2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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PLANNING CONTEXT HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS Household Type Household type is an important factor in determining housing need. According to the 2010 Census, the City has 73,174 households, an increase of only 174 units since 2000. However, the composition significantly changed. During the early 2000s Santa Ana household composition shifted: single people and nonfamilies increased 25 percent, married couples without children increased 22 percent, married couples with children decreased 22 percent, and other families increased by 22 percent, as shown in Chart 3. As of the 2010 Census, Santa Ana's households are predominantly families, comprising 81 percent of households, which is 15 percent higher than the national average. At least half of these households are families with children. Nonfamily households, which are typically single or unrelated persons sharing housing, comprise 6 percent. Household Size The City's household characteristics and trends have resulted in an average household of 4.4 persons. According to the 2013 Orange County Community Indicators Report, Santa Ana has the largest household size in Orange County (Chart A -6) and the 10"' highest in the nation. During the early 2000s, the number of single persons and small families with two to four family members increased in number, while the number of large families with five, six, and seven members all decreased. Part of this is due to the economic downturn, which helped to balance rental prices reducing the number of shared residences with multiple families. Although family sizes are becoming smaller, the 2010 Census shows Hispanics have the largest average family size, with an average of 5.2 persons per household. Changes in household type and size together significantly affect the need for different types of housing. Preserving and rehabilitating the overall supply of housing may provide opportunities and help alleviate some of the overcrowding pressures in the City. However, larger housing units that can accommodate families are also needed. At the same time, providing more housing opportunities for the aging baby boomers will allow seniors a greater opportunity to stay in the community. CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2000 ■ 2010 with without Families and Children Children Non- Chart 3: Household Composition Households in Thousands Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 P o` , O Chart 4: Average Household Size Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. 11 JA&