Why DTLA?
Downtown Los Angeles is the primary hub of commercial activity for Los Angeles – the most significant job center in the region, a diverse collection of thriving mixed-use neighborhoods, and a popular destination of national and global recognition.
On this page you will find key market statistics, economic and demographic data, and an overview of DTLA as a place to live, work, and visit.
If you are in the market in LA, make DTLA your destination.
Source: DTLA Outlook & Insights Report, 2024
Our 2024 report focusing on our city center's current state and its position in the region, nation, and world - and to understand what that all means for its future. This third annual report combines the DTLA Alliance's signature Survey of Downtown residents, workers, and visitors with detailed economic and demographic data.
Density & Diversity
Source: DTLA Outlook & Insights Report, 2024
A Place to Live
DTLA is the “first choice” for Angelenos who want an active urban lifestyle. As such, Downtowners are much more likely to use alternative modes of transportation and tend to work closer to where they live. Because the DTLA housing market is predominantly rental and its demographics skew towards young and single, it is also more transitory than the rest of the region. At the same time, it attracts a significant share of long-term residents, as demonstrated by our survey.
Source: DTLA Outlook & Insights Report, 2024
DTLA residents are significantly younger and more ethnically diverse than the city and region and have a slightly higher rate of postsecondary education. Although the residential population has grown by 41% overall from 2010 to 2023, that growth has been concentrated in certain areas – particularly in South Park, the Historic Core, and the Arts District – where new residential development has been most heavily concentrated.
A Place to Work
Downtown LA is the largest employment cluster in the region and the overwhelming majority of those jobs pay above the “Living Wage” for the region. Despite its reputation as a home for “traditional” office tenants, the area has seen significant growth in the “knowledge” industry, including professional, scientific, and technical services and information. These non-traditional office tenants are drawn to the area by a range of factors including its central location in the region and access to talent and transit.
A Place to Visit, Shop & Dine
Source: DTLA Outlook & Insights Report, 2024
The DTLA “brand” has grown over the past 25 years since the start of the Downtown Renaissance in 1999. Much of that identity is rooted in being a counterpoint to LA’s suburban sprawl. The urban lifestyle has drawn a wide range of creatives, professionals, and innovative businesses to the area, supercharged by a fast-growing residential community and complemented by robust offerings in arts & culture and sports & entertainment.
Source: DTLA Outlook & Insights Report, 2024
Total visitation to DTLA has returned to pre-pandemic levels and will continue to grow as business and convention travel continue to return. DTLA visitors are a diverse group and include everyone from national and international tourists to locals coming for dinner or to serve on jury duty, and everyone in between. Locally, Downtown is one of the premier “day trip” destinations due to its density of attractions and amenities. For those coming from outside of the region, Downtown is both an attraction unto itself and an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the region.
DTLA Alliance Reports & Research
Our independent research and reports across key sectors of the Downtown LA market provide crucial data and analysis for developers, investors, and businesses when assessing the DTLA environment.
Contact the Economic Development Team
The DTLA Alliance’s economic development department is your resource for information about Downtown LA. We are here to answer your questions, provide in-depth insights, lead custom tours, and much more.