Sherman Releases Demographic Snapshot of San Fernando Valley

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Census Bureau issued a San Fernando Valley Report at the request of Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks).

The more than 1.86 million people who live in the Valley exceed the populations of all but the four largest cities in the United States—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. According to the latest census data, the Valley's population has increased 106,000 (6%) since 2010.

The Valley Census Report shows that Valley residents spend, on average, over a half-hour commuting to work, which is nearly 19% longer than the average American.  “I will use this to argue that we need more transportation infrastructure in the San Fernando Valley,” Sherman said.  “We need a subway through the Sepulveda Pass.”

The typical Valley family income is $64,059, 11% higher than the country as a whole.  However, nearly 2/5 of Valley homeowners spend over 35% of their income on housing, while nationwide just over 1/5 of American homeowners spend that much.  And over half of Valley renters spend over 35% of their income on housing.

While the Valley has a higher percentage of college graduates than America as a whole (34% to 31%), it also has more people without a high school diploma (19% for Valley, 13% for U.S.). This correlates with the Valley having a higher median income than America (by 11%) but also a somewhat higher percentage of families living in poverty (11.5% vs 10.5%).

The Valley Census Report offers an annual demographic snapshot of the San Fernando Valley to help community organizations, businesses, and government leaders make better-informed decisions affecting the Valley's future and help our region compete for its fair share of funding for transportation improvements, housing, and social service programs.

The boundaries used for the San Fernando Valley by the Census Bureau stretch from Calabasas to Glendale. See map below.

Census County Division Boundaries according to the U.S. Census Bureau