The housing element must include a description and analysis of current population trends and employment data, including an identification of significant employers, industries, and typical wages. In addition, it must also include an analysis of household characteristics, such as tenure (rental or homeownership), growth rate, and trends.
Government Code
Government Code Section 65583(a) requires an assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to the meeting of these needs. This assessment includes an analysis of population and employment trends (GC 65583 (a)(1)) and household characteristics (GC 65583 (a)(2)).
Requisite Analysis
Population Trends
- Discuss current population and recent trends.
- Describe amount and rate of population growth.
- Compare population and rates of growth to the countywide or regional total and to surrounding jurisdictions.
- Describe population by age.
Data Sources
Information regarding population data can be found using the U.S. Census American Community Survey, and the California Department of Finance (Report E-5). Pre-approved data packages are now available from HCD or your regional council of governments!
The data package information can be found by clicking the Regional Housing Needs section on the Regional Housing Needs Allocation and Housing Elements webpage.
Sample Tables
The following sample tables will help organize critical information pertaining to housing-element requirements. The information provided in the tables should be tailored to the jurisdiction and followed by appropriate analysis. (Note: These sample tables are not intended to be a substitute for addressing the analytical requirements described in the statute.)