Jobs/Housing Balance

This indicator measures the ratio between the number of jobs to the number of households in Santa Monica.

The jobs/housing balance indicates the ratio of available housing to available jobs in the community. There is adequate housing to accommodate the labor market in the city when this ratio is close to 1.0. The jobs/housing balance is commonly associated with Vehicle Miles Traveled and is seen as a tool for alleviating traffic congestion and the associated environmental and social impacts.

The ratio of jobs to housing tends to fluctuate mostly with the number of jobs. The housing stock is relatively static. The ratio of jobs to housing has been gradually increasing since 2002. It reached 1.54 in 2011 after a big dip during the recession in 2009-10 when the ratio was 1.44. As of 2020, the jobs to housing ratio is 1.57. Santa Monica has a jobs surplus. In order to meet the target ratio of 1.0 by 2020, the housing available in the city should match the labor force skills. Housing should be available in the price, size and location that reflect available jobs in the community.

Though classed as an economic indicator, the jobs to housing balance impacts lifestyle issues such as driving time, congestion and pollution. These ultimately affect the quality of life in the area, as well as the attractiveness of the community to new residents and new businesses.

Moving to a more disciplined approach of limiting development to allow for the provision of housing which matches the labor force skills in the region is an essential step towards a more sustainable future. It is important to craft policy solutions to accomplish this goal fairly, without disproportionately hurting sectors such as non-profits and area hospitals in favor or other already adequately represented commercial enterprises.