for auto manufacturing.

Los Angeles County, Women, Judges, Police, Sheriff, Law Enforcement, Courts

Los Angeles County's Historic Women Behind the Badge and the Bench

These are the women who made history in Los Angeles County as law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders and judges.

Civil Engineers Marilyn Reece and Carol Schumaker, 1964

Women Who Built L.A. Freeways

If you've driven across the freeways of Los Angeles County, you've probably driven across the work of these women.

Imagined Tornado Over Los Angeles

Do Tornadoes Occur in Los Angeles County?

L.A. has wildfires. It has earthquakes. Does L.A. also have tornadoes?

George H.W. Bush and Family, 1947

Five U.S. Presidents Lived in L.A.County

Five U.S. Presidents, at some point in their lives, made their home in Los Angeles County.

African American, Heritage, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Los Angeles

L.A.'s African American Legacy in Science, Engineering & Medicine

Eleven people connected to Los Angeles County broke racial barriers and made their marks in science, engineering, medicine.

Image Portrayal of Founders of Los Angeles, 1781

African American History & the Founding of Los Angeles

L.A.’s founders were perhaps the most ethnically diverse group of founders for any major city in America. Half of them were of African descent.

Homes, Value, Venice, Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles County Home Values by Zip Code

What is the typical single-family home value in your zip code?

Monterey Park, Star Ballroom Studio, 2023

Deadliest Mass Shootings in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has fortunately not seen the most horrific mass shootings in the nation. However, including the most recent shooting in Monterey Park, it has seen some terrible incidents.

Los Angeles Bulldogs, Cleveland Rams, Gilmore Stadium, Los Angeles, 1938

Professional Football in Los Angeles County

The Rams have a long history with Los Angeles. Yet, even before them, among others, were the Shamrocks, the Stars, the Bulldogs, and the Dons.

Snow at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1949

Snow in Los Angeles County

Yes, it has snowed in Los Angeles.

Judaism in Los Angeles County

Outside of Israel, Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world.

Great Blue Heron, Legg Lake

Environmental Organizations in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has an array of environmental organizations seeking to improve and protect our natural environment and educate and engage residents to do our part.

Original Native People of Los Angeles County

Original People of Los Angeles County

About 3,000 years ago, people began permanently populating what is now Los Angeles County. Their descendants are still here.

Los Angeles County Vote Center, Staples Center, 2020

Los Angeles County Voter Turnout

In three of the last five midterm elections (from 2006 through 2022), more than half of registered voters in Los Angeles County turned out to vote. In fact, close to 60 percent of registered Angelenos voted in the midterm election of 2018.

Los Angeles County Midterm General Election Turnout, 2014

Los Angeles County Voter Turnout

In Los Angeles County elections, only 1 out of every 3 eligible voters, on average, selects who governs us and how we are governed. Oftentimes less.

Political Party Registration, Los Angeles County, 2022

Los Angeles County's Registered Voters by Political Party

Los Angeles County is essentially a "Sea of Blue," where Democrat party voter registrants dominate. However, there are a few enclaves where registered Republicans hold sway. There is even one community where "No Party Preference" registrations outnumber all other party registrations.

The White Lady of Elysian Park

Mysterious L.A.: The Woman in White of Elysian Park

She is said to have haunted Elysian Park since at least World War II.

Rancho Los Feliz Adobe, Circa 1900

Mysterious L.A.: The Curse of Griffith Park

It is the great park of Los Angeles, but lore says that it is cursed.

Geology, Marine, California

Mysterious L.A.: Underwater Alien Base Off Malibu?

An unusual geologic feature exists underwater off the coast of Malibu. Some think it may actually be extraterrestrial.

Los Angeles, City Council, Resignations

Los Angeles City Council's Less-Than-Honorable Resignations

Only a handful of Los Angeles City Council members had to leave office for less-than-honorable reasons.

Mexican Food Business in Grand Central Market

The Spanish Language in Los Angeles

Is Spanish really a foreign language to Los Angeles?

