The State Of Black Los Angeles

A new report examines the state of Black Los Angeles, and finds that Black equality trails all other ethnic groups in Los Angeles.

1 minute read

July 25, 2005, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Urban League of Los Angles today released an extensive, 100-page study detailing 'The State of Black Los Angeles.' The findings indicate striking disparities in conditions for Blacks in Los Angeles compared to othermajor ethnic groups. Among the four major ethnic groups in Los Angeles--Blacks, Asians, Latinos and Whites—Blacks had the lowest Equality Index score (69 for Blacks, versus 98 forAsians, 71 for Latinos and 100 for Whites), determined by a compilation of data on economics, housing, health, education, criminal justice and civic engagement.

Among the findings:

  • Blacks have the highest rate of homelessness, and are estimated to be 30% or more of the county's homeless population
  • Blacks have the lowest median household income at $31,905 compared to Latinos at $33,820 and whites at $53,978
  • 47% of Black adults attended college, but only 18% actually complete a bachelor’sdegree or higher, compared to 43% of Asians, 38% of Whites and 7% of Latinos whohave college degrees
  • Blacks rate highest of all groups in civic engagement, including citizenship, voting,military service and union membership

    Modeled after the National Urban League’s 'State of Black America' report, the study provides a snapshot of African Americans in Los Angeles, one of the nation's largestBlack metropolitan areas.
  • Thanks to Frank O'Brien

    Sunday, July 24, 2005 in United Way, Los Angeles

    Young Professional

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

    Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

    Get top-rated, practical training for planners

    "Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

    Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

    A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

    September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

    Overlapping highways

    The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

    People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

    September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

    The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

    US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

    A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

    September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

    A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

    5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

    Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

    September 16 - Inside Climate News

    People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

    Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

    The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

    September 16 - Mass Transit

    A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

    Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

    The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

    September 16 - Smart Cities Dive

    FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

    After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

    Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

    The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.