Those with lower incomes are more likely to say that crime and gangs are a big problem. The survey asked Central Valley residents how they feel about public colleges and universities, outdoor leisure activities, housing they can afford, and job opportunities in their regions. Earlier, the PPIC Statewide Survey showed that Central Valley residents are more satisfied with the affordability of housing and less satisfied with job opportunities than those living in the Los Angeles region or San Francisco Bay area. Once again, there are considerable regional differences. Latinos and non-Hispanic whites are about equally satisfied with job opportunities, affordable housing, and outdoor leisure activities.
Satisfaction also varies by income, education, and length of time lived in the Central Valley.
Residents with higher annual household incomes and higher educational levels are more likely than others to say they are very satisfied with the job opportunities, housing, outdoor activities, and public colleges and universities that their regions offer. For most Central Valley residents, traffic congestion and commuting are not major issues. Over half of the employed residents surveyed say that traffic congestion when they travel to work is no problem. However, one in six say that traffic is a great problem, and one-third say it is somewhat of a problem. The commuting experience varies significantly by region.