RANK #790 / 996 · POP 9,936,690 · CA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.5%
Encompassing 88 incorporated cities, Los Angeles County is a vast and diverse region in Southern California, known for its expansive urban landscape, iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, and a unique blend of cultures. The county stretches from the Pacific coastline, offering beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica, to mountainous areas with hiking and equestrian trails. Its Mediterranean climate provides sunny weather year-round, contributing to its high natural amenity rating. Commute options include an extensive Metro Rail and bus system, Metrolink commuter rail, and various rideshare programs, though traffic congestion remains a significant factor. The Los Angeles Unified School District is one of many public school districts, alongside numerous private institutions.
Life in Los Angeles County is shaped by its diverse communities and economic landscape. The county's economy, approaching $1 trillion, is driven by international trade, entertainment, aerospace, and tourism, with a significant creative economy. While the region added jobs in 2024, residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, particularly housing. Major investments are flowing into commercial and residential development, as well as the energy sector, contributing to ongoing economic shifts. The county's extensive park system, including 63,000 acres of parks, lakes, and trails, provides abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 9.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Eland Solar-plus-Storage Center
Arevon (with LADWP and Glendale Water and Power as off-takers)
|
$2,000M | Operating |
|
Scattergood Generating Station Hydrogen Retrofit (Units 1 & 2)
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
|
$800M | Under Construction |
|
General Hospital and West Campus Redevelopment
LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (with Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Century Housing Corporation)
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Humidor Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project
Fullmark Energy
|
$300M | Operating |
|
Covina Reliability Project
RWE
|
$110M | Planned |
|
Willowbrook Wellness Campus (Affordable Housing Development)
LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (with Linc Housing, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Century Housing Corporation)
|
$100M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Los Angeles County has a Boom Town Index score of 21/100, ranking #790 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $83,411, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Los Angeles County is $732,200 with median rent at $1,805/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1139, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed -1.1% in the past 12 months.