The City of Santa Clarita is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County based on the 2000 Census. The City’s population is 162,900 and the Santa Clarita Valley is projected to grow to 243,104 by 2010. In 2003, the City of Santa Clarita was the 24th largest city in the State of California; the City was also named as the fastest growing city in Los Angeles County with populations of over 150,000.

The split between male and females in the city is roughly even (50.6% female/ 49.4% male).

The ethnic mix of the City’s population is not as diverse as the county’s population. Close to 80% of Santa Clarita’s population describes itself as White. However, due to the large influx of immigrants from a variety of countries as well as the large increase in multi-racial families, two new categories were created in the latest census – “Other 1 Race” and “2+ Races”.

More than 8 in 10 or 83.7% of the population of Santa Clarita are natives or U.S.-born. The remaining 16.3% of the population is foreign born. Of the foreign-born:

• 55.4% are from Latin America
• 25.6% are from Asia
• 12.1% are from Europe
• 4.2% are from Northern America
• 1.9% are from Africa
• 0.8% are from Oceania

Based on the entire population of Santa Clarita at least 5 years of age, three-fourths only speak English at home, and is a higher incidence than that found in the county or state in general.

In Santa Clarita, approximately 68% of those who speak a language other than English at home speak Spanish. An additional 14% speak an Asian or Pacific Island language at home.

Santa Clarita is a more affluent city compared to Los Angeles County as a whole and also to the state of national income data. The median household income for Santa Clarita in 2003 was $73,030. In comparison, the median household income for Los Angeles County is $46,105 Over one-third of Santa Clarita households earn between $75,000 and $149,000:

• Under $10,000: 6.6%
• $10,00 - $24,999: 5.6%
• $25,000 - $34,999: 7.0%
• $35,000 - $49,999: 11.8%
• $50,000 - $79,999: 20.7%
• $80,000 - $99,999: 17.1%
• $100,000 - $150,999: 20.2%
• $160,000 - $249,999: 8.53%
• $250,000 - $499,999: 1.9%
• Over $500,000: 0.06%

In the City of Santa Clarita, approximately 62% of the households are married with one-fourth being single. Slightly over one-half of the single households are headed by a male and the remaining 46% of the single household are headed by females.

With an unemployment rate as low as 3.6 percent, job opportunities abound in the Santa Clarita area. Business, Technology, and Industry thrive with nearly 8,000 businesses providing more than 69,000 jobs. Employment in Santa Clarita is comprised of more than one-third in the services sector followed by 18% in retail and wholesale trade. Manufacturing is the third largest employment sector at 13%.

Taxes in Los Angeles County follow the California system. The state sales tax rate for Los Angeles County was increased to 8.25 percent on Jan. 1, 2002. Personal income tax is based on earnings, and unemployment insurance is currently at 5.4 percent. Residents must pay taxes on real estate, car licenses, cigarettes, wine and liquor, inheritance and hotel beds. You will be taxed on any property you own based on its appraised value. The average property tax rate in California is 1.25 percent. You may qualify for exemptions if you are 65 or older, or a disabled veteran. Property tax questions may be directed to the L.A. County Assessor’s Office at 661-254-9550.