USC Report: SoCal Rents Expected to Keep Rising Over Next 2 Years

Southern California faces ongoing rent increases due to a persistent housing shortage, with vacancy rates around 5% in Los Angeles County and 4% in Orange County. Average rents are expected to rise modestly over the next two years, reaching $2,350 in LA and $2,859 in Orange County by 2027. Limited housing production, influenced by economic factors and regulatory challenges, exacerbates affordability issues. San Diego's higher housing growth has helped moderate rent increases there.