Wealth in the Valley : The Income Gap Keeps Growing

The San Fernando Valley is not only becoming more diverse racially and ethnically, it includes a wide variety of economic levels. Average household income levels vary throughout the Valley and the wealth gap is a big one.

At the low end is Arleta-Pacoima, with an average annual household income of $39,018, which is 14.8% lower than the Los Angeles city average of $45,789. Encino and Tarzana top Valley income levels at $86,548, 89% higher than the Los Angeles average.

Citywide, the lowest level is found in Westlake, where the average income is $21,204. Bel-Air-Beverly Crest has the city’s highest income at $195,119. Based on 1990 census data, the figures were compiled by Los Angeles planners while preparing a new General Plan.

Figures in parentheies indicate percentage of citywide average

City Population Income Percentage Sylmar 59,479 $47,493 (+3.7) Granada Hills 54,352 $63,538 (+38.8) Canoga Park-Winnetka 150,500 $59,804 (+30.6) Woodland Hills Chatsworth-Porter Ranch 79,784 $67,613 (+47.7) Northridge 58,867 $65,502 (+36.5) Reseda-W. Van Nuys 89,279 $43,764 (-4.4) Encino-Tarzana 66,487 $86,548 (+89.0) Sunland-Tujunga 52,919 $50,303 (+9.9) Sherman Oaks-Studio City- 68,221 $70,679 (+54.4) Toluca Lake North Hollywood 123,410 $39,208 (-14.4) Arleta-Pacoima 90,958 $39,018 (-14.8) Van Nuys-N. Sherman Oaks 136,889 $41,683 (-9.0) Mission Hills-Panorama 109,072 $39,823 (-13.0) City-North Hills Sun Valley 76,573 $42,207 (-7.8)

* Diverse Community, Common Goals

“It’s no surprise that there’s a disparity of income, it is a surprise to me how great it is. It kind of ties into the fact that there’s a lack of community in the Valley. Perhaps the disparity of income shows why someone at $86,000 doesn’t relate well to someone else in the Valley at $39,000, because their expectations are different. It’s hard to come up with a common denominator. People look at things differently. Our work is cut out for us.�

Even so, “we can live here peacefully and happily despite the income difference. The first thing that’s needed is communication, for people to understand the needs and interest of their area.�

Barry Smedberg, executive director, San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, a coalition of 275 congregations across the Valley.

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“The diversity in the Valley is the same that you see in the city. The Valley is diverse economically and ethnically, yet you find common concerns that cross all boundaries. There are certain things that people care about. Whether they are rich or poor, people are concerned about their safety. ... People don’t want people hanging around liquor stores in Sun Valley any more than they do on Ventura Boulevard. I think that people are much more alike than different.�

Joel Wachs, Los Angeles City Councilman

Two Valleys

income levels, as well as the San Diego Freeway divide the east and west Valleys. Southeast Valley: $48,312 Northeast Valley: $44,508 Northwest Valley: $56,538 Southwest Valley: $61,854 Citywide Average: $45,789

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Source: Los Angeles City Planning Department analysis of 1990 U.S. census data.