By Vince Sanders
Updated: Sep 19, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
347 movers in South Gate
What to know when moving to South Gate, CA
TL;DR: South Gate at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A predominantly renting community with 55.6% of residents as renters and a median household income of $71,379.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to a wide variety of schools, with 94 institutions in the area.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, which may affect community resources.
- Commute:
- Only 4.1% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,471.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
South Gate is home to a population of 91,719, where 11.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is largely renting, with over half of the population (55.6%) living in rental units. The area sees about 18.8 inches of rain annually, with an average of 32 rainy days, so residents might want to invest in some rain gear.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer public transit, as only 4.1% of commuters use it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,471, making it essential to budget accordingly.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $608,500, indicating a significant investment for buyers.
- 11.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the overall education level of the community.
- The poverty rate is 13.2%, which may impact local services.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. However, the state has seen a significant drop in property crime rates, decreasing by 26.1% since 2022. The violent crime rate stands at 415.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.7% above the national average but has also dropped by 17.4% in the same period.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 (California) vs. 325.3 national average.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 (California) vs. 1,546.9 national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Residents have access to a total of 94 educational institutions within the nearby area, including 90 that provide College Scorecard data. Notable schools include ABC Adult School and Alliant International University-Los Angeles.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 94
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 90
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
South Gate experiences an average annual precipitation of 18.8 inches spread over 32 rainy days. The region enjoys mild winters with rainfall, offering various outdoor parks for residents to enjoy.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- South Gate Park - Rating: 4.5 (4,986 reviews)
- Hollydale Regional Park - Rating: 4.5 (1,550 reviews)
- South Park Recreation Center - Rating: 4.3 (2,058 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate is currently at 5.0%, with a labor force of 5,148,903. There are 4,889,561 employed individuals in the region, indicating a moderately competitive job market.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 4,889,561
- Labor force: 5,148,903
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
