Annual Economic Indicators
POPULATION
Known for its exceptional quality of life, community-driven leadership, and top notch municipal services, Santa Clarita continues to attract new residents seeking a safe and beautiful place to call home. With 218,103 residents (as of January 1, 2019), the City of Santa Clarita is the third-largest City in Los Angeles County, following the City of Los Angeles (4 million residents) and the City of Long Beach (475,013 residents). The City of Glendale ranks as the fourth-largest City in Los Angeles County, with a total estimated population of nearly 206,283 residents.
Santa Clarita plays an important role in Los Angeles County based on its size. Here you will find some of the latest data available illustrating a growing, thriving, and attractive City and place to call home.
View the full California State Department of Finance Report detailing 2017 population estimates for California cities.
EMPLOYMENT
The City of Santa Clarita's strong and diverse economy makes Santa Clarita the ideal destination for business. Maintenance of a highly supportive environment for business development is achieved through the cooperation of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Industry Association, and the City government.
In addition, companies benefit greatly from the area's modern business parks, as well as from a highly-skilled labor pool, variety of transportation choices, housing, quality of life, climate and scenery.
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
The Santa Clarita Valley’s top employers include Six Flags Magic Mountain, College of the Canyons, Princess Cruises, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Boston Scientific, Quest Diagnostics, and the local school districts.
Source: California Economic Forecast and the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation - 2019 Economic Outlook
JOBS
Employment numbers have experienced a record high with 92,437 jobs reported for the last quarter of 2018, compared to 76,334 in the last quarter of 2008. Over 20,000 jobs have been added since the fourth quarter of 2009 when the recession ended, an 29.3% increase.
Source: California Employment Development Department – Labor Market Information Division
BUSINESSES
The City has experienced a steady rise in the number of business establishments over the last ten years with a high of 7,610 in the 4th quarter of 2018.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
Santa Clarita’s unemployment rate in December 2018 was 4% compared to 4.3% for the state of California. Here is a comparison of nearby cities, L.A. County and the state of California.
Source: California Employment Development Department, December 2018
RETAIL SALES
The following graph illustrates the trends in activity.
Source: California Retail Survey, 2018 Edition
Santa Clarita is on par with major shopping cities such as Glendale, home to Americana on Brand and the Glendale Galleria, as well as Pasadena, home to Paseo Colorado, Lake Avenue shopping District, and Old Town Pasadena, for both retail dollars and retail stores.
Source: California Retail Survey, 2018 Edition
FILM INDUSTRY
A strong film program means more business for local retailers and more jobs for the community. The City’s film-friendly permitting system, a responsive film staff, and the City’s innovative film incentive program resulted in $32.9 million in economic impact thanks to locally based productions and notable productions filming on location in Santa Clarita in 2018.
Source: City of Santa Clarita Film Office, 2019
Source: City of Santa Clarita Film Office, 2019
HOTEL ENVIRONMENT
Santa Clarita’s hotel market remained strong throughout 2018. Average year-to-date occupancy percentage and average daily room rates for the year were 85% and $144.
Source: STR, www.str.com