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Is Gardena a Good Place to Live? Gardena, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gardena ranks #1092 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #449 of 524 smaller cities and #148 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (616 per 100,000, #401 of 442) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
Gardena by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gardena'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 Gardena?
Gardena'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 $1,809/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $779,150, 2% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Gardena | 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 | $779,150#1041 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 | $2,354/mo#859 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $700,600#1148 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,809/mo#970 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 8.3x#1226 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.6%#1058 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.
Gardena 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. Gardena is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Gardena safe?
Gardena recorded 616 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% above the US rate of 373 and 40% above California's 440. That ranks #919 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #401 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gardena Police Department. Property crime runs 3,011 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Gardena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 616#919 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 3,011#952 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 Gardena?
The median household in Gardena earns $84,803, 10% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Gardena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $84,803#541 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.8%#640 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.6%#988 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 Gardena?
The median resident of Gardena is 39.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #840 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gardena | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 28.9%#840 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48.8% | 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 Gardena's schools and health?
Gardena's 14 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.2 students per teacher and $22,133 spent per pupil. 25.7% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Gardena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 80%#880 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.2#906 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $22,133#116 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 25.7%#166 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.7%#741 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. 7,569 students are enrolled in Gardena's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gardena?
The average commute in Gardena is 29.3 minutes (California 25.2); 2.9% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gardena scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 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 | Gardena | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 29.3 min#1065 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% | 73% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.5#243 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 | Gardena | 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 Gardena?
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 | Gardena | 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 Gardena compare with similar-size cities?
Gardena is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #449 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,422.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | #1092 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 | 29.3 min |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #304 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 | 21 min |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #1087 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 | 23.7 min |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #31 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 | 30.2 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #367 | 60.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | part year | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #68 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 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 Gardena compare with the rest of California?
Gardena ranks #148 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 8% below the California median. Violent crime is 40% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above 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 |
| Chico, CAPop. 102,188 | … #144 | 48.5 | $66,977 | $1,488/mo | 664 |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #145 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #146 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 |
| Colton, CAPop. 53,772 | #147 | 48.2 | $71,208 | $1,661/mo | 345 |
| Gardena, CAPop. 59,422 | #148 | 48.0 | $84,803 | $1,809/mo | 616 |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #149 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 |
| Santa Maria, CAPop. 110,462 | #150 | 47.8 | $84,746 | $1,925/mo | 624 |
| Bellflower, CAPop. 76,819 | #151 | 47.8 | $78,722 | $1,830/mo | 579 |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #152 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Gardena among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Gardena's score calculated?
Gardena scores 48 out of 100, #1092 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Gardena. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gardena's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
46.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gardena. Similar-size median 58.9.
63.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gardena's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
57.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gardena's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
38.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gardena. Similar-size median 56.1.
55.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gardena. Similar-size median 42.4.
29.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gardena. Similar-size median 50.0.
41.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gardena's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.8 - 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: Gardena'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 Gardena 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 Gardena
Is Gardena, CA a good place to live?
Gardena ranks #1092 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #449 of 524 smaller cities and #148 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (616 per 100,000, #401 of 442) and a shrinking population (-0.6%, #415 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Gardena?
Gardena'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 $1,809/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $779,150, 2% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Gardena?
Gardena recorded 616 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% above the US rate of 373 and 40% above California's 440. That ranks #919 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #401 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gardena Police Department. Property crime runs 3,011 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Gardena?
The median household in Gardena earns $84,803, 10% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% below California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.2%). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Gardena?
Median rent in Gardena is $1,809/mo (Census), #970 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,354/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gardena?
Zillow's typical home value in Gardena is $779,150, up 2.3% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $700,600.
How are the public schools in Gardena?
Gardena's 14 public schools graduate 80% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.2 students per teacher and $22,133 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gardena?
The average commute is 29.3 minutes, #1065 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 Gardena?
Gardena 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 Gardena walkable?
Gardena scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 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 Gardena 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 Gardena?
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 Gardena?
Gardena has 59,422 residents. The median resident of Gardena is 39.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #840 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gardena compare with the rest of California?
Gardena ranks #148 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 48 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 8% below the California median. Violent crime is 40% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Gardena?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gardena's population of 59,422 are West Allis, WI (#304 overall), Burlington, NC (#1087 overall), Medford, MA (#31 overall), Herriman, UT (#367 overall), and Youngstown, OH (#1277 overall). Gardena is #1092.