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

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HOUSING NEEDS RACE AND ETHNICITY Santa Ana is known for its international population. As the county seat and one of the oldest cities in Orange County, Santa Ana is a major gateway for newcomers from all over the world, particularly Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. The various ethnic groups that constitute Santa Ana's population have helped create a rich pattern of cultural experiences and diversity. Although 78 percent of the City's population is Hispanic, Santa Ana also has one of the larger Vietnamese - American populations in the county. The Vietnamese population represents 7 percent of the City's total population and experienced a 20 percent increase between 2000 and 2010 Santa Ana experienced slight demographic changes in the early 2000s. Between 2000 and 2010, the Hispanic population increased its share of the total population by 3 percent, while the non - Hispanic White population declined by 29 percent. The Asian population had the most significant gain, increasing by 15 percent, while all others (e.g., African Americans, Native Americans, multiple races) decreased by an average of 17 percent (ChartA -3). According to the 2010 Census, the City of Santa Ana has the highest percentage of Hispanics of any other Orange County city. Santa Ana has a large population of foreign -born residents: 48 percent of the City's population is foreign born compared to 31 percent countywide. During the 1990s, one in every four new immigrants to Orange County moved to Santa Ana. Significant research has been published regarding the changing economic status, household characteristics, and housing needs of this group (see Population Dynamics Group at the University of Southern California, Center for Demographic Research at California State University ofFullerton (CDR), and the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development). Although no single study describes the characteristics of foreign -born residents, the research collectively yields useful insights about demographic trends that may affect housing needs. Research shows that many immigrant households, particularly those with limited English skills, earn lower incomes than later generations. This increases the difficulty of finding adequate and affordable housing. With slowing immigration patterns, housing needs could likely be more influenced by second and third generations of immigrant families. Santa Ana's future households may tend to be more affluent than previous generations and prefer smaller family sizes and homeownership opportunities. Research continues to examine the extent to which the housing market can best serve this growing segment of the population in California. CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT 10% 3% 78% 11 Hispanic Write ■ Assn ■ All Others Chart A -2: Race and Ethnicity Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. 80% ■ 2000 60% 02010 40% 20% F Chart A -3: Changes in Race and Ethnicity The Hispanic population increased its share of the total population by 3 percent between 2000 and 2010, while the non - Hispanic White population declined by 29 percent. Asian residents increased by 15 percent and all others decreased by 17 percent. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. AA&