Woman Mariachi Singer, Los Angeles

Hispanics/Latinos in Los Angeles County - By the Numbers

Hispanics/Latinos are the largest and second oldest ethnic population in Los Angeles County. Here is a quick numerical profile.

International Flags, USC

Foreign-Born Population of Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County may arguably be one of the most international metropolitan areas in the world. One in every three residents was born outside the United States.

 LAUSD Children

Los Angeles Unified School District by the Numbers

The Los Angeles Unified School District enrolls more than a half million students and ranks as the nation's second largest school district. Here is a statistical snapshot.

Student Behind Books

Tuition - Four-Year Colleges & Universities in L.A. County

Some of Los Angeles County's colleges and universities are not only among the highest rated, but also among the most expensive.

Getty Center, Los Angeles

Largest Foundations in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County's largest foundation, if it were a public corporation, would rank, by assets, 400th on the Fortune 500 list of corporations.

Palm Trees Along Los Angeles Skyline

Record Temperatures in Los Angeles

August tends to be the warmest month in Los Angeles. September is the month in which our highest temperatures have been reached.

Olympics, Los Angeles, Memorial Coliseum, 2017

The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles

It was announced that the opening ceremonies for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, will be on July 14, 2028. The 2028 Games, like previous Olympiads in Los Angeles, will yet again mark a first in Olympic history.

Los Angeles County Jail

Los Angeles County Jail System by the Numbers

Los Angeles County, being the nation's largest county, also has the largest jail system in the nation.

Scientists, LGBTQ

Historic L.A. LGBTQ in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Four historic and accomplished LGBTQ scientists in Los Angeles County.

Median Income, Money, Households

Median Household Income by Community and Race in Los Angeles County

Household income varies dramatically between communities and races.

Death, Mortality, Statistics

Causes of Death for Angelenos

In recent years, more than 80,000 residents of Los Angeles County die each year. Here is a breakdown by cause, sex, race, age group, and region of the county.

Soaring Camellia Square, Temple City

"Most Chinese" Communities in America

The ten "most Chinese" communities in America are all in Los Angeles County and all in just one corner of the county.

Red Los Angeles Skyline

The Warming of Los Angeles

Since the 1940s, Los Angeles has gotten warmer. It appears that the future Los Angeles will be warmer yet.

Sanitation, Garbage, Solid Waste

Solid Waste Disposal in Los Angeles County

During 2020, Los Angeles County generated more than 31 million tons of solid waste. Where does it all go?

Sheriff, Badge, Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County's Most Regrettable Sheriffs

Some of those who served as Sheriff of Los Angeles County didn't behave as citizens would have hoped. One of them currently wears the star.

Japanese American, Relocation, Los Angeles, 1942

February 19, 1942 - The Day 37,000 Angelenos Were Ordered Removed From Los Angeles County

America was at war and some of its citizens were considered to be threats.

Henry J. Lewis, Marilyn Horne, Los Angeles, 1961

Henry J. Lewis - First African American Instrumentalist in a Major Symphony Orchestra

Until the mid-20th century, no African American had ever played in a major symphony orchestra. That changed in 1948 Los Angeles, with a young musical prodigy.

William J. Powell, Jefferson High School, Aviation, Los Angeles

William J. Powell - Black Aviation Pioneer

Until 1929, African Americans were dissuaded from being in aviation. That began to change after William Powell arrived in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Rams, Super Bowl LVI, SoFi Stadium, 2022

The Rams in the Super Bowl (and Other League Championship Games)

The Rams have appeared in five Super Bowls and become NFL champions in two of them.

Grapevine Route, Los Angeles County

The Grapevine in Southern California

This stretch of highway is almost as well known to Angelenos as the Hollywood Freeway.

Walt Disney Company, Disneyland

Largest Publicly-Owned Companies Based in L.A. County

The combined market value of the 23 largest publicly-owned companies headquartered in Los Angeles County is about $600 billion. They employ more than half a million people worldwide.

Aging

Life Expectancy in Los Angeles County

Generally, Los Angeles County residents are projected to live longer than Americans overall. However, this apparently doesn't apply equally across our population.

