Introduction to the Study
While the Los Angeles area will feel the impacts from the Palisades and Eaton fires forever, a vast majority of residents will feel comfortable remaining at home.
According to a study from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, fewer than one-quarter of L.A. County residents have considered moving away in the aftermath of the fires.
Key Findings of the Study
That figure was just at 23% according to the poll. The amount of county residents that are "very seriously" considering a move is at 9%. Polling was conducted between Feb. 16-26 with an overall margin of error of 2%. Husband and wife Tommy Keiser and Chelsea Bayouth comfort each other after their home of four years was destroyed along East Harriet St. during the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (Keith Birmingham/The Orange County Register via AP)
Analysis of the Results
“This huge tragedy affected a lot of people in the county, and yet, the overall measures on the quality of life in Los Angeles are positive,” said Mark DiCamillo, the director of Berkeley IGS poll, via The Times. “It’s the California lifestyle. A lot of people like it.” The poll found a sharp divide between political ideologies in the data. Of those responding to the poll, about 39% and 28% of those who identified as either strongly or somewhat conservative respectively said they were considering moving. That’s compared to 75% and 72% of those identifying as strongly or somewhat liberal that said they were not considering moving.
Political Divide in the Data
“It’s an interesting dichotomy,” DiCamillo said. “What you’re seeing is a lot of Republicans, conservatives and Trump voters who say, ‘I kind of like where I live, but I don’t like the county.’" Tens of thousands of structures were destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires in January.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies shows that nearly 10% of Los Angeles County residents are seriously considering a move after the Palisades and Eaton fires. The poll highlights a sharp divide between political ideologies, with conservatives more likely to consider moving than liberals. Despite the tragedy, the overall quality of life in Los Angeles remains positive, with many residents loyal to the California lifestyle.
FAQs
Q: What percentage of L.A. County residents are considering moving away after the fires?
A: According to the poll, 23% of L.A. County residents have considered moving away, with 9% considering a move very seriously.
Q: What is the political divide in the data?
A: The poll found that 39% of strong conservatives and 28% of somewhat conservatives are considering moving, compared to 75% and 72% of strong and somewhat liberals who are not considering moving.
Q: What was the time frame for the polling?
A: Polling was conducted between Feb. 16-26 with an overall margin of error of 2%.
