What to know when moving to Gardena, CA
TL;DR: Gardena at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 59.3% of residents are renters and the median household income is $73,851.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,751, which is competitive for the region.
- The Reality Check:
- Approximately 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- Only 2.2% use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,751/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Gardena is home to approximately 47,303 residents, with a significant portion, 59.3%, renting rather than owning. The education level is somewhat modest, with 26.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area is relatively dry, receiving an average of 18.8 inches of rainfall annually, spread over 32 rainy days. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks like Charles H. Wilson Park, rated 4.7 stars.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transit, as only 2.2% of the community uses it for commuting.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,751, which means you'll need to budget accordingly.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $640,500, reflecting a competitive housing market.
- About 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic diversity.
- 59.3% of the population are renters, highlighting a strong rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California shows a significant decrease in property crime over the past few years. The state's property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national average of 1,547. Violent crime is also a concern, with a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, which is 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 national average, down 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. 1,547 national average, down 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022, currently at 3.2 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Gardena has access to a variety of educational institutions, with a total of 58 schools in Los Angeles County.
- Postsecondary institutions: 58
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 53
- Nearby options include America Evangelical University and UEI College-Gardena.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Gardena experiences an average annual precipitation of 18.8 inches, with 32 rainy days a year, making it relatively dry. Winter months see more rainfall, totaling around 11 inches over 14 rainy days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Charles H. Wilson Park - 4.7 stars (4,221 reviews)
- Battleship IOWA Museum - 4.8 stars (8,549 reviews)
- Veterans Park - 4.6 stars (2,539 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Los Angeles County's job market is substantial, with over 4.8 million employed individuals. The unemployment rate stands at 5.0% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.