Radio, Broadcasting, Los Angeles

Most Popular Radio Stations in Los Angeles Market

The Los Angeles metro area is the second largest market for radio in the nation, with more than 80 percent of 11.4 million listeners, age 12 and older, tuning in on any given week. Of the 112 on-air stations available to L.A. County listeners, which ones are the most popular?

Money, Income

Median Household Income by Zip Code in Los Angeles County

Median household income ranges from $21,635, in one Los Angeles County zip code, to $209,531, in another, among the county's 282 zip codes.

Draftees, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Vietnam War, Army, 1967

L.A.'s Draftees During the Vietnam War

On Veterans Day, we celebrate all who in served this country in military service. Here we wish to note the young Angelenos who involuntarily gave up their personal freedoms and, for some, even their lives for this country.

Elizabeth Lake, Los Angeles County, California

Mysterious L.A.: The Monster of Elizabeth Lake?

Lore has it that a monster once terrorized those who lived near a lake in Los Angeles County.

Devil's Gate, Arroyo Seco

Mysterious L.A.: The Devil's Gate - Gateway to Hell?

The Devil's Gate area has long been cast in a mysterious and dark shadow.

UFO, Alien, Los Angeles

Mysterious L.A.: UFOs Over Los Angeles County

Airplanes, helicopters, blimps and drones aren't the only craft said to fly in the skies over Los Angeles County.

Miguel Leonis Adobe, Calabasas, 1960

Mysterious L.A.: Haunted in Los Angeles County

The live appearances of some of L.A.'s famous residents may not be so live.

Jaime Escalante, Ellen Ochoa, John Olivas and France Cordova

Hispanic Heritage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Four people of Hispanic and Los Angeles heritage who set high bars (some literally) in math, science and engineering.

9-11 Memorial, New York

Remembering 9/11 Victims from Los Angeles County

On September 11, 2001, as a result of terrorist attacks, 2,996 people died in New York City, Washington, D.C. and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Of these, 25 were from Los Angeles County.

Census, Population, Los Angeles

2020 vs. 2010 - New U.S. Census Numbers for Los Angeles County

The new U.S. Census numbers for 2020 are now out. How different is Los Angeles County's population than in 2010?

Earthquake Damage in Northridge, 1994

The Big One is Coming. Prepare For It.

There is at least a 36 percent chance of a large, very destructive earthquake in the Los Angeles region. We should prepare ourselves and our families for "The Big One."

Gasoline, Energy, Gilmore

The Cost to Fill Your Tank

Summer 2021 gasoline prices in Los Angeles County were the highest in seven years.

Tokyo Olympics, 2021

Los Angeles County in the Tokyo Olympics, 2021

Competing with the U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo were 65 athletes with ties to Los Angeles County.

Moya Family in Los Angeles, 1952

The Growth of L.A. County's Population Since 1850

In just under 170 years, Los Angeles County's population went from less than 4,000 people to more than 10 million.

Los Angeles County Among US States

If Los Angeles County Were Itself a State...

The population of Los Angeles County alone is larger than that of most U.S. states. Population-wise, if Los Angeles County were itself actually a state on its own (and, geographically, it is larger than either of the states of Rhode Island or Delaware), where would it rank among U.S. states?

College, Higher Education

Enrolled in College - L.A. County High School Graduates, 12 Months Later

How many Los Angeles County high school graduates are found in college 12 months after graduation?

Hawaiian Dancers

L.A.'s Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders

Los Angeles County's Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population may be relatively small amidst the county's larger population. It is, however, the second largest such population of any U.S. county (second only to Honolulu County, Hawaii).

Mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles

Religious Affiliation in Los Angeles County

In the Los Angeles area, 75 percent of adults are said to claim some sort of religious affiliation. Although the largest share are Catholic believers, they are not even close to a majority of L.A.'s people of faith.

NASA, Mars, Rover, Perseverance

Another Angeleno Lands on Mars

NASA's fifth Mars rover has successfully landed on Mars. The rovers are all built and operated from our own back yard.

President Abraham Lincoln, 1863

At One Time: An Unpopular President in L.A.

