Life Expectancy Gap Of Nearly 6 Years Divides SFV Communities: Study

LOS ANGELES, CA — A recently released report found that life expectancy and overall wellbeing varies widely across the San Fernando Valley — the highest-ranked community has a life expectancy almost six years longer than the lowest-ranked one.

The rankings were determined by a study published this month by Measure of America that was funded in part by the county. The study, "A Portrait of Los Angeles County 2026," is a follow-up to a 2017 edition that has guided the decision-making of county departments and nonprofits.

"Through this report, we hope to build upon our roadmap and better understand the successes that have allowed us to expand our culturally responsive, community-based services, but also learn where we need to do more work and close gaps in outcomes," said Dr. Lisa H. Wong, director of the county Department of Mental Health. "This report will guide us on how we design programs and allocate resources."

The study uses the American Human Development Index to rank overall wellbeing in the county's neighborhoods, cities and unincorporated areas, as well as by race and ethnicity and gender. The index combines data on life expectancy, earnings and education into a single score ranging from 0 to 10.

Calabasas had the highest HDI score in the San Fernando Valley (8.98). The Arleta/Pacoima area had the lowest — almost half that of Calabasas, at 4.16.

Calabasas also had the highest life expectancy at birth (85.1 years). The Sun Valley/La Tuna Canyon area had the lowest: 79.2 years.

Calabasas also had the highest median personal earnings ($89,900) and educational index (8.98).

The Mission Hills/Panorama City/North Hills area had the Valley's lowest median earnings ($34,400), while the Arleta/Pacoima area had the lowest educational index.

For comparison, the county's lowest HDI value was in Southeast Los Angeles (3.03).

The Antelope Valley community of Sun Village had the lowest life expectancy at birth: 71.8. Residents there had a life expectancy 16 years shorter than in Westwood, which had the county's highest life expectancy (88.1).

The education index — calculated based on school enrollment and degree attainment — was highest in Westwood (9.91) and was lowest in the southeast LA County city of Maywood (1.67).

Median earnings were highest in Palos Verdes Estates ($120,200) and lowest in Westwood, home to a large population of UCLA students ($19,800). The city of Cudahy had the second-lowest median earnings ($28,300).

San Fernando Valley Communities Ranked By HDI

* indicates estimates with a higher degree of uncertainty, researchers said.

• View a table with the full set of data for all 149 LA County communities

The full study is available on Measure of America's website.