How the Valley is changing

"America's suburb" remains one of Los Angeles' most thriving areas, increasingly reflecting the diversity of Los Angeles but with higher incomes and a lower poverty rate, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau demographic snapshot of the San Fernando Valley. Tony Castto in the Daily News.

But the latest report also shows that Los Angeles overall was catching up to the Valley in terms of high school graduation levels.

According to the update, released by Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, Valley residents spend an average of 28.7 minutes commuting to work - 5 percent longer than the average Californian and 12 percent longer than the average American.