Although Abraham Lincoln is today ranked as one of America's greatest presidents, he was, at one time, deeply unpopular in Los Angeles County.

Vintage Photo of African American Nursing Graduate, Undated

A Fight for the Right to Care in Los Angeles

Los Angeles was the setting for a significant early 20th century civil rights victory.

Race, Ethnicity, Los Angeles County

Economic and Health Racial Disparities in Los Angeles County in Six Stark Charts

Reenactors of Battle of Rio San Gabriel, 1847

Mexico's Last Stand in California

In January 1847, Los Angeles was the final holdout against a U.S. military invasion of Mexican California. On the morning of January 8, anxious defenders were dug in for a fight, anxiously awaiting approaching American troops.

Los Angeles Holiday Shoppers, 1918

L.A.'s First Pandemic Christmas

As we make our way through what has become a horrific pandemic holiday season, it may help to know that Angelenos have survived this before. It may even sound familiar.

Happy Hanukkah Menorah

First Public Hanukkah Menorah on the West Coast

Public Christmas trees have been a beloved feature of American holiday seasons since the early 20th century. Public Hanukkah menorahs, however, the most important symbol of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, are more recent. Los Angeles saw one of the earliest installations.

Homeless in Los Angeles County

Disability in Los Angeles County

Almost one million people in Los Angeles County manage their lives with a physical disability.

Yaangna Village, Indian, Gabrieleno, Gabrielino, Tongva, Kizh

Yaangna - Early Los Angeles Community

For a period of time, it was the largest community in what is now Los Angeles.

La Brea Woman imagined at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

Los Angeles County's Earliest Known Resident

Long before Wilshire Boulevard and Hollywood, she lived here. It did not seem, however, to end well.

Jerry West on the Court

Lakers in the NBA Finals

The Los Angeles Lakers lead the NBA for total number of NBA Championships and total Final games won.

Leading Causes of Premature_Death

Mortality in Los Angeles County

63,000 people die each year in Los Angeles County. What are the leading causes?

Young People at Manzanar Relocation Camp, California, 1943

Friendship in the Face of Injustice

It is one thing to speak out against injustice. It is another to accept it as your own.

Medical, Nurse, Hospital

Labor Day by the Numbers

Some quick numbers about Los Angeles County workers.

Cost of Education

Cost of Educating a Pupil, K-12, in Los Angeles County

What does it cost to provide a public education for our kids in Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles Alligator Farm, ca. 1900

The Late, Great Animal Amusements of Los Angeles County

Angelenos once mounted ostriches and alligators, gawked at celebrity lions, threw peanuts at monkeys, and cheered killer whales.

Mars Rovers

Things Invented or Introduced in Los Angeles County

17 things that were invented or introduced in our own backyard.

Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center Sign

Licensed Hospitals in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County's 124 hospitals serve more than 10 million people and range in size from 12 beds at Catalina Island Medical Center to almost 900 beds at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Consumer Spending, L.A. County, January Through July 2

Los Angeles County Consumer Spending

As happened across the nation, after the COVID-19 outbreak, consumer spending in Los Angeles County fell considerably from January through July 2020. Source: Opporutnity Insights Economic Tracker.

Click on chart for larger image

Fort Moore Memorial Wall, Los Angeles

California's First Independence Day Celebration

California's first Independance Day celebration was held in Los Angeles in 1847, but, Angelenos then may have found a bit of irony in it.

Inkwell Beach, Santa Monica, 1926

The Segregated Beaches of Los Angeles County

For a period of time, for some Angelenos who wished to enjoy a day at the beach, their options were limited.

Cooper Do-nuts Sign Sketch

Long Before Stonewall, LGBTQ Angelenos Rose Against Injustice

By the time of the historic 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York, LGBTQ Angelenos had already risen up against unrelenting police abuses.

This May Have Been L.A.'s Largest Wave of Unemployment Ever

Almost one million Angelenos found themselves unemployed in April 2020. This was likely the worst unemployment experienced by Los Angeles County since the Great Depression.

