Economic Insights & Data Resources
As the official Southern California affiliate of the U.S. Census Bureau, SCAG compiles detailed demographic data for the region and tracks new data releases, many of which are used in developing growth projections for Connect SoCal.
Economic Roundtable
Since 2009, SCAG has convened a team of independent economists representing the region’s counties and key specialty areas to collaborate with SCAG expert staff to assess the economic landscape of the Southern California region. In 2022, the renamed “Economic Roundtable” began meeting quarterly to discuss trends, data and current events impacting the region’s economy. Quarterly reports can be found below and on the SCAG news feed, and all accompanying economic data for the region can be visualized on and exported from the SCAG Economic Trends Tool.
Economic Roundtable Updates
Economic Roundtable Members:
Imperial County
- Michael Bracken, Development Management Group, Inc.
Los Angeles County
- Shannon Sedgwick, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
Orange County
- Wallace Walrod, Tech Coast Consulting Group and Orange County Business Council
Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
- Manfred Keil, Inland Empire Economic Partnership and Claremont McKenna College and Robert Kleinhenz, IEEP and Kleinhenz Economics
Ventura County
- Mark Schniepp, California Economic Forecast
Sustainability
- David Roland-Holst, Berkeley Economic Advising & Research and University of California, Berkeley
Equity
- Beth Tamayose, University of California, Riverside
Regional Growth Forecasting
SCAG develops a three-decade projection of population, household, and employment growth every four years for Connect SoCal at the region, county, jurisdiction, and Transportation Analysis Zone levels. Unlike a short-run projection, which depends heavily on economic cycles, long-run regional growth is driven by births, deaths, migration and the composition of the region’s industries relative to the rest of the country. The growth forecast process begins by convening a demographic panel of experts. Local jurisdictions provide, review and integrate project-level information through the Local Data Exchange process.
The latest growth forecast data and technical details can be found in Connect SoCal Demographics & Growth Forecast Technical Report and in agendas from SCAG’s Technical Working Group.
State Census Data Center Updates and Releases
SCAG is the officially designated Southern California affiliate to the State Census Data Center program. Statewide program information and data releases are available online through the California Department of Finance. SCAG provides brief updates and analysis on the most up-to-date population, housing, and socioeconomic trends when new data are released. Data are regularly integrated into the regional plan development process.
- American Community Survey 2024 Data Release
- American Community Survey 2023 Data Release
- American Community Survey 2023 Data Release
- Quarterly Update Feb. 1, 2024
- American Community Survey 2022 Data Release
- American Community Survey 2021 Data Release
Job Quality Index
To create a new benchmark of understanding for the region’s job markets, SCAG has published the Job Quality Index Framework (JQI) as both a report and a database. SCAG first proposed development of a county-level job quality index for the region in the Inclusive Economic Recovery Strategy (IERS) report (2021). The state of California awarded a one-time state grant, with support from State Senator Susan Rubio (D-District 22), for SCAG to implement the IERS, including development of the Job Quality Index.
The JQI can inform policy decisions and measure progress toward a more resilient, inclusive and equitable economy for Southern California, as outlined in Connect SoCal 2024. SCAG’s Job Quality Index is weighted by the findings of a survey of 2,900 workers across demographic groups and geographic locations in Southern California. Policymakers and business leaders can benefit from a clearer understanding of what workers want from jobs to improve sector competitiveness and workplace conditions, while workers can also benefit from improvements that contribute to their quality of life.
Research Reports & Findings
- Southern California Economic Updates
SCAG publishes an annual economic update with analysis covering the entire region as well as providing specific insight into the economies of Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties.
Download the “2024 Southern California Economic Update.”
- Economic Impacts of Equity
The “Economic Impacts of Equity” report measures the economic effect of wage gaps between racial and gender groups and the potential benefit of closing those gaps. Read the full report online.
- Considerations for Regional and Subregional Forecasting in California
SCAG worked with the Population Reference Bureau to develop the “Considerations for Regional and Subregional Forecasting in California” white paper.
- Regional Briefing Book
The “Regional Briefing Book” was SCAG’s comprehensive annual report and near-term outlook on Southern California’s economic landscape for 2023 and was shared at the annual 14th Annual Economic Summit.
2025 Southern California Economic Update
The “2025 Southern California Economic Update” will be presented during the SCAG Joint Policy Committee Meeting on Dec. 4, 2025. This annual presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s economic performance and outlook, with analysis to support Southern California’s local and regional policymakers in making informed decisions.
This update will feature an in-depth look at the SCAG region’s economy, which captures key dynamics shaping Southern California’s growth. The analysis examines wages and consumer spending, taxable sales, and labor market trends, while exploring shifts in demographics, household income, and patterns of new development.
The presentation will also include county-level summaries and outlooks for all six counties within the SCAG region, highlighting emerging trends and challenges unique to each area. In addition, this year’s update includes a special economic impact analysis of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, exploring regional opportunities anticipated as preparations accelerate.
Presentations will be followed by a panel and a Q&A with Joint Policy Committee members. The presentations are based on SCAG’s annual economic update report and will be published in conjunction with the event.
Please contact update@scag.ca.gov with any questions.
If you would like additional information and a link to livestream the presentation, please complete the interest form.
