A survey released on August 9 revealed that half of the residents in Orange County, California, ranked third in population in the state, are considering moving.
The survey conducted by the School of Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine interviewed 1,100 current and former residents. The results showed that 51% of current residents are hoping to leave the county, with over a third actively considering relocating.
The survey indicated that the above percentages are particularly high among residents under 40, women, non-white residents, and those without a college education.
Most residents considering moving cited high housing and living costs, tax burdens, as well as issues like crime and traffic as the main reasons.
Jon Gould, the Dean of the School of Social Ecology, stated at the second annual County Outlook Luncheon in Newport Beach, “This survey provides a more comprehensive explanation of the risks Orange County is facing, as well as the motivations for residents to stay or leave.”
Gould mentioned, “Unlike other regions in California, Orange County has not experienced large-scale population outflow. Although the tendency for residents to leave Orange County is common, the county’s total population is close to 3.2 million, with a population loss of only about 1% in the past four years.”
However, he also expressed that the proportion of residents actively considering relocation suggests that “our coast is brewing a strong storm.”
Citing the latest polls, he stated that this is not unfounded, “Half of renters and one-fifth of homeowners expressed concerns last year about being able to pay housing costs; unless county officials take decisive action soon, the brewing storm threatens our future”.
Taking this opportunity, Gould called on government officials, business leaders, and community members to take action to build more affordable housing throughout the county.
He stated that the survey aims to address pressing issues within the county, such as the lack of affordable housing.
“Our goal is not only to study social problems. We also want to solve these problems,” he said.
According to the press release from UC Irvine, Orange County Supervisors Katrina Foley and Don Wagner stated that they have discussed ideas for increasing the construction of affordable housing.
Wagner said, “We need to build more homes.” He encouraged simplifying regulations related to economic housing development.
Foley seemed to agree, stating that the county government is considering a plan to provide 2% low-interest loans for affordable housing construction to address the issue. Foley said, “We do not want to lose the middle class or young professionals.”
The survey of former and current Orange County residents was conducted between March 20 and March 27 this year. Respondents were selected from the Orange County voter list and weighted according to data on gender, age, race, ethnicity, and educational background from the U.S. Census Bureau.