PPE, Face Sheilds, Manufacturing, Los Angeles

Joining Together to Make Face Shields for L.A.'s Frontline

Join a collective effort to manufacture face shields for front-line workers in Los Angeles County.

In the Grocery Store

Poverty Guidelines in Los Angeles County

At what point does one fall beneath the poverty level in Los Angeles County?

Paralegal at Work

Fastest Growing Occupations in Los Angeles County

Here are projections for the fastest growing occupations in Los Angeles County.

Toypurina

California's Joan of Arc

She is the only Native American woman known to have led a revolt against white domination.

Coyote, Griffith Park

Coyotes in Los Angeles County

Besides humans, they are considered the top predator in Los Angeles County.

Couple with Pet Dog

Pet Ownership in Los Angeles County

More than half of Los Angeles County households are estimated to have at least one type of pet animal or another. How many pet households are in your community and what kind of pets do they own?

Red Cross Motor Squads in St. Louis drill to meet the Influenza Epidemic, 1918

When Los Angeles Last Faced a Pandemic

Today's coronavirus threat is not the first time Angelenos faced a frightening pandemic. We can learn something from that last experience.

America's First Woman Police Officer

Los Angeles Police Officer Alice Stebbins Wells was the first woman in America to serve fully as a police officer.

Clara Shortridge Foltz, Circa 1900

A Pioneering Woman Attorney

If you today face a criminal charge and cannot afford to hire a defense attorney, thank Clara Shortridge Foltz.

Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles, Restaurants

Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles

It is the only Los Angeles neighborhood to recognize an African culture. It also made U.S. history.

Congressional Districts, Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County in the U.S. Congress

Among those members of Congress representing Los Angeles County, prominently involved in the current impeachment process in Washington D.C., is Adam Schiff (Democrat, 28th District) and Kevin McCarthy (Republican, 23rd District). Los Angeles County is represented by 18 of the 53 people elected from California to the U.S. House of Representatives. It has the largest congressional roster representing any county in the United States.

Postcards, Greetings from Los Angeles, California

Greetings From Los Angeles:
Vintage Postcard Views of Los Angeles County

Take a tour of Los Angeles County's past through our online exhibit of more than 500 vintage postcards.

Tour in the Rain at the Getty Center

Los Angeles Seasonal Rainfall Since 1877

Los Angeles has recorded each season's total rainfall since 1877.

Map of Los Angeles County

88 Cities and 138 Other Communities

The City of Los Angeles is one among 87 other cities and 138 unincorporated communities that make up the "crazy-quilt" that is Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles County Archives, 222 North Hill Street, Room 212

Los Angeles County Archives & Records Center

Here, Los Angeles County keeps and dispenses copies of 94 years of its court files, dated from 1910 through 2004.

Car Radio Display

Most Popular Radio Stations in the Los Angeles Area

With more than 11 million potential listeners every day, the Los Angeles metro area is the second largest radio market in the nation. So, what stations do we like to listen to?

Postcard of Denny's Coffee Shop

Los Angeles County Origins of Some Famous Food Empires

Some well-known restaurant empires had their origins right here in Los Angeles County.

Emergency Room

Emergency Rooms in Los Angeles County

In 2018, there were 3,238,050 visits to the 75 hospital emergency departments in Los Angeles County.

Gasoline Pump

Gasoline Prices in Los Angeles County

March 1990 was when Los Angeles County last saw gasoline prices below $1.00 per gallon. By 2008, it hit its record peak.

Traffic in Montebello

How Angelenos Commute to Work

What U.S. Census surveys tell us about how Los Angeles County commuter patterns have changed over the last 30 years.

Pasadena City Hall

20 Interesting Things About Pasadena

Let's start with one of the most beautiful public buildings in Southern California. Then there's booze, silly string, occultists, comedy, one amazing athlete...

Wireless, Phones, Voice, Texting, Devices, Smartphones

Wireless Use in Los Angeles County - By the Numbers

Just how much are people on their wireless devices in Los Angeles County?

Apollo 11 Saturn V Launch, 1969

From Downey, California, to the Moon

50 years ago, human beings accomplished what was arguably our most amazing engineering feat ever – to set foot upon the surface of the moon. Downey had an important part in making that happen.

