Solving Overcrowding Problems In The Golden State

Recent U.S. Census figures show that eight of the nation's tenmost crowded cities are in California, but there is widespread disagreement on how to remedy the situation.

1 minute read

June 15, 2001, 9:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


Recent U.S. Census figures show that eight of the nation's ten most crowded cities are in California. Crowding, as it is defined for these statistics, measures people per household, not per square mile. Housing advocates, civic leaders, and community groups have all spoken out about the implications of these census figures, particularly in Southern California, where seven of the nation's most crowded cities are located. Some are angry that working class families have been priced out of housing markets. Latino community leaders are concerned about the health and safety of recent immigrants. City officials are worried about strained city infrastructures. Although there is broad recognition of the state's crowding problem among public officials and community leaders, there is strong disagreement about the best solution to the dilemma.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Sunday, June 10, 2001 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

5 hours ago - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

6 hours ago - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

7 hours ago - Mass Transit