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Is Compton a Good Place to Live? Compton, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Compton ranks #1283 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #515 of 524 smaller cities and #186 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (1,245 per 100,000, #438 of 442) and high unemployment (6.5%, #448 of 476).
Compton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Compton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Compton?
Compton's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,664/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $638,376, 16% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Compton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $638,376#971 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,209/mo#804 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $580,200#1058 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,664/mo#845 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.4x#1183 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.4%#1041 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Compton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Compton is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Compton safe?
Compton recorded 1,245 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 373 and 2.8 times California's 440. That ranks #1062 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #438 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Compton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,610 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Compton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 1,245#1062 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,610#886 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Compton?
The median household in Compton earns $78,465, 2% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.2%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Compton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $78,465#644 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.5%#1005 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.9%#1032 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Compton?
The median resident of Compton is 33.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1305 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Compton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 10.6%#1305 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 56.4% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Compton's schools and health?
Compton's 33 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.8 students per teacher and $20,243 spent per pupil. 33.7% of adults are obese and 14.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Compton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 24.8#1163 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $20,243#188 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.7%#673 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.7%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.7%#1141 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 20.3%#1223 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,354 students are enrolled in Compton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Compton?
The average commute in Compton is 30.5 minutes (California 25.2); 3.9% of workers take transit and 5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Compton scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 58.2°F, with 11.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Compton | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 30.5 min#1137 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10.4%#1079 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.3% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.9#174 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67.3 | 49.2 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 66.8 | 50.6 | 3 |
| Mar | 67.8 | 52.7 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 69.7 | 54.8 | 0.6 |
| May | 70.7 | 58.4 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 73.1 | 61.5 | 0 |
| Jul | 77.2 | 64.7 | 0 |
| Aug | 78.7 | 65.3 | 0 |
| Sep | 78.5 | 64.5 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 76 | 60.3 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 71.7 | 53.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 66.4 | 48.8 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hawthorne Muni Airport.
| Measure | Compton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 58.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hawthorne Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Compton?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Compton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 74#1066 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 98#1066 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.39%#1172 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Los Angeles County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Los Angeles County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.17% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.16% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0098% | 84% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Compton compare with similar-size cities?
Compton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #515 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 92,698.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compton, CAPop. 92,698 | #1283 | 39.2 | $78,465 | $1,664/mo | 1,245 | 30.5 min |
| O'Fallon, MOPop. 93,801 | #134 | 67.0 | $110,443 | $1,443/mo | 97 | 25.5 min |
| Greenville, NCPop. 92,857 | #1026 | 49.6 | $49,748 | $1,007/mo | 449 | 18.8 min |
| Hoover, ALPop. 92,642 | #118 | 67.9 | $109,253 | $1,457/mo | 66 | 25.2 min |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #57 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 | 23.9 min |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #73 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 | 26.9 min |
| Avondale, AZPop. 92,477 | #666 | 55.6 | $86,123 | $1,832/mo | 341 | 28.1 min |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #570 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data | 31.1 min |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #135 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 | 27.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Compton compare with the rest of California?
Compton ranks #186 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 39.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 15% below the California median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Inglewood, CAPop. 104,569 | … #182 | 41.3 | $72,750 | $1,787/mo | 684 |
| San Bernardino, CAPop. 222,724 | #183 | 41.2 | $67,415 | $1,508/mo | 893 |
| East Los Angeles, CAPop. 111,647 | #184 | 40.9 | $68,741 | $1,494/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, CAPop. 169,169 | #185 | 40.6 | $81,511 | $1,764/mo | 767 |
| Compton, CAPop. 92,698 | #186 | 39.2 | $78,465 | $1,664/mo | 1,245 |
| Victorville, CAPop. 137,627 | #187 | 38.6 | $74,410 | $1,618/mo | 740 |
| Florence-Graham, CAPop. 60,690 | #188 | 37.9 | $65,132 | $1,521/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Compton among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Compton's score calculated?
Compton scores 39.2 out of 100, #1283 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Compton. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Compton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
24.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Compton. Similar-size median 58.9.
42.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Compton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
48.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Compton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
45.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Compton. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Compton. Similar-size median 42.4.
25.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Compton. Similar-size median 50.0.
35.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Compton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
3.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Compton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Compton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Compton
Is Compton, CA a good place to live?
Compton ranks #1283 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #515 of 524 smaller cities and #186 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (1,245 per 100,000, #438 of 442) and high unemployment (6.5%, #448 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Compton?
Compton's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,664/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $638,376, 16% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Compton?
Compton recorded 1,245 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 373 and 2.8 times California's 440. That ranks #1062 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #438 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Compton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,610 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Compton?
The median household in Compton earns $78,465, 2% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.2%). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Compton?
Median rent in Compton is $1,664/mo (Census), #845 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,209/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Compton?
Zillow's typical home value in Compton is $638,376, up 2.7% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $580,200.
How are the public schools in Compton?
Compton's 33 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.8 students per teacher and $20,243 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Compton?
The average commute is 30.5 minutes, #1137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 10.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Compton?
Compton averages 64.5°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 58.2°F in winter, with 11.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Compton walkable?
Compton scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Compton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Los Angeles County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Compton?
Los Angeles County's air had a median air quality index of 74, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 98 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Compton?
Compton has 92,698 residents. The median resident of Compton is 33.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 10.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1305 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Compton compare with the rest of California?
Compton ranks #186 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 39.2 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 15% below the California median. Violent crime is 2.8 times the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Compton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Compton's population of 92,698 are O'Fallon, MO (#134 overall), Greenville, NC (#1026 overall), Hoover, AL (#118 overall), Kirkland, WA (#57 overall), and Roswell, GA (#73 overall). Compton is #1283.