Los Angeles Trade Tech College Fashion Show, 2015

Fashion Schools in Los Angeles County

The $18 billion fashion industry in Los Angeles County is the largest in the nation. It is supported by an impressive array of local fashion schools.

Fireworks Show

Ten Wonderful July 4th Fireworks Shows Around Los Angeles County

Angelenos have a variety of great venues in which to celebrate Independence Day with fun and fireworks. Here are ten to enjoy, among other places, on an island, in a ball park or cemetery or among monster trucks.

Avalon Harbor, Santa Catalina Island

22 Interesting Things About Avalon & Santa Catalina Island

No. You do not need a passport to visit the island, although, some have argued differently.

Chef at Work Catering an Event

What People Earn by Occupation in Los Angeles County

Explore the range of earnings among 727 different occupations in Los Angeles County.

USMC Lance Corporals Jose Gutierrez and Francisco Martínez-Flores

Two of America's Earliest Battlefield Casualties in Iraq - Immigrants

Two U.S. Marines from Los Angeles County were the 1st and 49th Americans in the Iraq War to have sacrificed their lives for their country. At the time of their deaths, however, these two American marines were not actually American.

Clump of Quercus Palmeri, Palmer's Oak, 1931

Very Ancient in Southern California

Some say that, besides geology and fossils, there is nothing ancient in Southern California. Actually, there exists something here that is 13,000 years old and still lives. Yet, that may not be for much longer.

Income Dollars and Cents

Median Household Income by Zip Code - Los Angeles County

At the high end, one zip code has a median household income of $184,722. At the low end, it's $12,864.

Angels Over Los Angeles

Largest Religious Bodies in Los Angeles County

More than half of Angelenos are affiliated with religious groups. And they range far and wide.

Redondo Beach Farmer's Market

Certified Farmers Markets in Los Angeles County

We may be one of the most urbanized regions in the nation, but we still have direct access to farmers.

Walt Disney Studios Alameda Avenue Entrance

Movie and Television Studios in Los Angeles County

They are perhaps the most exotic factories in the world...and perhaps in human history.

Guitar Center in Monterey Park

Largest Privately-Owned Companies Based in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County's eight largest privately-owned companies took in $30 billion and employed more than 93,000 people.

And one sells cool guitars.

Vintage LA Freeways Postcard

The Arteries of Los Angeles County

If Los Angeles County freeways were straightened and lined-up end-to-end, they would almost reach Oregon or New Mexico.

Georgia Frontiere with Super Bowl XXXIV Trophy, 2000

The Rams in the Super Bowl & Other League Championship Games

Before they face the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3, the Rams appeared in three prior Super Bowls and three League Championships before that.

Black Bear, Malibu Creek State Park

Bears in Los Angeles County

By the early 20th Century, bears had been hunted to extinction in Southern California. So where do today's backyard-crashing, pool and jacuzzi-wading bears in Los Angeles County come from?

Table upon which Treaty of Cahuenga was signed, 1847

The Day Los Angeles (and all California) Became American

On January 13, 1847, at this table, in what is now Los Angeles, the future of California was settled.

The Grove in Fairfax Neighborhood of Los Angeles

Major Shopping Malls in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County offers the largest (and, arguably, the most exciting) retail landscape in the United States.

Alex Villanueva, Candidate for Los Angeles County Sheriff

A New Sheriff in Town

He was the "dark horse" candidate for Sheriff of Los Angeles County and he ended up breaking a number of century-old precedences.

Marionettes of Bob Baker's Marionette Theater in Downtown LA

Bob Baker Marionettes Say "Goodbye" ...to Downtown Los Angeles

It is the oldest children's theater company in Los Angeles and the longest-running puppet theater in the country. It had to bid good-bye to its theater of 55 years.

Map Illustration of Santa Ana Winds Over Southern California

Should They be Called "Santa Ana" or "Santana" Winds?

We call these superhot winds the "Santa Ana" or, sometimes, "Santana" Winds. Perhaps we are getting it all wrong.

