LA-Orange County's Lowest-Paying Jobs Can Barely Cover Rent, Federal Data Shows

NewsData.io · United States · Aug 11, 2026

A federal occupational wage study covering May 2025 finds that the lowest-paying jobs in the Los Angeles-Orange County market — healthcare support, food prep, and building maintenance — leave workers spending 70–83% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of 32%. The region's overall average wage of $74,300 still requires 43% of income for the typical $2,671 monthly apartment, driving a 'doubling up' rate of 9% — fourth-highest nationally. For staffing firms operating in Southern California, the data underscores persistent affordability pressure that can complicate recruitment and retention in high-volume hourly occupations.