Since the 1996 survey, mentions of crime, the economy and immigration as the top county problems have declined. Compared to a year ago, mentions of traffic and growth jumped 10 points. Together, these two issues are now mentioned by one in three residents. Mentions of traffic and growth as the top county problems are at their highest points in five years. These issues had dominated the list of concerns between 1985 and 1991.
Crime is the top problem in all age and income groups.
Mentions of drug abuse and the homeless as the top social problems are each down by four points since last year. Meanwhile, the naming of health care increased by five points. Race relations and AIDS are unchanged since the 1993 survey. Drug abuse is the top concern in all age and income groups, and across all regions of the county. The views of Latinos and non-Hispanic whites are also the same on this issue.