Elizabeth Lake, Los Angeles County, California

Mysterious L.A.: The Monster of Elizabeth Lake

Lore has it that a monster once terrorized a lake in Los Angeles County.

Nike Hercules Air-Defense Missile

The Missiles of Los Angeles

At one time, the Los Angeles region was surrounded by a secret ring of nuclear-tipped missiles.

Mount San Antonio (Old Baldy) Seen From Montebello

Mountain Peaks in Los Angeles County

Above the Los Angeles metropolis are towering mountain ranges rising up to 10,000 feet.

Upcoming Angeleno

Future Diversity of Los Angeles County

What will the racial diversity of Los Angeles County look like 40 years from now?

La Merced Elementary, Montebello

School Districts of Los Angeles County

Including the second largest school district in the nation among them, they educate about 1.5 million K-12 students each year.

Los Angeles Basin From Space, 2013

A Huge Bowl of Sand

The Los Angeles Basin is actually a gigantic bowl of sand.

Atomic Cafe

Atomic Café

It became an iconic Los Angeles eatery that blended Japanese, American, pop atomic-age and punk rock culture.

Map of Most Populous Cities in Los Angeles County

Most Populous Cities in Los Angeles County

Population-wise, as in pretty much every other category, the city of Los Angeles is the "900-pound gorilla" of Los Angeles County. But, which of the other 87 cities have large populations?

Sunset Over L.A.

Hottest Time of Year

July is always a hot month for Los Angeles and August, on average, is the hottest. There is another month, however, that is more likely to break heat records.

Photo by Webstep, courtesy Pixabay.com.

Gang Arrest by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations

Gangs of Los Angeles

Los Angeles is nicknamed the "Gang Capital of the United States."

Most Regrettable Mayors of Los Angeles

The Most Regrettable Mayors of Los Angeles

Name a major U.S. city where a mayor resigned from office to lead a lynch mob.

Image of LA With Palms in Background

Nicknames for Los Angeles

We use one all the time. Some are historical. Some are about our most iconic industry.

Vehicles Per Freeway Mile in Los Angeles County

Cars, Trucks and Los Angeles Freeways

Of course, not every vehicle on L.A. freeways is registered here and not every vehicle registered here is on the freeway at the same time. Just enough of them are. That is why Los Angeles ranks as the most traffic-congested city in the world.

Miles of Public Roads in Los Angeles County
Vehicles Registered in Los Angeles County

Map of City of Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods of the City of Los Angeles

140 major neighborhoods make up the City of Los Angeles. Here are their populations and racial compositions.

Female Mountain Lion Above Los Angeles Lights

Lions in Los Angeles

There are only two cities in the world in which big wild cats freely roam.

Volcanic Eruption

Can a Volcanic Eruption Occur in Los Angeles?

There are eight threatening volcanoes in California. Is the Los Angeles region in the danger zone?

Portrait of Biddy Mason, 1818-1891

Some Notable Women in Los Angeles History

They were pioneers, police officers, aviators, activists, leaders.

Los Angeles Conservancy Art Deco Tour

Los Angeles Conservancy

America's largest local preservation organization not only works to preserve L.A. history, but to eagerly share it.

First Academy Awards, 1929

Locations of the Academy Awards Ceremony

Since 1929, the Academy Awards Ceremony has been held at nine different locations in Los Angeles (and one in Santa Monica).

Marriage

Perez vs. Sharp - End to California Miscegenation Laws

In 1947, a young Los Angeles County couple were not allowed to marry because of skin color. Their love ended up changing the law in California.

Sunny, Adopted From SEACCA

Animal Shelters of Los Angeles County

In recent years, approximately 102,000 dogs and cats each year are taken just into the shelters of Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles.

First El Camino Real Bell, 1906

Mission Bells Along El Camino Real

What are those bells placed along streets and highways in Los Angeles County (and throughout California)?

CalTech Beckman Institute, Pasadena

4-Year+ Colleges & Universities in Los Angeles County

Among Los Angeles County's colleges and universities are some of the best in the nation.